Kellen Moore, Spencer Rattler headline Saints' biggest winners and losers post-NFL draft
Kellen Moore, Spencer Rattler headline Saints' biggest winners and losers post-NFL draft
The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their 2025 NFL draft class with nine selections. Draft classes aren't made within a vacuum, and they have a direct impact on the current roster. Some picks add support for key players on the roster, while others will result in a starter being replaced. Who are the biggest winners and losers on the Saints roster after the draft?
Winner: Kellen Moore
Feel how you want to feel about the Saints picking Tyler Shough. He is clearly the Kellen Moore's guy. Was he the right guy? That'll be answered with time. To walk out of your first draft with the quarterback you coveted, as an offensive minded head coach, is a dream scenario. For that alone, he is arguably the biggest winner in the draft.
Loser: Spencer Rattler
The Tyler Shough selection likely means the end of #TheAgenda. Derek Carr's injury opened the door for Rattler to start, and Kellen Moore shut that door when he essentially handed the keys to Shough. There are many fans who wanted to see what Rattler could do with a full disposal of skill players. He is unlikely to get that opportunity unless he is head and shoulders ahead of Shough through camp.
Loser: Trevor Penning
It is possible you put Kelvin Banks Jr. at guard, but using a top-10 pick on him suggests he'd be given a chance at tackle. Best case scenario for Trevor Penning is he's learning a third position in as many years. The worst case scenario slots Penning in at the extra offensive lineman when New Orleans uses a jumbo package. If the Saints use Banks at guard, it will only feel temporary. The pressure would be heavy on Penning to produce this year.
Winner: Isaiah Foskey
The New Orleans Saints didn't pick an edge rusher until the 7th round. That low level of investment in a highly valuable position would suggest they're ok with what's in the room. Chase Young's contract showed they were satisfied with the starters, but edge rushers will have to rotate. Foskey remains next in line. There's a lot of faith being put in Brandon Staley and his new system
Loser: 2024 interior defensive linemen
Unlike Foskey, the Saints did invest in the interior defensive line. The first defensive pick was Vernon Broughton. He's a top-100 pick which suggests he has a good chance to contribute soon. Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd may see their roles decrease and likely be off the roster in 2026. Interior defensive line was a problem and the Saints have brought in Broughton and Davon Godchaux to bolster the trenches.
Winner: Alvin Kamara
Kamara is still a quality running back in the league, but he clearly needed a running mate. Kendre Miller has shown the ability to be that, but has lacked the ability to stay healthy. The Saints added Devin Neal in the sixth round. Neal is the most decorated rusher in Kansas history. He should give Kamara a good partner if Miller's injury woes continue
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