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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Saints 2025 NFL draft needs, picks, best fits, history

Thu Apr 17 2:54pm ET
Field Level Media

Unless the New Orleans Saints plan to reinvent the meaning of "generational talent," head coach Kellen Moore is going to need a quarterback. Possibly sooner than expected.

Moore beat Derek Carr's Fresno State team by 50 when they shared the field in 2011. Moore was the quarterback at Boise State and threw three touchdowns in the shellacking.

Now he's a first-time head coach in New Orleans, and must decide whether his former peer has a future as a prized pupil with the Saints.

Carr is reportedly at risk of missing time in 2025 with a shoulder injury. Durability has become a problem for Carr. If he opts for surgery, the outlook for the Saints is blurred until Moore settles on a solution at the position.

If only that was the only challenge ahead for Moore in New Orleans.

--Team needs

Quarterback: With or without Carr, the Saints are nowhere near settled at the position. Spencer Rattler flashed upside but wasn't drafted by the current coaching staff. As a former QB, Moore can't resist the chance to get "his guy" in the draft.

Offensive line: A tackle capable of opening the season at guard, or a guard who could play tackle, might be No. 1 on the shopping list for Moore. A fortified front five was critical during his success as Cowboys offensive coordinator and last season with the Super Bowl-champion Eagles. While the Saints have the potential to start five players drafted 53rd or higher, their recent results don't match their original draft slots.

Pass rusher: Cameron Jordan remains one of the starting defensive ends for the Saints and he entered the NFL one year before Moore signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2012. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley downplayed the base defense -- 3-4 or 4-3 -- he'll primarily operate. No matter how they align, the Saints are short on edge defenders.

--Best prospect fits

OL Will Campbell, LSU

QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

CB Will Johnson, Michigan

OLB Jalon Walker, Georgia

OL Armand Membou, Missouri

S Malaki Starks, Georgia

OLB Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

OLB Mike Green, Marshall

TE Colston Loveland, Michigan

WR Luther Burden III, Missouri

--2025 draft picks by round

Total picks: 9

By round (pick in round, overall pick)

1: 9, 9

2: 8, 40

3: 7, 71

3: 29, 93 (from Washington Commanders)

4: 10, 112

4: 29, 131 (from Washington Commanders)

6: 8, 184 (from Washington Commanders

7: 32, 248 (from Philadelphia Eagles via Washington Commanders

7: 38, 254 (compensatory selection)

--History lesson

--In the history of the franchise, Archie Manning is the only quarterback the Saints have drafted in the top 74. Manning was selected No. 2 in 1971.

Garrett Grayson (75th overall, 2015) and Danny Wuerffel (99th, 1997) are the only other QBs the team selected in the top 100. This does not include 1981 supplemental draft pick Dave Wilson.

--The Saints have drafted 21 running backs in the top 74, including four in the top five (George Rogers, No. 1, 1981; Reggie Bush, No. 2, 2006; Chuck Muncie, No. 3, 1976; Ricky Williams, No. 5, 1999).

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During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday, future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he has not made a decision on his future as he focuses on his personal life, and retirement is still on the table this offseason. The longtime Green Bay Packer and short-term New York Jet has been rumored to land with the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2025 campaign, but it sounds like there is still uncertainty. Rodgers, who threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2024, could have success in the right fit, but his prime is clearly past him, and NFL fans will have to wait at least a little bit longer to see what his plans are for the upcoming season. If Rodgers plays in 2025, it would be a surprise to see him firmly on the fantasy football radar in single-QB leagues.

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Stanley Morgan Apr 17 12:30pm CT
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The Tennessee Titans waived/released wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., linebacker Curtis Bolton, defensive tackles McTelvin Agim and Isaiah Iton, defensive back Gervarrius Owens and offensive guard Logan Bruss on Wednesday. Their roster currently sits at 65 players after the cuts. Morgan, 28, has not played in an NFL game since 2023 with the Cincinnati Bengals, when he played in just three games and didn't see a single target on offense. In fact, he hasn't caught a pass in the NFL since 2021 and has only five receptions on 15 targets for 29 yards and no touchdowns in 51 games (one start) over his five seasons with the Bengals since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska. The Titans had signed Morgan to a Reserve/Futures deal after he spent time on their practice squad in 2024. He'll be hoping to latch on with another team before training camp this summer.

