The New Orleans Saints haven’t traded back in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft in nearly two decades. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport highlighted seven teams in the top 10 who should consider trading down, and the Saints surprisingly didn’t make the list. Or maybe this is an acknowledgement of the team’s trend to almost never trade down. Mickey Loomis is known for going up, not down, the board.
The Saints, Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans are the only teams who didn’t make the cut. It’s surprising to see New Orleans not be included. Like other teams on the list, they could utilize adding picks to fill holes. Seeing that Davenport had every other quarterback-needy team in the top-10 on the list of teams who should trade back, it can be assumed he doesn’t think too highly of Shedeur Sanders.
New Orleans appears to be in position to land the top cornerback in the draft at ninth overall. With no long-term plan opposite of Kool-Aid McKinstry at boundary corner. New Orleans could take a look at Will Johnson or Jahdae Barron in the first round. Being able to grab the best player at a premier position is a valid reason to stick and pick.
At the same time, there have been connections between the Saints and pass rushers. New Orleans may be able to trade back a few spots and still get a quality pass rusher. The Saints could trade back three to six spots and still get James Pearce, Mike Green or Donovan Ezeiruaku. There’s a chance Tyler Warren and Barron are available as well.
There’s a reason to stay at nine and pick, but the Saints could use help at edge rusher, cornerback, wide receiver, defensive tackle, and offensive line and tight end are two more positions they could invest in. With that many needs, the Saints shouldn’t rule out gathering more draft picks by trading back. It’s worth the consideration.