Reel’s Saints Mock Draft 1.0

Spherical 1, Choose 11: EDGE – Mykel Williams, Georgia

Commerce: Choose #9 to San Francisco for picks #11 and #99 within the 2025 NFL Draft

We begin with a slight commerce down to select up an additional third spherical decide from the 49ers. The New Orleans Saints want numerous assist at move rusher, as their high sack getter final yr was Bryan Bresee who received 7.5 from the defensive deal with place. Georgia linebacker Mykel Williams is constructed on almost the identical body as fellow Bulldog and #1 total decide Travon Walker at 6’5” and 265 kilos. His sack complete in school, like Walker, shouldn’t be eye-popping, as his profession excessive for a single season is simply 5 which he received this yr, regardless of lacking three video games to start out the season. The upside Williams has is big given his athleticism and measurables, and the Saints would give him a terrific alternative to develop into a job as a dominant move rusher.

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Spherical 2, Choose 40: TE – Harold Fannin, Jr., Bowling Inexperienced

Bowling Inexperienced’s Harold Fannin, Jr. led the FBS in receiving yards and receptions in 2024, breaking the one season file for a TE in each classes. He had eight video games of at the very least 125 yards and caught 6+ passes in all however one. Fannin has nice fingers (simply 2 drops in 171 targets in his profession) and is a matchup nightmare as soon as he will get within the open area. He might have so as to add a little bit of weight/muscle to take care of extra bodily coverages within the NFL, however in the proper scheme he’s a possible recreation changer at tight finish. Additionally, for those who’re anxious concerning the stage of competitors at Bowling Inexperienced, Fannin, Jr. caught 11 passes for 137 yards and a landing in opposition to Penn State, and eight passes for 145 yards and a landing in opposition to Texas A&M, each of which have been one possession video games.

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Spherical 3, Choose 74: MLB – Jay Higgins, Iowa

Jay Higgins is a two-time All-American center linebacker who has been the chief of top-of-the-line defenses within the nation at Iowa during the last two seasons. He’s a pure run defender with nice instincts and has improved enormously in opposition to the move, intercepting 4 passes this yr in comparison with simply 1 in 2023. He has good measurement at 6’2” and 232 kilos however shouldn’t be as athletically gifted as another linebackers within the draft. Regardless of this, his pure expertise, expertise, and really feel for the place go away me with little fear about his translation to the subsequent stage. He could be a terrific inheritor obvious to Demario Davis ought to the Saints draft him.

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Spherical 3, Choose 91: RB – Cam Skattebo, Arizona St

Cam Skattebo is actually a participant who positively doesn’t lack self-confidence. The best working again in school soccer behind Ashton Jeanty solely received higher because the season went alongside, gaining 140+ yards with 2+ touchdowns in every of his final 4 video games. Skattebo is a bruiser who doesn’t wow you with wonderful pace or maneuverability versus a downhill between the tackles working type. Regardless of this he nonetheless may be very adept within the move recreation, as he caught 45 passes for 605 yards and three touchdowns this yr. His utilization price in school is a bit regarding however pairing him with Alvin Kamara as a change of tempo again would mitigate these considerations.

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Spherical 3, Choose 99: G – Gray Zabel, North Dakota State

With the additional decide acquired from the commerce within the first spherical I chosen the versatile offensive lineman Gray Zabel from the FCS champions North Dakota State. Zabel has performed all 5 positions on the offensive line for the Bison and has been very spectacular on the Senior Bowl this week. He figures to be a participant with starter potential or a high-quality backup that may play each place on the road when wanted.

Picture by Gus Stark/LSU/College Pictures by way of Getty Pictures

Spherical 4, Choose 114: CB – Zy Alexander, LSU

Commerce: Picks #109 and #254 to Indianapolis for picks #114 and #188

One other commerce down offers us an additional sixth spherical decide and nonetheless permits us to draft the participant I used to be focusing on at #109 which is LSU cornerback Zy Alexander. Alexander is a prolonged nook at 6’2” who excels in press protection. With Paulson Adebo a free agent this yr and Alontae Taylor set to be a free agent subsequent yr, the Saints ought to look to select up some depth at nook if their cap points forestall them from retaining the expertise at present on the roster.

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Spherical 4, Choose 128: LB – Lander Barton, Utah

Spherical 6, Choose 185: DT – Patrick Jenkins, Tulane

Spherical 6, Choose 188: S – Malik Verdon, Iowa State

Spherical 7, Choose 247: EDGE – Barryn Sorrell, Texas

Spherical 7, Choose 251: C – Drew Kendall, Boston Faculty