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Shedeur Sanders Apr 17 12:20pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that he thinks University of Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter's skill set is best suited as a receiver, and he won't put a limit on him possibly playing both sides of the ball if he lands with the Browns. Berry also said he doesn't think Hunter needs to play both sides of the ball to be worth the No. 2 overall selection in this year's NFL draft. The Tennessee Titans are expected to take Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, with the Browns now leaning toward taking Hunter over Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Hunter recently said he wouldn't want to play football in the NFL if he's not allowed to be a two-way player. The 21-year-old seems likely to be an every-down defensive player before he makes his mark on offense, but the Browns definitely need more playmakers alongside Jerry Jeudy.

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Jalen Milroe Apr 17 12:20pm CT
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Dallas Goedert Apr 17 12:10pm CT
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Cam Ward Apr 16 11:30pm CT
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Shedeur Sanders Apr 16 11:10pm CT
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University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' draft stock has taken a tumble over the last several weeks. He was originally expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, but a lot has changed since then, and the Tennessee Titans are now fully expected to take Miami QB Cam Ward with the first pick in the 2025 NFL draft next Thursday. Sanders isn't a lock to go to the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants at No. 2 and 3, respectively, either. "I don't care what the route is. At the end of the day it doesn't matter to me. I just want the opportunity," Sanders said when asked about the possibility of falling out of the top three picks. If the 21-year-old falls in the top 10 picks, the New Orleans Saints (at No. 9) might be the best landing spot, considering that current starter Derek Carr (shoulder) might not be ready for Week 1 this fall. If Sanders falls even further, the Pittsburgh Steelers (at No. 21) could also be a great fit.

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Jaxson Dart Apr 16 11:00pm CT
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Several sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz that Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart won't fall out of the first round, so if the New York Giants elect to take either Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter at No. 3 overall next Thursday night in the NFL draft, they might be inclined to move up from No. 34 overall in the second round to take Dart. Schultz writes that Dart's swashbuckling style and flair for the dramatic seem tailor-made for New York, and sources indicate that Giants head coach Brian Daboll likes him. Although the G-Men have done their homework on Dart, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Louisville's Tyler Shough, they aren't completely desperate at the position after adding both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency.

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T.J. Edwards Apr 16 10:50pm CT
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Aaron Rodgers Apr 16 9:03pm CT
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Dallas Goedert Apr 16 4:03pm CT
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Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert has received some trade interest from the New York Giants, according to ESPN.com's Jordan Raanan.

Fantasy Spin: It seems like Goedert will not be with the Eagles next season, so the Giants seemed to check on his availability. The Giants likely will be going with Theo Johnson as their starting tight end next season, but Goedert probably would have a role if he joined the team. Fantasy players should monitor Goedert's situation over the next few months because he could be a low-end No. 1 tight end in some leagues.

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Trevor Etienne Apr 16 3:20pm CT
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Former Florida and Georgia running back Trevor Etienne is visiting with the New England Patriots on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 20-year-old rushed for a career-low 609 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry in his lone season with the Bulldogs, but dealt with injuries for most of the 2024 season. However, his overall productive profile is impressive, with 371 carries for 2,081 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns in 34 career games. He added 62 receptions for 432 yards and one score through the air. The brother of Travis Etienne is expected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Patriots could be interested in adding a rookie to their running back room to compete with Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson.

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Colston Loveland Apr 16 3:00pm CT
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Former University of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland has taken a backseat to former Penn State tight end prospect Tyler Warren during offseason NFL Draft buzz, but the former College Football Playoff National Champion is expected to be a first-round pick, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports he could go in the 10-22 overall range. "A f---ing awesome football player man," an NFL college scouting director told Schultz. "Does it all. Day 1 mismatch, Day 1 star." Over his final two collegiate seasons, Loveland caught 101 passes for 1,231 yards and nine touchdowns despite playing in a run-heavy offense. While most tight ends take time to develop in the NFL, we've seen Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers deliver TE1 campaigns as rookies. If Loveland lands in the right offense, he could have immediate fantasy football upside.

