The New Orleans Saints have invested a lot into the defensive line in recent years, but have not gotten much in return. This upcoming draft will be yet another chance for them to finally hit a home run with a pass rusher.
NFL.com draft expert Daniel Jeremiah expects them to dip back into that well, at least. In his first mock draft of the 2025 cycle, the Saints selected Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Mykel Williams with the ninth overall pick.
This is what Jeremiah had to say about this selection:
The Saints continue to add young, athletic players to their defensive front. Williams played hurt all season long, but his tools are exceptional.
Some New Orleans fans may be wary about adding a toolsy, injured defensive end and that would be fair. Williams has been a superstar since high school, though, and has a higher ceiling than either Payton Turner or Isaiah Foskey. Taking a risk on him would make the most sense of anyone they’ve drafted on the exterior since Cameron Jordan.
The 20-year-old was able to carve out a role for himself in the Bulldogs defense as a freshman, which is no small task. His role never really grew throughout his time in college though, and the production remained consistent. He had either 4.5 or five sacks in each campaign. There’s a bit of projection here but the traits speak for themselves.
