Reel’s Saints Mock Draft 1.0

Round 1, Pick 11: EDGE – Mykel Williams, Georgia

Trade: Pick #9 to San Francisco for picks #11 and #99 in the 2025 NFL Draft

We start with a slight trade down to pick up an extra 3rd round pick from the 49ers. The New Orleans Saints need a lot of help at pass rusher, as their top sack getter last year was Bryan Bresee who got 7.5 from the defensive tackle position. Georgia linebacker Mykel Williams is built on nearly the same frame as fellow Bulldog and #1 overall pick Travon Walker at 6’5” and 265 pounds. His sack total in college, like Walker, is not eye-popping, as his career high for a single season is just 5 which he got this year, despite missing three games to start the season. The upside Williams has is huge given his athleticism and measurables, and the Saints would give him a great opportunity to grow into a role as a dominant pass rusher.

Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images

Round 2, Pick 40: TE – Harold Fannin, Jr., Bowling Green

Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin, Jr. led the FBS in receiving yards and receptions in 2024, breaking the single season record for a TE in both categories. He had eight games of at least 125 yards and caught 6+ passes in all but one. Fannin has great hands (just 2 drops in 171 targets in his career) and is a matchup nightmare once he gets in the open field. He may need to add a bit of weight/muscle to deal with more physical coverages in the NFL, but in the right scheme he is a potential game changer at tight end. Also, if you’re worried about the level of competition at Bowling Green, Fannin, Jr. caught 11 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown against Penn State, and 8 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown against Texas A&M, both of which were one possession games.

Photo by Keith Gillett/IconSportswire

Round 3, Pick 74: MLB – Jay Higgins, Iowa

Jay Higgins is a two-time All-American middle linebacker who has been the leader of one of the best defenses in the country at Iowa over the last two seasons. He is a natural run defender with great instincts and has improved greatly against the pass, intercepting 4 passes this year compared to just 1 in 2023. He has good size at 6’2” and 232 pounds but is not as athletically gifted as some other linebackers in the draft. Despite this, his natural talent, experience, and feel for the position leave me with little worry about his translation to the next level. He would be a great heir apparent to Demario Davis should the Saints draft him.

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Round 3, Pick 91: RB – Cam Skattebo, Arizona St

Cam Skattebo is certainly a player who definitely does not lack self-confidence. The most productive running back in college football behind Ashton Jeanty only got better as the season went along, gaining 140+ yards with 2+ touchdowns in each of his last four games. Skattebo is a bruiser who doesn’t wow you with amazing speed or maneuverability as opposed to a downhill between the tackles running style. Despite this he still is very adept in the pass game, as he caught 45 passes for 605 yards and 3 touchdowns this year. His usage rate in college is a bit concerning but pairing him with Alvin Kamara as a change of pace back would mitigate these concerns.

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Round 3, Pick 99: G – Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

With the extra pick acquired from the trade in the first round I selected the versatile offensive lineman Grey Zabel from the FCS champions North Dakota State. Zabel has played all five positions on the offensive line for the Bison and has been very impressive at the Senior Bowl this week. He figures to be a player with starter potential or a high-quality backup that can play every position on the line when needed.

Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images

Round 4, Pick 114: CB – Zy Alexander, LSU

Trade: Picks #109 and #254 to Indianapolis for picks #114 and #188

Another trade down gives us an extra 6th round pick and still allows us to draft the player I was targeting at #109 which is LSU cornerback Zy Alexander. Alexander is a lengthy corner at 6’2” who excels in press coverage. With Paulson Adebo a free agent this year and Alontae Taylor set to be a free agent next year, the Saints should look to pick up some depth at corner if their cap issues prevent them from retaining the talent currently on the roster.

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Round 4, Pick 128: LB – Lander Barton, Utah

Round 6, Pick 185: DT – Patrick Jenkins, Tulane

Round 6, Pick 188: S – Malik Verdon, Iowa State

Round 7, Pick 247: EDGE – Barryn Sorrell, Texas

Round 7, Pick 251: C – Drew Kendall, Boston College

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