PFF gave us a C+

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1 (9): T Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Banks — The Saints had been linked to quarterbacks throughout the pre-draft process, but the prudent approach was always to build up the offensive infrastructure to set up their future quarterback for success. Banks allowed the lowest pressure rate (2.1%) of any left tackle in the Power Four over the past two seasons, and did so on more pass-blocking snaps than any other player. He should help keep the pockets cleaner in New Orleans.

2 (40): QB Tyler Shough, Louisville

Shough — After passing on quarterback in the first round, the Saints make Shough the third quarterback off the board. Shough is an older prospect — turning 26 years old in September after entering college in the same recruiting class as Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields — after working through multiple injuries in his collegiate career. He has NFL size and an NFL arm, coming off a 2024 season at Louisville where he earned a career-best 87.7 PFF passing grade.

3 (71): Dl Vernon Broughton, Texas

Broughton — The Saints took offensive players with their first two selections, but now add an interior defensive lineman. Broughton’s 86.1 PFF grade ranked 12th at the position in 2024. He also brings some interior pass-rush ability, as he put up an 86.3 pass-rush grade last season.

3 (93): S Jonas Sanker, Virginia

Sanker — Effort, energy and a physical mindset as a two-high safety are Sanker’s calling cards. The Virginia safety’s aggressiveness and closing ability allowed him to tally a 15.4% forced incompletion rate and 15 coverage stops in 2024. He has the potential to develop into an NFL starter.

4 (112): LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Stutsman — Stutsman was a three-year starter for Oklahoma and is one of the more physical players at the position in this class. He struggled in pass coverage throughout his career, but he was a dominant run defender in his senior season, posting a 90.9 PFF grade in that regard this past season.

4 (131): CB Quincy Riley, Louisville

Riley — Riley, the 178th prospect on the PFF Big Board, had a down year in coverage in 2024 but posted a very good 85.3 PFF coverage grade in 2023. He broke up nine passes and tallied two interceptions this past season.

6 (184): RB Devin Neal, Kansas

Neal — Neal posted an elite 90.5 PFF rushing grade in 2024 while averaging 3.73 yards after contact per attempt. He also contributed more than 20 receptions in each of the past three seasons.

7 (248): TE Moliki Matavao, UCLA

Matavao — Matavao caught 41 passes for 506 yards, averaging 12.3 yards per reception. He dropped just one pass all season, finishing with a drop rate of 2.4%.

7 (254): ED Fadil Diggs, Syracuse

Diggs — Diggs transferred from Texas A&M to Syracuse for his final college season, earning a career-best 83.2 PFF pass-rush grade with the Orange. He has the potential to continue to develop, with good size and burst for the position, in the NFL.

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