Saints Draft Grades

By: Jake Rajala

It’s official: the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books. With that said, it’s worth reflecting on the draft. Hence, I’m going to take a deep dive into the draft grades of my beloved team: the New Orleans Saints.

Kelvin Banks Jr.

I love the selection of Kelvin Banks Jr. It wasn’t their fault that Will Campbell was off the board. Banks Jr. had a bit of a set-back in 2024, but his potential is still through the roof. He had an 86.2 PFF grade for his 2024 season. Kelvin will most likely start over Trevor Penning at right tackle. Taliese Fuaga and Banks Jr. can be a starting OT tandem for the next several years.

Grade: B+

Tyler Shough

Many analysts didn’t like that the Saints drafted Tyler Shough over Shedeur Sanders. However, Shough has more poise and maturity than Sanders. I don’t care that Shough is 25, too. He can still be a 10-15 year starter. Shough can also make impressive throws on the run, similar to Kellen Moore’s old QB in Jalen Hurts. I still wish the Saints were more aggressive to land Jaxson Dart.

Grade: B

Vernon Broughton

Vernon was Mel Kiper’s 20th ranked DT. He can be an average penetrator at the line of scrimmage. However, I don’t love his up-side. I don’t believe he can be the same caliber as David Onymeta. I would have liked to see a WR drafted here.

Grade: C

Jonas Sanker

I believe it was quite an underrated move by the Saints to draft a safety in the third round. He reminds me a lot of Kenny Vaccaro, with his physicality and ability to play in the box. It was vital that the Saints drafted a young safety to replace Tyrann Mathieu in the near future.

Grade: B+

Danny Stutsman

Danny Stutsman can be a thumper at the ILB spot. At 6’4 with a 40 time of 4.52, he can flat out move and be a tackle machine. His traits remind me of Tremaine Edmunds. Pete Werner has also had issues staying on the field – as he’s never played a full season. Demario Davis will also likely retire after this upcoming season.

Grade: A

Quincy Riley

I love the pick of Quincy Riley here. The Saints had to go CB after trading Marshon Lattimore last season and watching Paulson Adebo sign with a new team. Quincy can find playing time right away this season. I would have liked to see the Saints draft a CB sooner. They’re asking a lot of from the fourth round pick right now.

Grade: B

Devin Neal

Devin Neal is one of the biggest steals in the draft in my opinion. He doesn’t have a fantastic 40 time (4.58), but he does move side to side quite well. He has been compared to James White and David Montgomery. The Saints needed a RB – as Alvin Kamara turns 30 this off-season and Kendre Miller can’t stay healthy.

Grade: A

Moliki Matavao and Fadil Diggs

These two late round picks will compete for a roster spot. It won’t be easy for Moliki to have a role with Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, and Taysom Hill at TE. Fadil will also be competing at an edge rusher spot occupied by a few really good defensive ends.

Grade: C+