Sheduer Sanders Pro Day by Adam West
The New Orleans Saints stand at a critical juncture heading into the NFL Draft, facing a potentially franchise-altering decision with the ninth overall pick. The central question, heavily debated by Adam and Wolf on the latest Saints Block Party podcast, revolves around Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders: take the polarizing signal-caller at #9, or opt for a different strategy laden with its own risks?
Adam and Wolf, fresh off attending various pro days – including Colorado’s showcase where Adam directly questioned both Deion and Shedeur Sanders – emphasized the Saints’ undeniable intention to add a quarterback in this draft. This isn’t just speculation; it’s a conclusion drawn from the team’s actions, scouting focus (Senior Bowl, Combine, Pro Days), and the persistent smoke surrounding their interest, now echoed by national insiders like Adam Schefter, Albert Breer, and Daniel Jeremiah.
“We’ve been beating the table for… months, is that the Saints are in the business to add a quarterback in this draft,” Adam stated emphatically on the podcast. “Has not every indication that they’ve done shown you that?”
This pursuit comes despite Derek Carr’s presence and the ongoing situation with another young quarterback reportedly unhappy with his roster spot since before free agency began.
The Shedeur Factor: Value vs. Need
Shedeur Sanders himself is the crux of the Saints’ dilemma at #9. While his accuracy, poise, and football intelligence draw comparisons to solid NFL starters (Adam referenced a “Prime Andy Dalton with swagger” comp from Gray Rokenthal, and also invoked elements of Alex Smith minus elite athleticism), the question looms large: Is that profile worth the 9th overall pick?
Adam and Wolf acknowledged the complex reactions to Sanders. They addressed the undeniable negativity from some segments of the fanbase, partially attributing it to racial undertones aimed at a “confident, may come off cross as a brash young black man who comes from money.” But they also highlighted the legitimate football debate about drafting a quarterback without truly elite physical traits in the top 10.
“He’s a pocket passer… with no elite traits,” Wolf assessed purely from a physical standpoint, noting the stark contrast between Sanders’ somewhat “boring” on-field style and the extreme polarization surrounding his personality and potential.
The Alternative: BPA and a High-Stakes Gamble
The Saints Block Party hosts detailed the alternative path New Orleans is reportedly considering. This involves potentially selecting the Best Player Available (BPA) on their board if a high-value prospect falls to nine – names like Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren were mentioned as possibilities.
The next step in this scenario is where the gamble intensifies: packaging pick #40 and significant future draft capital – likely including a 2026 first-round pick – to trade back into the mid-to-late first round. The target? Potentially Sanders if he slips past #9, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (whom the Saints also reportedly like), or even Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.
However, this “have your cake and eat it too” approach is fraught with peril. As Adam noted, Milroe’s recent invitation to the draft strongly suggests he’s a first-round pick, likely forcing the Saints to trade up higher than initially hoped (perhaps into the 16-19 range, leapfrogging QB-needy teams) and increasing the asset cost. It’s a risky play that could leave them without their desired quarterback and down crucial future picks.
Battling the Draft Grade
This internal debate ultimately boils down to what the podcast termed “battling the draft grade.” The Saints’ front office likely has players like Sanders and Dart graded outside the premium tier typically associated with a top-10 pick.
“It’s like a principle you live by,” Wolf explained the front office mindset. “‘It’s got a second-round grade on this guy, and I got to take him at nine?’ Ugh. It’s like pain.”
This adherence to draft value clashes directly with the pressing need to find a potential long-term answer at the game’s most important position.
Implications and Predictions
The decision carries significant weight, not least for current starter Derek Carr. Adam and Wolf speculated that drafting Sanders at #9 could signal a quick end to Carr’s tenure in New Orleans, potentially via a post-June 1st move. Drafting a Dart or Milroe, however, might see Carr retained for the 2025 season as a bridge.
Furthermore, the PR and business implications of drafting Sanders, arguably the most famous player in the draft, cannot be entirely dismissed for a team whose ticket demand ranked near the bottom of the league last season, according to Wolf.
Despite the complexities and the allure of securing a blue-chip talent at another position, both hosts ultimately leaned towards the Saints taking Sanders if he’s available at #9. Adam placed the odds at 70%, with Wolf feeling even stronger at 78%. Taking Sanders directly avoids the high cost and uncertainty of a trade-up, addresses the QB need immediately, and injects significant buzz into the franchise.
“Just take him,” Wolf urged. “All this trading up and sh*t, man.”
As the draft clock ticks closer, the Saints face a defining moment. Will they secure their potential quarterback of the future directly at nine, or will they roll the dice on a complex maneuver? The answer will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.
Listen to the full discussion and analysis on the Saints Block Party podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/live/Bah3uppux2s?si=uZXM7iXHjUkM1A6c