GOOD NEWS: Saints Draft 4,000-Yard Running Back

The Saints add a running back with 4,343 rushing yards over his college career.

The New Orleans Saints have finally added to their running back room.

The Saints drafted Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal with the 184th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Neal has played four seasons with the Jayhawks, rushing for 4,343 yards and 49 touchdowns over his collegiate career. In 2024, Neal ran for 1,266 yards and 16 touchdowns on 5.8 yards a carry. He’s also a sneaky threat in the receiving game, earning 20+ catches over the last three seasons.

The productive back has earned All-Big 12 honors or honorable mentions every season of his career and is the all-time rushing yards leader for Kansas.

Neal is a patient runner and follows his blockers. It’s rare the first defender will take down the 5-foot-11 and 212-pound back and he fights for extra yards after contact. Neal has NFL-ready instincts and his college production makes him hard to overlook.

The former Kansas running back likely fell due to his lack of big play burst and shiftiness, but he makes up for it with his powerful running style.

First-year head coach Kellen Moore knows firsthand how important a good run game is and will try to implement the run-heavy offense he ran with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl run. Veteran Alvin Kamara is at his best in a running back tandem and the team has failed to fill Mark Ingram’s role in the “boom-and-zoom offense.”

The Saints have a deep running back depth chart, but Neal may find playing time early due to uncertainties about Kendre Miller’s future. The new kickoff rules the NFL implemented in 2024 may also earn the former Jayhawks running back some opportunities early on as a return man.

Shedeur Sanders set to Replace New Orleans saints $150 Million 4-Time Pro Bowl QB

Shedeur Sanders did not hear his name called on Day 1 but the latest NFL mock drafts indicate the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback may not have to wait long in the second round. Sanders was once projected to be a potential top-10 pick, but it appears NFL teams were not as high on the star as many fans and analysts.

The star quarterback addressed attendees at his opening night draft party following his round one slide.

“We all didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything (is) possible, everything possible,” Sanders said on Thursday. “I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All this is, is of course, fuel to the fire.

“And under no circumstance, we all know this shouldn’t have happened. But we understand we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day.”

Sanders’ slide could be good news for quarterback-needy teams who passed on a signal-caller in the first round. The New Orleans Saints would be wise to have a contingency plan given Derek Carr’s shoulder injury.

Carr’s tenure with the Saints has not gone as planned with the four-time Pro Bowler missing seven games in 2024. This does not account for the recent injury that Carr revealed this offseason.

Carr’s four-year, $150 million contract is slated to run through 2026, putting the Saints in a financial bind. Yet, Sanders’ status as a potential second-round pick means New Orleans is getting a bit of a discount compared to selecting a quarterback in the first round.

With the opening night in the books, The Draft Network’s Justin Melo put together a second-round mock draft. The analyst predicts the Saints will stop Sanders’ slide by selecting the quarterback with the No. 40 overall selection.

Melo also projects the Cleveland Browns will select Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe with the No. 33 pick, ahead of Sanders

New Orleans Saints eye game-changing defender at No. 9 as Shedeur Sanders’ draft hopes dim in competitive landscape

A Pivotal Moment on the Draft Board

In a draft landscape where every selection can reshape fortunes, the New Orleans Saints find themselves at a critical crossroads. Holding the No. 9 overall pick, the franchise appears poised to pivot from chasing a promising quarterback to fortifying their defensive frontline with a game-changing presence.

Shifting Priorities Toward Defense

Recent indicators suggest that the Saints are quietly reevaluating their strategy, moving away from a quarterback option that once captured significant attention. As competitive pressures mount on draft day, the team’s focus on acquiring an impactful defender has become increasingly evident. This shift underscores a broader strategic decision: in a league that often rewards defensive ingenuity, securing a stalwart presence on that side of the ball could be a masterstroke for the franchise’s long-term ambitions.

Navigating a Competitive Field

With eight teams slated to pick prior, the complexity of predicting which defensive talents will remain on the board is immense. The intricate dynamics of the draft mean that the Saints must be prepared to act swiftly and decisively when the ideal candidate emerges. They are fully aware that in a draft where potential game-changers do not sit still for long, the window to secure a transformative defender may be fleeting.

