Sanker emerged as a standout in Virginia’s secondary, particularly during his junior year in 2023, where he led the team with 107 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. His senior year in 2024 saw him continue his strong performance with 66 solo tackles, one interception, and four pass deflections .NFL Draft Buzz+1Wikipedia+1ESPN.com
🔍 Scouting Report
Strengths:
Versatility: Capable of playing both deep safety and nickel positions, providing flexibility in defensive schemes.
Instincts and Football IQ: Demonstrates strong anticipation and positioning, contributing to effective coverage and run support.
Tackling Ability: Known for reliable open-field tackling and physicality in run defense.Bleacher Report
Areas for Improvement:
Ball Production: While effective in coverage, Sanker recorded only two interceptions during his college career, indicating room to enhance turnover creation.
Man Coverage Technique: Needs to refine footwork and consistency when matched up one-on-one, particularly against faster receivers.
🏈 Fit with the Saints
Sanker’s skill set aligns well with the Saints’ defensive schemes, particularly if they utilize him in versatile roles within the secondary. His tackling ability and instincts make him a valuable asset in run support and zone coverage packages. With development, he has the potential to become a reliable contributor on defense and special teams.
Overall, Jonas Sanker appears to be a promising addition to the Saints’ roster, bringing versatility and physicality to their secondary.
Vernon Broughton is a defensive lineman from the University of Texas who was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 311 pounds, Broughton is known for his strength and run-stopping abilities.
College Career
Broughton played in 55 games for the Texas Longhorns, starting 16 of them. His most productive season came in 2024, where he recorded 39 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Notably, he had a standout performance against Texas A&M, securing two sacks and a game-sealing fumble recovery, earning him SEC co-defensive player of the week honors. (2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas DL Vernon Broughton – Steelers Depot, Vernon Broughton)
Strengths
Run Defense: Broughton excels at clogging running lanes and handling double teams, making him effective against the run.
Physical Attributes: With a strong upper body and good leverage, he can maintain his position against offensive linemen.
Versatility: He has experience playing multiple positions along the defensive line, which adds to his value.
Durability: Broughton remained healthy throughout his college career, showcasing his resilience.
Areas for Improvement
Pass Rush: He has limited pass-rushing moves and lacks explosiveness off the line, which may limit his effectiveness on passing downs.
Block Shedding: Broughton sometimes struggles to disengage from blocks, affecting his ability to make plays in the backfield.
Athleticism: His overall athleticism is considered average, which could impact his adaptability at the professional level. (2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas DL Vernon Broughton – Steelers Depot)
Fit with the Saints
Broughton projects as a rotational defensive lineman who can contribute immediately on early downs, particularly in run defense. His ability to occupy blockers and maintain gap integrity aligns with the Saints’ defensive schemes. While he may not be a primary pass-rushing threat, his presence can free up other defenders to make plays.
Overall, Broughton adds depth to the Saints’ defensive line and has the potential to develop into a reliable contributor with proper coaching and development.
The New Orleans Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough from the University of Louisville with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Shough, a 6’5″, 225-pound quarterback from Chandler, Arizona, had a notable college career spanning multiple programs. He began at Oregon, transferred to Texas Tech, and concluded at Louisville. (Tyler Shough)
In his final collegiate season at Louisville, Shough threw for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns, completing 62.7% of his passes. His performance earned him an honorable mention All-ACC and the Comeback Player of the Year award. He also tied the program record for most passing touchdowns in a Louisville debut. (Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough to sit out Sun Bowl | whas11.com, Tyler Shough – Football – University of Louisville Athletic)
Shough is known for his strong arm, poise under pressure, and leadership qualities. Despite concerns about his age—he will turn 26 during his rookie season—some analysts consider him a potential bargain in the draft. (‘Better than Cam Ward’ – NFL Draft’s oldest QB is potential bargain who proposed to wife with NIL deal)
While some analysts questioned the value of drafting a quarterback in the second round, especially given the depth of talent at other positions, the Saints’ selection of Shough indicates their belief in his potential to contribute to the team. (Why the Saints shouldn’t draft a QB tonight)
Shough’s experience and resilience could make him a valuable asset to the Saints as they look to strengthen their quarterback position.
