Jennings’ top NFL Draft fits for Saints

It’s no secret the New Orleans Saints have several roster needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, but these three areas need immediate attention:

DE Mike Green | Marshall Thundering Herd

It’s time for New Orleans to add some speed off the edge. With Chase Young set to become a free agent and Cam Jordan getting up there in age, the Saints need to find someone to complement Carl Granderson—someone they can build their future around, because it may not seem like it, but Granderson is already 28 years old.

I understand the hesitation from those who may be wary of taking an edge rusher so early, especially considering the Saints’ past three whiffs in Isaiah Foskey, Payton Turner, and Marcus Davenport. However, Marshall Thundering Herd DE Mike Green is an intriguing prospect at pick No. 9, depending on how the rest of the board falls, of course.

The 6’4”, 248-pound pass rusher was absolutely dominant during his two-year college career with the Herd. In 2023, Green posted a 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (12th among 836 edge rushers), recording 6 sacks, 21 hurries, and 3 QB hits on just 183 pass rush snaps. He took his game to another level in 2024, earning a 92.4 overall grade (2nd among 869) with 17 sacks, 32 hurries, 10 hits, and 1 batted pass on 356 pass rush snaps. Despite his 20.1% pass rush win rate and 91.4 pass rush grade this past season, Green wasn’t just a force in the passing game—he also earned a 90.2 run defense grade with a 9.4% run-stop rate.

I’ve been high on Green for quite some time, but his performance during this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl practice last week has all but solidified my confidence in the incoming edge rusher. He proved that speed isn’t the only strength in his game, showcasing his bull rush against former Oregon Ducks OT Josh Conerly Jr. in a set of drills:

Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

WR Elic Ayomanor | Stanford Cardinal

The Saints need a guy who can be that over-the-middle, contested catch machine at receiver. Since Michael Thomas’ departure, they’ve been trying to force Chris Olave into that role, which ultimately hasn’t worked out. You get the best out of Olave when you let him do what he does best—burn defenders with his speed and twitchy route running. Additionally, I wouldn’t say that a physical, body-on-the-line play style is ideal for the longevity of his career, especially considering the number of head injuries he’s suffered.

That said, Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor has been on my radar ever since his stellar performance against the Colorado Buffaloes in 2023:

The 6’2”, 210-pound wideout was as consistent as they come during his two-year college career:

2023: 63 receptions on 107 targets for 1,022 yards (16.2 per catch) and 6 touchdowns.

2024: 63 receptions (14 contested) on 109 targets for 831 yards (13.2 per catch) and 6 touchdowns.

He actually reminds me a lot of Michael Thomas (6’3”, 212-pounds)—great route running, a big frame, and outstanding body control. I’d also say he’s a bit more versatile as a deep threat. A trio of Olave, Ayomanor, and Rashid Shaheed could cause problems for opposing defenses and make life a lot easier for whoever is at QB for the Saints in 2025. I’d anticipate him being taken between rounds two and three.

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

TE Elijah Arroyo | Miami Hurricanes

If anyone’s stock has skyrocketed following the Senior Bowl, it’s Miami Hurricanes TE Elijah Arroyo.

The Saints need a spark at tight end. Juwan Johnson just hasn’t taken the leap many expected, you already know what Foster Moreau brings to the table, and 34-year-old Taysom Hill will most likely miss time to start the season as he recovers from his torn ACL.

Arroyo, standing at 6’4” and 245 pounds, is one of the more fascinating prospects in a draft loaded with talent at tight end. He’s one of the better route runners you’ll find at his size and has been labeled a “matchup nightmare.” It’s clear how much the offense thrives when Juwan is involved, and Arroyo could be the vertical threat this offense has been missing.

In his 2024 season with the Hurricanes, Arroyo tallied 35 receptions on 47 targets for 590 yards (16.9 per catch) and 7 touchdowns. He had just 1 drop and finished his junior campaign with a 71.9 overall grade and a 73.8 receiving grade from PFF. Arroyo’s 9.1 yards after the catch per reception, 8 deep catches, and 255 deep yards all rank 4th among tight ends with a minimum of 25+ targets.

To say the least, Arroyo was downright unstoppable at the Senior Bowl:

Round two is looking increasingly more likely for Arroyo. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sneaks into the first.