HUGE UPDATE: Saint GM Mickey Loomis Provides an Exciting and Mindblowing Update on QB Shedeur Sanders, Trade To Replace Derek Carr Amid His Contract Crisis

After finishing 5-12, the New Orleans Saints found themselves in a familiar situation: not in the playoffs, but not awful enough to earn a top draft pick. New Orleans’ record earned them the ninth overall pick, and while outstanding talents can be taken at that position, all of the top quarterbacks are typically off the board, which is exactly what the Saints require.

In most drafts, the best quarterback prospects are taken in the first five picks. There are exceptions, such as in 2024, when six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 picks, but 2025 is not likely to be one of those years. Most draft analysts predict that two quarterbacks, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, will be selected in the top ten.

While it is expected that they will both be out of the top six picks, there is rising speculation that one or both may fall. Many people believe that neither is a lock for the top five, which would be wonderful news for the Saints.

If one of the best quarterback prospects is available at No. 9, New Orleans will have to consider whether this is the year to take a first-round quarterback, which the organization hasn’t done since drafting Archie Manning in 1971.

Should the Saints draft a quarterback in the first round if the top prospects fall?
On the one hand, some might argue that this is why the quarterback is still available at No. 9, especially since so many quarterback-needy teams pick ahead of the Saints. If they all passed on the potential, it may be argued that he isn’t worthy of being selected in the top ten. On the other hand, it might be argued that New Orleans rarely gets a chance at first-round quarterbacks, thus the organization should definitely make the pick if one falls into its lap.

Both ideas have merit, but ultimately, clubs must do their own judgments. Every team and coaching staff may identify distinct qualities in prospects. Few expected Michael Penix Jr. to go eighth overall or Bo Nix to go 12th, but both the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos are pleased with their picks.

That’s why, as the combine approaches, the Saints must get to know these QB possibilities. Nobody knows what will happen on draft night, so whether it is at selection No. 9 or elsewhere in the draft, New Orleans must be ready to make a decision on a quarterback prospect.