A year ago, the New Orleans Saints were one of the more difficult teams to project for the 2025 NFL Draft, as there were a number of different positions the Saints could have addressed in the first round. This year, the Saints once again are picking towards the end of the top 10 and have a variety of positions they could seek to upgrade. In speaking with team sources, a few prospects stand out at this time. The Saints love Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and they also really like Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
The Saints have veteran Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon, and 2025 third-round pick Jonas Sanker as potential starting safeties for next season. Downs would probably be a plug-and-play upgrade for New Orleans. However, there is a good chance that Downs is off the board by the time the Saints are picking. He could easily go in the top seven as Downs is one of the best prospects in the draft, regardless of position.
Love could also be a plug-and-play upgrade for New Orleans. Last year, the Saints had a pathetic rushing attack, and Alvin Kamara led the team with only 471 yards on the ground. Quarterback Tyler Shough led them in rushing touchdowns with three, and the Saints had only nine rushing touchdowns all season. Love would be an instant upgrade for the Saints.
In 2025, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,372 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had 27 catches for 280 yards with three touchdowns receiving, and Love has blocked well in pass protection. In 2024, Love had a breakout season for the Fighting Irish, producing a lot of clutch plays to help the Irish reach the National Championship. As a sophomore, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,125 yards with 17 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 237 yards. Love (6-0, 214) has a strong build and is a physical downhill runner. Love is a talented runner with speed and instincts.
Sources with the Saints say they have a starter grade and view Love as a true first-round pick. However, they are questioning if they are in love with him enough to take him with the eighth-overall pick. They said that is still being worked through. Adding Love would definitely help improve the weapons and rushing attack to support Shough in his second season. In my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, I have the Saints taking one of these players, and sources say they are on the radar for New Orleans.
