ESPN’s Mel Kiper believes the New Orleans Saints will select Marshon Lattimore’s replacement in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The New Orleans Saints are in the offseason, therefore it’s mock draft season for the fans. Despite a strong start to the 2024 season, an unprecedented number of injuries kept the Saints out of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. With a stunning $52.3 million over the salary cap and no head coach, the team must make all of its picks if they hope to play meaningful football in January.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper issued his newest mock draft, and he believes the Saints will look for a replacement for Marshon Lattimore. After selling the veteran for a third-round pick, the draft analyst expects New Orleans to choose Michigan cornerback Will Johnson with the ninth overall choice. Johnson, known for his ability to read quarterbacks and finish plays quickly, might be a potential replacement for Marshon Lattimore in New Orleans.They need to identify Day 1 starters in the draft, and Johnson would address a significant need.”
New Orleans Saints Select CB Will Johnson In Latest Mock Draft Travis Hunter is one of them, but there is a good argument that Will Johnson is the second-best cornerback in this draft class. The Michigan product, who stands over 6′-0″ and weighs 200 pounds, has the size to tackle larger targets while maintaining the agility and footspeed of a smaller cornerback. Essentially, he can follow opposition wide receivers and blanket them along the route.
While he has the potential to be a lockdown cornerback in a man-based scheme, he is also capable of playing zone coverage. His quick feet are on display here as well, as the NFL Draft candidate can immediately pounce when players enter his zone, and he has the awareness to break on the ball and anticipate where the quarterback will take the football.
He is a terrific prospect, but he is not perfect. As previously stated, he possesses the size and strength to play man, but great receivers may expose his shaky fundamentals. This is not unique to Johnson; most cornerbacks must fine-tune their coverage approach after entering the league. He’s also not the best tackler, but that’s acceptable. Ultimately, he’s a wonderful talent, but is he the perfect pick in this Saints mock draft?
Did they choose the right guy?
The answer to this question will most likely rely on what happens with imminent free agent Paulson Adebo. Lattimore will not return, but the former third-round pick may if the Saints pay up. Unfortunately, this team will struggle to match a significant offer because New Orleans is well above the 2025 salary cap. While General Manager Mickey Loomis plans to restructure his way to salary cap compliance, he may not be able to create enough space to keep Adebo.
Adebo and second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry are both starting-caliber players whose presence could lead New Orleans to focus on bigger needs. If Adebo stays, the Saints may have to draft a cornerback, but if he doesn’t, the team could address the offensive line with someone like LSU’s Will Campbell.
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