The New Orleans Saints entered the 2025 NFL Draft amid swirling questions about their future at quarterback and the state of their offensive line. The draft came with high expectations for the Saints to address core needs, and the front office certainly didn’t shy away from making bold moves. Let’s break down the Saints’ strategy, the reasoning behind their selections, and what this means for the upcoming season.

New Orleans Saints Prioritize the Trenches in First Round

Heading into the draft, speculation abounded about whether the Saints would target a quarterback, especially with stars like Shedeur Sanders available. Instead, the Saints opted for stability, selecting Kelvin Banks Jr., a highly regarded tackle out of Texas. This pick sends a clear message: the Saints are determined to fortify their offensive line after a season marred by injuries and inconsistency up front. According to ESPN’s extensive draft coverage, Banks started 42 games at left tackle in college, and his arrival gives the Saints much-needed flexibility along the line.

The move allows returning lineman Taliese Fuaga to shift back to the right side, where he excelled in college. Strengthening the tackle positions should provide better protection for whoever starts at quarterback, offering hope for fewer sacks and improved run blocking.

The Quarterback Question: Passing on Shedeur Sanders for Tyler Shough

While the Saints addressed the offensive line first, quarterback remained a top priority. Instead of spending their early capital on the more high-profile Shedeur Sanders, New Orleans made headlines by selecting Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick in the draft. Shough, despite being considered old for a rookie (he turns 26 this season), brings experience from a long collegiate career spanning Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville.

As highlighted in Yahoo Sports’ draft analysis, Shough is seen as a quarterback ready to contribute immediately—a significant factor given the uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr due to injury. With a strong arm and seasoned presence, Shough provides instant competition at the position, ensuring the Saints have an insurance policy if Carr can't return to full health.

Reactions to Saints’ Draft Decisions

Fans and analysts were divided over the Saints’ decision to pass on Shedeur Sanders, who many projected as a potential first-rounder. The Athletic’s real-time draft tracker detailed the surprising slide of Sanders in the draft order—providing context for why the Saints chose a more seasoned leader over a prospect with perhaps a higher long-term ceiling. The approach suggests the Saints are focusing on a win-now philosophy, balancing immediate competitiveness with future development.

What’s Next for the Saints?

With Kelvin Banks Jr. anchoring the offensive line and Tyler Shough entering the quarterback room, the Saints have addressed two of their most pressing issues. There are, however, still questions about playmakers on offense and additional depth at key positions. Much will depend on Shough’s adaptation to the NFL and how the offensive line gels throughout training camp. If the Saints remain healthy and their young talent develops, they could surprise doubters in a competitive NFC South.

Conclusion

The Saints’ 2025 draft strategy showed a clear commitment to building from the inside out and ensuring stability at quarterback. While some fans may have preferred a more glamorous selection, the franchise’s pragmatic approach reflects a desire for immediate improvement and long-term sustainability. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on New Orleans to see if these calculated risks turn into on-field results.

Want a detailed look at every Saints pick and all the action from the 2025 NFL Draft? Be sure to read ESPN’s full draft recap and Yahoo’s Saints coverage for the latest updates and expert opinions.