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Isaiah Bond Apr 16 2:50pm CT
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Former Texas wide receiver and 2025 NFL Draft prospect Isaiah Bond, who surrendered on a sexual assault warrant last week before posting bond and being released, is filing a complaint against his accuser. The 21-year-old's agent, Damien Butler, released a statement on Wednesday calling the allegations false. "Earlier this evening, Isaiah's attorneys at Nesenhoff & Miltenberg, LLP filed the attached complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas in response to the false allegation of sexual assault and defamatory statements made against him. Unlike the false narrative that has been amplified, the truth, once revealed in its entirety, will show that he was targeted by a woman eight years his senior, relentlessly pursued, enticed by explicit photos & videos and ultimately setup for financial gain." Needless to say, this is a situation worth monitoring with just eight days to go before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off. Bond caught 54 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns in his lone season at Texas after transferring from Alabama.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Apr 16 2:40pm CT
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The New York Giants are holding private workouts for top quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Shough, which suggests the team is interested in adding a late-Round 1 or early-Round 2 rookie signal-caller in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, general manager Joe Schoen says the Giants "don't think it's mandatory" to take a quarterback after the additions of veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The organization is clearly doing late-process homework on the QBs who could slip into the back half of Round 1 or later, so their plans after the No. 3 overall pick remain a mystery. Wilson and Winston could provide better quarterback play than New York has seen since Eli Manning, but neither is a long-term solution for a head coach and general manager running out of time to rack up wins.

From RotoBaller

Logan Woodside Apr 16 2:40pm CT
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The Cincinnati Bengals have signed veteran backup quarterback Logan Woodside to a one-year deal, according to NFL.com. The 30-year-old was signed by the Bengals last offseason and spent most of the 2024 campaign on the practice squad. Woodside, a former seventh-round pick by the Bengals out of Toledo, has completed four of his seven career passing attempts for 34 yards and one interception in 12 games with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons. At best, he'll likely stick around on the practice squad once again in 2025, but he could face an uphill battle to make the roster in any form.

From RotoBaller

Montez Sweat Apr 16 12:40pm CT
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Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Stewart visited with the Chicago Bears on Monday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Bears definitely need help with their pass rush despite adding Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to pair with Montez Sweat. The Bears hold the 10th overall pick in the first round of next week's NFL draft, but Stewart could be in play later in the round if they trade back. The 21-year-old's physical attributes jump off the page, but his production with the Aggies didn't exactly match up, as Stewart had only 31 tackles (six for loss), 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two pass breakups in 12 games last year at Texas A&M. He wasn't a full-time starter until last year, but he has been rising up draft boards since a dominating performance at the Senior Bowl. Among others, he's also visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.

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Kyle McCord Apr 16 12:30pm CT
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Several NFL teams told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz that Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord is one of the more undervalued players in the entire 2025 NFL draft. McCord visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday and with the New York Giants on Tuesday, according to sources. The 22-year-old led the nation in passing in 2024 and has acquitted himself well throughout the draft process with good interviews and impressive on-the-board work. McCord has prototypical NFL size, a winning pedigree and capacity to read coverage. He's currently being considered a sleeper in what is a weak draft class at the quarterback position in 2025. Both the Steelers and Giants are two of the most QB-needy teams in terms of long-term investments, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see either of them go after McCord on Day 2 or 3 of this year's draft.

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Tyler Shough Apr 16 12:20pm CT
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The Athletic's Dianna Russini says that the quarterback she's heard being discussed in NFL circles more than anyone else lately is University of Louisville QB Tyler Shough. Because of his rising draft stock and the fact that there are plenty of teams desperate for a franchise signal-caller, there is a chance that the 25-year-old QB is taken in the first round next Thursday night. Russini said an NFL head coach told her that he believes Shough is the best quarterback prospect in this year's draft class, including Miami's Cam Ward. Shough is old for a rookie QB, but his experience (seven years in college) certainly could give him the leg up in terms of being pro-ready the fastest in a QB draft class that is considered pretty weak. In his final season at Louisville, Shough threw for 3,200 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. Don't be surprised if a team trades back into the back half of the first round to select him next week.

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Travis Hunter Apr 16 12:10pm CT
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The New York Giants hold the third overall pick in next week's NFL draft, and University of Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter would seem to be in serious consideration at that spot if he's still available, according to ESPN New York's Jordan Raanan. "I would not be afraid to play him on both sides. Physically, I wouldn't doubt the kid," general manager Joe Schoen said. Hunter said recently he wouldn't play football if an NFL team denied him the chance to play on both sides of the ball. The 21-year-old Heisman Trophy winner has the physical ability to be a generational talent in the NFL as a two-way player, but it's more likely that he'll become a full-time player as a defender than as a piece on offense. The Tennessee Titans are widely expected to take Miami quarterback at No. 1 overall, with the Cleveland Browns leaning toward taking Hunter at No. 2. Because he'll be a two-way player, it's hard to imagine Hunter being a huge fantasy factor in his rookie season in 2025.

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