Three Offensive Players the Saints Could Target with the Ninth Pick
With new head coach Kellen Moore taking over in New Orleans, the Saints are poised to reshape their offense in 2025. Coming off a historic season as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator, where he helped craft one of the league’s most explosive attacks, it’s hard to imagine Moore not wanting to add more firepower to his new team. Holding the ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Saints have a prime opportunity to land a dynamic playmaker who can elevate their offense. Whether it’s a top-tier wide receiver, a game-changing tight end, or a versatile running back, New Orleans could target several potential stars to jumpstart Moore’s vision. Here are three offensive prospects the Saints could consider with their first-round pick.
Ashton Jeanty
One intriguing option for the Saints at number nine is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who just put together a historic season for the Broncos. Jeanty dominated in 2024, racking up over 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards, making him one of college football's most dynamic dual-threat backs. His connection to new Saints head coach Kellen Moore, a Boise State legend, adds another layer of intrigue to this potential pairing. Moore helped guide Saquon Barkley to nearly 2,000 rushing yards in Philadelphia, proving he knows how to maximize an elite running back’s impact. Jeanty could bring that same explosive element to New Orleans, complementing Alvin Kamara in the short term and potentially succeeding him as the team’s lead back in the future. Of course, taking a running back this high in the draft comes with a significant risk, especially given the Saints’ other pressing needs and the way the position has been devalued in today’s NFL. However, if Moore believes Jeanty is a truly special talent, sometimes you must go with your guy and build your offense around that vision.
Will Campbell
Another prospect the Saints should strongly consider at number nine is LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell. While he primarily played tackle in college, his size, power, and athleticism make him a prime candidate to kick inside to guard an area where the Saints have needed an upgrade for some time. If New Orleans truly wants to establish a dominant running game and provide a clean pocket for their quarterback, investing in the offensive line is a must, especially in a draft that isn’t particularly deep at the position. Campbell’s blend of physicality and footwork makes him an ideal fit for Kellen Moore’s offense, especially if the Saints want to build a unit that can open lanes for the run game while keeping their quarterback upright. His play style is reminiscent of Cowboys' All-Pro guard Zack Martin, another former college tackle who successfully transitioned inside and became a foundational piece of Dallas’s offensive line. Like Martin, Campbell plays with a nasty edge, has the power to drive defenders off the ball in the run game, and shows the agility to hold up in pass protection. With the Saints’ interior line struggling in recent years, adding a player with Campbell’s upside could go a long way in solidifying the trenches for years to come.
Tetairoa McMillan
A third prospect the Saints should consider at number nine is Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. New Orleans has lacked a true big-bodied possession receiver since Michael Thomas, and adding a physical target like McMillan would provide much-needed balance to their receiving corps. With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed excelling as dynamic downfield threats, the Saints could use a receiver who can win one-on-one matchups, make contested catches, and serve as a reliable target in the short-to-intermediate game. At six-foot-five, with elite ball-tracking skills and a massive catch radius, McMillan has the archetype of a true X-receiver, similar to Tee Higgins or Drake London. He thrives at using his size and body control to box out defenders, making him an ideal red-zone weapon and a go-to option in high-pressure situations. For an offense looking to add a physical dimension to its passing attack, McMillan could be the perfect complement to the Saints' existing speed and route-running talent, giving them a well-rounded and more dangerous receiving unit.
With Kellen Moore now at the helm, the Saints can reshape their offense and add a key playmaker with the ninth overall pick. Ashton Jeanty could bring a dynamic rushing element to complement or eventually replace Alvin Kamara, while Will Campbell would provide much-needed strength and stability to the offensive line. Tetairoa McMillan, on the other hand, could give New Orleans the big-bodied possession receiver they’ve been missing since Michael Thomas. Each prospect fills a significant need and could help Moore build an offense that thrives on the ground and through the air. While the Saints have other roster concerns, securing a true difference-maker on offense could be the key to unlocking their full potential in 2025 and beyond.
