The draft guru liked what Mickey Loomis did.
The New Orleans Saints are riding high following such a fun ending to the 2025 season. Optimism is high, the Saints added in free agency, and put together a very nice draft class. ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., has released his grades for all 32 teams and their draft classes.
What did the draft guru give the Saints for a final grade?
New Orleans Saints: B
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, edge rusher, defensive tackle, cornerback
"Everything about the Saints' offseason points to boosting the offense around Tyler Shough in an important year for the QB's long-term evaluation. It goes back to November, when the Saints traded Rasheed Shahid but opted not to move receiver Chris Olave, despite him entering his fifth-year option season and a trade making sense on paper. New Orleans also signed guard David Edwards (the offensive line was 29th in pass block win rate last season at 56%) and running back Travis Etienne Jr. (Alvin Kamara is going to be 31 years old, and his performance has dipped).
Next up is taking a contested-catch X factor in Jordyn Tyson. Teams wondered about his durability in the pre-draft process, as he missed a third of his college games and the combine. But he was my No. 1 receiver for what he put on tape when he was on the field. Tyson had 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 when he played 12 games, and he was well on his way to similar numbers in 2025 if not for a hamstring injury. The injuries are a factor. But with his ability to emerge from smothering coverage with the football and come down with high-point passes in the end zone, this potential pairing of Tyson and Olave has a high ceiling. And going back to the original point, he is exactly what Shough needs in Year 2.
Oscar Delp and Bryce Lance help, too. Delp can develop behind Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant. Lance sells his routes well, displays good body control and can make things happen after the catch.
On defense, Christen Miller is going to push the pocket from inside. But I was hoping the Saints would bring in a young edge rusher to develop before the end of Round 3, considering Cameron Jordan might not be back (and is 37 years old). During the draft, New Orleans traded for Tyree Wilson, but he has never really put it together since being picked No. 7 overall by the Raiders in 2023."
Get your money in now on New Orleans winning the NFC South!