Heading into the offseason, the conversation around the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback situation centered on veteran Derek Carr, who seemed locked in as the starter, at least for the 2025 season.
However, recent news of a shoulder injury that could sideline Carr has thrown the position into flux. With his regular-season status now in doubt, the Saints’ front office may be forced to explore alternative options in a trade or draft scenario.
The Saints own the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and analysts have predicted a top quarterback prospect landing to New Orleans in the first round.
Saints Predicted To Draft QB in 1st Round of 2025 NFL Draft
The injury to Carr came out of left field and has thrown New Orleans’ entire plans for a spin. Now, virtually every big name is being discussed as a possible replacement candidate, including Aaron Rodgers.
However, NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter, in his latest mock draft, believes the Saints will solve their problem come April 24 in the NFL Draft by selecting Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart with the ninth pick.
While Dart going this early is a bit surprising, Reuter believes Dart will be similar to a few previous quarterbacks that new Saints head coach Kellen Moore has coached previously, including Jalen Hurts. Comparatively, Dart possesses the ability to run for tough yardage and extend the pocket with his legs.Â
“I considered Dart at this spot even before we learned Derek Carr’s 2025 availability is in doubt, thanks to a shoulder injury,” Reuter wrote. “Dart would be a good fit with new head coach Kellen Moore, distributing passes from the pocket and running for tough yardage when required in a way that might remind Moore of QBs he’s coached in the NFL before, like Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Herbert.”
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Dart is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in this draft class, and his stock has risen significantly after a standout final season at Ole Miss. He set career highs across the board, including completion percentage (69.3%), passing yards (4,279), touchdowns (29), and QBR, while throwing just six interceptions.
With 41 starts over four years, the 21-year-old is a seasoned prospect and finished his collegiate career with 11,970 passing yards and 81 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,541 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, experts have widely argued that he may need time to develop, and he wouldn’t be ready to come in and start in Week 1.
PFSN’s Mock Draft Projection for Saints
In PFSN’s latest two-round mock draft by Cameron Sheath, the Saints are predicted to select Shedeur Sanders at No. 9 overall. Sanders wasn’t available in Reuter’s draft at No. 9, and given concerns over Dart’s ability to start right from the go, New Orleans would likely prefer the Colorado QB over him.
“I originally penciled in this pick with the idea that Sanders could sit for a year,” Sheath wrote. “But with Derek Carr now trending towards missing the 2025 season with a shoulder injury, Sanders could find himself thrust into a starting role.
“I do not doubt that Sanders has the mental strength to deal with an immediate starting job, but it would be ideal for him to iron out a few creases before being folded in half by NFL pass rushers.
“The Saints have continued to push their financial problems into the future (why pay if you don’t have to, right?) and reportedly restructured Carr’s deal again during the offseason. With a now-desperate need at quarterback, Sanders would allow the Saints to compete in 2025, while his rookie contract would allow them to balance the books in the long term.”
