As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New Orleans Saints find themselves at a pivotal point in their rebuilding process. After several seasons of fluctuating performance, the franchise is looking to reassert itself as a contender in the NFC South. With a solid foundation on defense and some key pieces on offense, the Saints are in a prime position to continue strengthening their roster, especially with an eye toward the future.
Enter Pro Football Focus (PFF), a respected analytical site that evaluates player performances with unparalleled detail. As they look ahead to the upcoming draft, PFF has shared its ideal draft prospect for the New Orleans Saints. This player, who could address one of the team’s most pressing needs, is poised to be a game-changer and help elevate the Saints’ chances of competing for a Super Bowl sooner rather than later.
### The Saints’ Draft Needs: What’s at Stake?
Before diving into PFF’s perfect draft pick for the Saints, it’s important to first understand the team’s current roster composition and where they could stand to improve.
#### 1. **Quarterback – The Future Under Center**
With **Derek Carr** now at the helm, the Saints are looking to stabilize the quarterback position after the post-Drew Brees era. Carr, a seasoned veteran, gives New Orleans a reliable presence under center, but the Saints need to ensure that they have a viable future option at quarterback. As the team looks ahead, they’ll need to keep an eye on developing a young signal-caller to secure the franchise’s long-term success.
#### 2. **Wide Receiver – A Reliable Threat**
While the Saints have solid weapons in the passing game, including **Chris Olave** and **Michael Thomas** (if healthy), they could benefit from another top-tier receiver to complement these players. With Carr’s ability to throw the deep ball, the Saints need a wide receiver who can stretch the field and create mismatches against opposing defenses.
#### 3. **Offensive Line – Strengthening the Trenches**
The Saints’ offensive line, while decent, isn’t impervious. With aging players like **Andrus Peat** and **Ryan Ramczyk** showing occasional signs of wear, New Orleans could stand to add depth to the trenches. A strong, versatile offensive lineman could help protect Carr, as well as open up running lanes for **Alvin Kamara** and other backs.
#### 4. **Defensive Line – Rebuilding the Front Seven**
The Saints have long been known for their defensive prowess, but with **Cameron Jordan** aging and the team needing additional pass rushers and run-stoppers, addressing the defensive line has become a top priority. A powerful, disruptive force along the defensive front would help create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and allow the Saints’ secondary to flourish.
#### 5. **Linebacker – Depth and Versatility**
Despite having some talented linebackers, the Saints lack a truly dynamic playmaker at the position. A linebacker who can cover the field sideline-to-sideline, stop the run, and add a blitzing element would give the Saints a more well-rounded defense. Versatility is key, especially with the evolving nature of the NFL game.
### PFF’s Perfect Draft Prospect for the Saints: **Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State**
After analyzing the Saints’ needs and considering available prospects, PFF’s perfect draft pick for the New Orleans Saints is **Jared Verse**, an EDGE rusher from **Florida State**. Verse is widely regarded as one of the top pass-rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his blend of size, athleticism, and motor makes him a perfect fit for the Saints’ defense.
Let’s take a closer look at why Verse is the ideal pick for New Orleans.
#### 1. **A Dynamic Pass-Rusher to Complement Cameron Jordan**
At 6’4″ and 250 pounds, Verse brings the ideal size and athleticism to be a disruptive force off the edge. His combination of power, speed, and technique makes him an absolute nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. In 2024, he showcased his ability to change games with his pass-rushing ability, recording 12 sacks and multiple forced fumbles for the Seminoles.
Verse’s ability to consistently pressure the quarterback would give the Saints an invaluable edge-rushing partner for **Cameron Jordan**, who, while still effective, is nearing the tail end of his career. Jordan is still one of the league’s top pass rushers, but as he ages, the Saints will need to find a younger complement to ensure their defense remains as effective as ever. Verse would immediately add depth to the defensive line and become a key player in the rotation, eventually taking over as the primary rusher on the edge.
Moreover, New Orleans is built on a foundation of defensive strength, and adding an explosive pass rusher like Verse would give them a dynamic presence on all three downs, whether in pass-rushing situations or as part of a well-rounded defense.
#### 2. **Disruptive in the Run Game**
While pass-rushing is where Verse has made the most impact, he’s also effective against the run. His ability to set the edge and engage with blockers allows him to collapse the pocket and limit running backs to the outside. This is a particularly important asset for the Saints, who have struggled at times to contain running backs, especially in crucial moments during games.
Verse’s strength and quickness at the point of attack would allow the Saints to be more versatile in their defensive scheme. His ability to rush the passer while remaining disciplined in his run defense would make him a three-down player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. With New Orleans facing elite running backs like **Derrick Henry**, **Christian McCaffrey**, and **Bijan Robinson** within their division and conference, having a player who can disrupt both the run and the pass is critical for their defensive success.
#### 3. **Fit in the Saints’ Defensive Scheme**
Under defensive coordinator **Dennis Allen**, the Saints run a hybrid defensive front that values versatility and the ability to generate pressure from all areas. Verse fits perfectly in this scheme because of his explosive first step, ability to drop into coverage when necessary, and natural instincts in rushing the passer.
Verse is the type of player who could thrive in a system like the Saints’, where he would be asked to be dynamic and adaptable. Whether he’s lining up as a stand-up rusher or with his hand in the dirt, his skills translate well to a variety of positions along the defensive line.
#### 4. **Immediate Impact and Long-Term Potential**
Given his impressive 2024 season at Florida State, Verse’s potential to make an immediate impact at the NFL level is high. While many rookies need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL, Verse has the motor and work ethic to make an early contribution. The Saints can ease him into the starting lineup and rotate him with Jordan, allowing him to grow into the role gradually.
Over time, Verse has the potential to develop into a cornerstone player for the Saints’ defense, ensuring that they remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Pairing him with Jordan in the short term allows the Saints to maximize his talents without putting too much pressure on him immediately.
#### 5. **High Character and Leadership**
Off the field, Verse is known for his leadership and professionalism. His drive to improve, combined with his commitment to being a team player, would mesh well with the Saints’ locker room culture. New Orleans has a strong veteran presence, but adding a young player with high character like Verse would provide additional stability and future leadership for the defense.
### Why Verse is the Perfect Fit for the Saints
The Saints are at a critical juncture in their rebuilding process. With Derek Carr under center and a solid core on both sides of the ball, they are poised to compete in the NFC South. However, to truly contend for a Super Bowl, they need to fortify their defense, particularly the pass rush. Adding **Jared Verse** would be an immediate upgrade to the defensive line, providing the Saints with a young, dynamic pass rusher capable of disrupting games and leading the defense into the future.
Verse’s combination of speed, power, and versatility makes him the perfect draft prospect for New Orleans, helping them address one of their most urgent needs while also setting the stage for long-term success. Whether he’s playing alongside Cameron Jordan or eventually taking over as the team’s premier edge rusher, Verse has all the tools to become a star in the NFL and a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense.
As the 2025 draft draws closer, the Saints’ front office and fans alike will be eagerly anticipating the chance to add a player like Jared Verse to their roster—one who could help restore the team to its former glory and lead them back into Super Bowl contention.