Strategic Context and Future Implications

Historically, NFL franchises that invest in defensive excellence have often reaped rewards in consistency and playoff success. For the Saints, this draft decision could signal a return to a more balanced model of play—a harmonious blend of offensive creativity and defensive resilience. Such a move not only cements the team’s resolve to remain competitive but also reflects an evolving understanding of modern football’s demands, where every position can pivot the trajectory of a season.

A Reflective Look Ahead

As the draft day approaches, the decision before the Saints is more than just a pick—it is a testament to their adaptability and strategic foresight. Embracing a new defensive direction holds promise for elevating the team’s competitive edge, potentially heralding a reimagined identity built on both defensive prowess and overall team unity. This moment in the draft highlights the ever-changing nature of the game, where the pursuit of excellence often demands bold transitions and an unwavering commitment to innovation.

New Orleans Saints Fans Reaction to Major Shedeur Sanders Decision

Coming into the 2025 NFL Draft, a lot of talk centered on where the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders would land.

The discussion started with Sanders vs. former Miami Hurricanes star Cam Ward for the top quarterback spot. And then as the draft inched closer, it shifted to Sanders and former Ole Miss signal caller Jaxson Dart for the second spot.

Ward ended up going No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, and Dart went No. 25 overall to the New York Giants. Sanders remained on the board through the end of the first round, and many circled the Cleveland Browns at No. 33 and No. 36, as well as the New Orleans Saints at No. 40, as potential landing spots for him.

Unfortunately for Sanders, the Browns and Saints passed up on him again, with New Orleans opting to take former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough instead.

Fans were quick to head to social media, with many of them shocked.

“Ok Tyler Shough that’s crazy lmao,” one fan said.

“tyler shough got picked before shedeur?? it’s getting weird now,” another wrote.

“Tyler Shough will be 26 when the season starts . This is crazy,” another added.

“Tyler shough going before sheduer is unbelievable,” said a fan.

“I personally didn’t think Shaduer was a first round talent. This however is stunning. How does Tyler Shough leap the kid? There has to be more to this,” one wrote.

“Tyler Shough before Shedeur Sanders is crazy. I don’t care what anybody says,” a fan added.

Shough began his six-year college journey at Oregon, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Texas Tech for the next three. He wrapped up his college career with a final season at Louisville.

This past season, he threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions.

New Orleans Saints make bold move for offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. in shocking draft twist

Electrifying Draft Twist

An electrifying moment in the NFL draft has captured the imagination of fans and experts, underscoring just how transformative a single pick can be for a storied franchise. At the heart of this unfolding drama is offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., whose talents have started to redefine the future of one of the league’s most dynamic teams.

Talent Rooted in Texas

Hailing from Texas, Kelvin Banks Jr. emerged as one of the most promising offensive linemen in recent memory, catching the eye of the team’s decision-makers with his robust physicality and refined technique. His performance at the collegiate level showcased both the raw power and agility essential for today’s high-caliber NFL competition. Banks embodies the blend of strength and finesse that many scouts and strategists seek, turning him into a natural fit for an organization eager to secure its offensive future.

A Bold Strategic Investment

The decision to select Banks with the No. 9 pick in the first round highlights a decisive and forward-thinking strategy. By choosing a player of such potential early in the draft, the franchise has signaled its unwavering commitment to reinforcing its offensive line. This move isn’t just about filling a roster spot—it’s a calculated investment in durability and adaptability, qualities that are increasingly prized in an evolving NFL landscape. Observers noted that the organization’s bold choice reflects a modern approach to team building, where a single player’s impact can resonate far beyond the draft night.

Embracing Legacy and Future Potential

Historically, the team has been known for its acumen in identifying and nurturing emerging talent, a trend that has led to significant improvements in key areas over the years. This latest acquisition continues that tradition, blending seasoned strategic insight with the enthusiasm of youthful talent. The infusion of a dynamic offensive tackle like Banks is set to invigorate the overall game plan, enabling the team to face future challenges with renewed vigor and a fresh tactical edge.

A Promising Road Ahead

As the season looms, the acquisition of Kelvin Banks Jr. stands as a beacon of optimism for the organization’s future. This pivotal move is not merely a draft pick but a clear signal that the team is committed to cultivating long-term excellence. With Banks now part of the fabric of the team, the path forward is laden with promise and potential. Reflecting on the broader implications, this bold decision underscores how innovative draft strategies can forge pathways to sustained success, inspiring both players and fans to envision a future marked by resilience and strategic brilliance.