Even with Derek Carr on the roster, he hasn’t proven to be the long-term answer. He’s serviceable, but not the future. And with Jameis Winston gone and Jake Haener still unproven, it makes sense for the Saints to look at adding a young QB to develop — especially on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.
Top Quarterbacks Still Available (or Projected Picks if Before Draft Day)
Depending on how the board falls, here are some names worth watching:
1. Quinn Ewers (Texas)
If he slides into the second round, he could be a strong value pick. Big arm, good mobility, and improved decision-making in 2024. He’s got starting potential with the right coaching.
2. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)
Strong arm, athletic, and has that gritty SEC experience. Could be a solid developmental QB in rounds 2–3.
3. Michael Pratt (Tulane)
A fan favorite in New Orleans, he’s tough, smart, and consistent. Not flashy, but a great leader who could be a dependable backup or even a future starter. Might be available in the middle rounds.
4. Jordan Travis (Florida State)
Coming off an injury, but when healthy, he’s a dynamic dual-threat QB. If the Saints are looking for a high-upside prospect late, he’s a solid option.
Verdict:
If one of the top QBs drops into a value spot, the Saints would be smart to make the move — especially with Carr not getting any younger and no clear succession plan in place.
The 2025 NFL Draft is officially underway, and Saints fans across the Who Dat Nation are watching closely as our team looks to retool and rebound. After another rollercoaster season that didn’t quite hit the mark, the front office has a lot on its plate — and this draft is crucial to getting us back on track.
Our First Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., Offensive Tackle, Texas
With their first-round pick, the Saints selected Kelvin Banks Jr., a dominant offensive tackle out of Texas. This move sends a clear message: it’s time to protect the quarterback and rebuild the trenches.
Banks is a physical, athletic left tackle with the footwork and strength to anchor the edge for years to come. He was a two-year starter for the Longhorns and widely regarded as one of the top tackles in the country. He’s got the size (6’5″, 320 lbs), technique, and toughness that can immediately help solidify a line that has struggled with consistency and injuries.
In recent years, offensive line play has been a weak spot — especially with the instability at left tackle. Banks could be a Day 1 starter and a franchise cornerstone if he develops as expected.
What the Saints Still Need
Even with a solid first pick, the Saints still have some important holes to fill in this draft:
Wide Receiver – We need more firepower in the passing game. A dynamic slot guy or a deep threat would open things up offensively.
Cornerback Depth – Injuries have hurt the secondary in recent seasons, and adding young talent here is key.
Pass Rush – Getting to the quarterback is still a concern. A rotational edge rusher with upside would make a lot of sense.
Linebacker Help – With aging veterans and limited depth, this could be a smart place to invest a mid-round pick.
Where They Should Go Next
With Kelvin Banks Jr. locking down the line, the Saints should look at offensive weapons or impact defenders in the next couple rounds. A playmaking wideout or a versatile cornerback would bring much-needed juice to this roster.
This is a deep draft at WR and DB, and the Saints have a chance to grab some serious value if they continue to draft smart.
We’ll be updating throughout the weekend with full coverage and reactions to every pick. Let us know what you think about the Kelvin Banks Jr. pick and what direction the Saints should go next!
The NFL franchise recently faced a lawsuit brought by Michel Messier, a self-proclaimed member of French royalty who said he and his family own rights to the Saints’ logo design, Sportico first reported Tuesday.
**Sunday, February 9, 2025** **4:00 PM – 11:00 PM** **Port Orleans Brewery** 4124 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA Get ready for the **ultimate Big Game watch party** in the heart of New Orleans!
**Iconic Louisiana Cuisine** Savor a chef-prepared buffet with all your favorite Big Game bites! **Craft Cocktails & Open Bar** Enjoy premium drinks crafted by top mixologists—complimentary options included! **Exclusive VIP Sections** Relax in soft seating and watch the game on **massive LED screen walls** for an immersive experience. Don’t have tickets to the game? No problem! Catch every play, commercial, and the star-studded halftime show in style. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Big Game with friends, food, and fun! **Let’s make it a night to remember, NOLA style!**
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