The Saints are done licking their wounds after that rough 5-12 season. It’s time to begin the journey to redemption, and they know it well. Their offseason started with hiring former Eagles OC Kellen Moore, who will now run the show as HC of the team. With Moore, the team is now looking to build on what’s working and fix what’s not. Kellen’s first task is finding the perfect replacement for Derek Carr. And with names like Joe Milton III and Shedeur Sanders floating around, a new one is gaining traction.
NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported on Thursday that the Saints “held a private workout today with QB Kyle McCord.” The 22-year-old plays for the Syracuse University and has led the nation in passing. “QB coach Scott Tolzien got an up-close look at the nation’s leading passer,” noted Garafolo. The Saints made the trip to Syracuse for the private session, signaling some serious interest in McCord as they explore their options under center.
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: The #Saints held a private workout today with Syracuse QB Kyle McCord, sources say. QB coach Scott Tolzien got an up-close look at the nation’s leading passer, who’s been ranked by many in the top 5 at the position. pic.twitter.com/pm8Oc2Qowj
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 27, 2025
Kyle began his college career at Ohio State, serving as the backup QB to C.J. Stroud in 2021. When Stroud made his NFL debut in 2023, Kyle was named Ohio State’s starter. The QB later transferred to Syracuse in December of that year. 10th in the Heisman Trophy voting, McCord finished his final season with 4,779 yards. The QB totaled 8,555 passing yards during his college career, combining his seasons at Ohio State and Syracuse.
Draft analyst Matt Miller predicts that Kyle will be taken in the fourth round. He expects the Syracuse QB to go as the seventh QB and 135th overall pick, while several other analysts rank him among the top 5 QB prospects. On the other hand, one mock draft projects the Saints trading away their first-round pick to move up to the 6th overall. So, what’s their strategy for the draft?
Kellen Moore’s playbook: Bold draft day gambles?
The Saints no longer want to end their journey in the regular season. Now, the team is aiming to become a playoff contender under Moore’s mentorship. With the right choices, New Orleans could be on their path to success.
For that to happen, they have to be very smart with the draft next month. If they want to be a Super Bowl-bound team, they better draft a few players who could be game-changers for the team. There is no time for developing players, the Saints need players who can make an immediate impact.
Credit: @KOFIKNOWS
Kellen Moore’s team holds the No. 9 pick in the first round this year. They’ll have plenty of talented players to choose from, but they might trade their pick with the Raiders to move up the ladder. That’s right, the Raiders own the No. 6 overall pick, and Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling believes the Saints could swap their No. 9 pick with the Raiders to land the No. 6 spot.
And what do they do with this pick? Well, Luke Easterling predicts the Saints will draft Michigan Wolverines defensive star Mason Graham. The 31-year-old recorded 24 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks in the 2024 season. Graham had zero fumbles and no interceptions.
Will they succeed in this plan? Only time will tell. What do you think about their approach?
The post Kellen Moore Eyes Top 5 QB With 8,555 Yards as Saints Predicted to Trade Away 1st Round Pick appeared first on EssentiallySports.
