As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in a crucial phase of their roster-building process. While the team has shown resilience in recent seasons, making the playoffs in 2023, it’s clear that the Saints are a few pieces away from competing consistently at the highest level. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Saints’ biggest draft needs are focused on two key areas: **offensive line and defensive playmakers**. These positions are foundational to success in the NFL, and addressing them early in the draft could give the Saints the jolt they need to return to title contention.
Let’s break down why these areas are crucial for the Saints and how they can approach the 2025 NFL Draft to shore up these positions.
### **1. Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback and Establishing a Run Game**
The offensive line is the first and most important unit that needs addressing for the New Orleans Saints. While the Saints’ line has been solid over the past several years, it has shown signs of decline and inconsistency in recent seasons. As the team continues to navigate the transition from long-time quarterback Drew Brees to the more mobile Derek Carr, the Saints’ success will largely hinge on how well they protect their quarterback and open lanes for the running game.
#### **Protecting Derek Carr**
The Saints signed Derek Carr in 2024 with hopes of revitalizing their offense. Carr brings veteran leadership and a strong arm, but he is not a quarterback known for his mobility. Unlike some of the league’s more mobile quarterbacks, Carr relies heavily on having a clean pocket to make his throws, especially in a pass-heavy system. Throughout his career, Carr has proven to be an efficient passer when given time to read the defense and deliver the ball accurately. However, when under pressure, his performance tends to suffer.
In 2024, the Saints’ offensive line had some promising moments but also struggled with consistency. Injuries to key players like Ryan Ramczyk and the decline of veteran players have left the line somewhat vulnerable. The Saints have a few foundational pieces in place, such as Ramczyk and center Erik McCoy, but depth and overall cohesion have been areas of concern. Given the nature of the NFC South, where teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers are building strong defensive lines, improving the offensive line is essential to maintaining an effective and competitive offense.
#### **Establishing the Run Game**
New Orleans has long been known for its ability to control the clock with a powerful running game, but that aspect of the offense has not been as effective in recent years. Alvin Kamara is still one of the most talented running backs in the NFL, but a lack of push upfront and inconsistent blocking has limited his effectiveness at times.
The Saints need to reinvest in their offensive line to create holes for Kamara, as well as to provide more support for any future running backs. A dominant line can take pressure off Carr by establishing a balanced offense and making the play-action game more dangerous. Additionally, given the depth of talent at running back in the NFL, securing a dominant offensive line would make it easier for the Saints to take advantage of a high-quality backfield.
#### **How the Draft Can Help**
The 2025 NFL Draft offers a deep pool of offensive line talent, with several prospects who could step in and make an immediate impact. The Saints should prioritize selecting a **top-tier offensive tackle** or a **guard** in the early rounds to boost their line’s ability to protect Carr and establish the run game. Players like **Joe Alt** (Notre Dame), **Blake Fisher** (Notre Dame), and **J.C. Latham** (Alabama) are expected to be among the top offensive line prospects in the draft. These players would be excellent additions to a unit that needs reinforcements to contend with some of the most formidable defensive lines in the NFC.
By addressing this need early in the draft, the Saints can ensure that their offensive line remains one of the more formidable units in the league, keeping their quarterback upright and the running game moving forward.
### **2. Defensive Playmakers: Elevating a Strong Unit with Dynamic Talent**
The Saints’ defense has been one of their strongest units in recent years. Under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the Saints have fielded one of the most efficient and opportunistic defenses in the NFL. In 2023, they ranked among the top 10 in total defense, showing the ability to shut down both the run and the pass.
However, despite their overall effectiveness, there are still significant areas in which the defense can improve. Specifically, the Saints are in need of more dynamic playmakers—especially in their front seven and secondary. While veterans like Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis continue to perform at a high level, the Saints could use some fresh talent to inject more explosiveness into their defense.
#### **Pass Rush and Disruptive Edge Play**
One of the Saints’ most pressing needs is finding a **true pass rusher** to complement Cameron Jordan and generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While Jordan is still highly productive, he is getting older, and the Saints need a young, dynamic player who can disrupt offenses on a more consistent basis. A more effective pass rush would not only help improve the team’s sack totals but also help the secondary by forcing quarterbacks into more errant throws.
In addition to Jordan, the Saints have some promising young pass rushers like **Payton Turner**, but they are still looking for a true game-changer in the pass-rushing department. A young edge rusher could bring the speed and athleticism needed to change the game from the outside.
#### **Playmaking Secondary**
The Saints’ secondary has been solid but not spectacular in recent years. Marshon Lattimore is still among the league’s top cornerbacks, but the team could use more playmakers at cornerback and safety to help lock down opposing receivers and provide more turnovers. In 2023, the Saints finished in the middle of the pack in interceptions, and they need to find more ball-hawking defenders to take the pressure off their front seven.
Adding a **top-tier cornerback** or **safety** in the draft could instantly make the Saints’ secondary one of the best in the league. With several defensive backs like **Kool-Aid McKinstry** (Alabama) and **Jalil McCree** (Georgia), the Saints have an opportunity to add an elite talent that can make an immediate impact. In particular, drafting a player who excels at creating turnovers would elevate the Saints’ defensive capabilities to the next level.
#### **How the Draft Can Help**
Given the depth of talent available on both the edge and in the secondary in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Saints should prioritize selecting a **pass rusher** or **defensive back** in the early rounds. Players like **Marvin Harrison Jr.** (Ohio State), **Chester Kimbrough** (Florida), and **Brock Vandagriff** (Georgia) represent a new wave of talent that could help elevate the Saints’ defense to new heights.
### **Conclusion: Building the Future with the 2025 Draft**
As the New Orleans Saints enter the 2025 NFL Draft, their biggest needs are clear: the offensive line and defensive playmakers. Addressing these two areas will be crucial for the team’s success in the near future. The Saints have a strong foundation, but to return to title contention, they need to continue building through the draft and make wise selections that strengthen these critical positions.
With the offensive line in need of reinforcements to protect Derek Carr and re-establish the run game, and the defense requiring more dynamic playmakers to elevate an already strong unit, the 2025 draft presents an opportunity to make strategic moves. The right investments in the draft could help the Saints remain competitive in a tough NFC South and continue their push toward another deep playoff run.
By focusing on these two areas, the Saints have the chance to set themselves up for success in 2025 and beyond. The draft is always a gamble, but for the Saints, investing in the offensive line and defensive playmakers is a strategy that could pay huge dividends.