The New Orleans Saints are in desperate need of a game-changer, and Mel Kiper Jr. believes they might just find one with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But his prediction might surprise you. In his first mock draft of the year, Kiper has the Saints selecting Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, a player many consider to be the best at his position in this draft class.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why would the best cornerback fall all the way to ninth?” Well, that’s the beauty of the draft. It’s unpredictable, and sometimes the best players at less-glamorous positions end up sliding down the board.
Johnson has all the tools to be a shutdown corner in the NFL. He’s got the size, the speed, and the ball skills to match up with any receiver in the league. And with nine interceptions in his college career, including three returned for touchdowns, he’s proven he can make big plays.
The Saints’ secondary has been a weakness in recent years, and adding Johnson would be a major upgrade. He’s got the potential to be a true lockdown corner, and he could transform the Saints’ defense.
Kiper’s prediction has Saints fans buzzing with excitement. If Johnson is still available at pick nine, it would be a steal for the Saints, and they could finally have the shutdown corner they’ve been searching for.
