As the New Orleans Saints gear up for a crucial moment in their franchise history, the 2025 NFL Draft is poised to be the first under new head coach Kellen Moore. With uncertainty hanging over the quarterback position due to Derek Carr’s shoulder injury, along with an aging roster that needs rejuvenation, expectations were high for the Saints to make impactful choices.
Unfortunately, a cloud of disappointment looms over the team’s draft strategy this year, as they might be facing one of the most underwhelming drafts in recent memory. With questionable selections compounding the challenges of an already difficult roster situation, the time has come for some serious introspection within the organization, leading to conversations about the future of general manager Mickey Loomis. Could Jon Gruden be the answer they need?
The Saints’ draft choices, starting with their first-round selection of Kelvin Banks Jr., have not met the expectations set by fans and analysts alike. Banks, although not without talent, was picked ninth overall, raising eyebrows, especially given the team’s pressing needs at positions like defensive end and wide receiver. Adding to the concerns, Banks has areas requiring significant development, particularly in his technique, where he often tends to lunge during plays.
The head-scratching nature of the Saints’ draft continued in the second round with the selection of quarterback Tyler Shough. Shough, who was the third quarterback off the board, drew scrutiny as the Saints opted for him over notable talents like Shedeur Sanders and Quinn Ewers. This move echoes a past decision when the franchise famously passed on Lamar Jackson—a blunder that still resonates with fans today.
While Saints Twitter buzzed with reactions, the general sentiment leaned toward frustration. Shough’s selection, despite comments about his readiness, felt premature to many. The Saints could have potentially waited to address the quarterback situation instead of taking a player who spent an extended timeframe in college—seven seasons, to be precise.
The peculiar drafting did not end there. The Saints’ later picks in rounds two and three, including Vernon Broughton and Jonas Sanker, also seemed to miss the mark. There were some bright spots on day three with selections like Quincy Riley and Devin Neal, but the overarching theme of the draft remains rooted in unrealized potential and missed opportunities. The early reaches and failure to secure top-tier talent have set the Saints back once again, adding to a narrative of frustration with Loomis’ decision-making.
Compounding the situation are Loomis’ earlier missteps, such as the decision to extend Derek Carr and the trade for Marcus Davenport. These moves have further illustrated a trend of questionable choices that suggest the need for a fresh perspective in the front office. Since Sean Payton and Drew Brees departed, the Saints’ record has been a disheartening 49-66, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Jon Gruden emerges as a compelling candidate to step in and breathe new life into the Saints’ operations. Having spent time with the Saints as a consultant in 2023, he possesses familiarity with the organization and its current players. With a coaching career that dates back to 1990, his extensive experience has molded him into a tactician known for building successful teams and cultivating winning cultures.
Despite a lack of direct general manager experience, Gruden’s keen understanding of the game—honed through years of analysis in the NFL and his own coaching stints—positions him well for the role. His insights into collegiate talent, gained from his recent work, would surely enhance the Saints’ scouting efforts during the draft.
Gruden’s passion for football, combined with his wealth of knowledge, could be precisely what’s needed to recharge the Saints. This blend of enthusiasm and expertise might just provide the spark that the franchise needs to pivot toward a brighter future. As the Saints sift through the consequences of a disappointing draft and contemplate the road ahead, only time will tell if a change at the helm could lead them back to prominence in the league.
