Canal Street Chronicles
Who should Saints’ fans be scouting on Saturday?
The New Orleans Saints are just days away from beginning the 2024 regular season against the Carolina Panthers.
While the Saints have yet to begin, Week 2 of the college football season will feature some explosive matchups. These matchups will display multiple highly touted prospects that could be wearing black and gold next season.
Here are four prospects to watch this Saturday.
Kelvin Banks Jr. - Offensive Tackle, Texas
NFL Draft Buzz Projection: 1st - Mid
Although the Saints drafted a tackle this season, questions surrounding the long-term future of Ryan Ramczyk have created a need for more fresh linemen. Currently, Banks is the top-rated tackle in the class of 2025. His Texas Longhorns have a huge game against the Michigan Wolverines this weekend, and the Longhorns need Banks’ experience and productivity to construct an effective passing attack against a tough Michigan defense.
Nick Emmanwori - Safety/Cornerback, South Carolina
NFL Draft Buzz Projection: 4th
The Saints’ attempts to sign another safety this offseason was to no avail, and if Jordan Howden struggles, then a fresh safety may be the move. Emmanwori is a consistent playmaker for the South Carolina Gamecocks and will be an essential element to their defense this season. The Gamecocks will play the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday in a massive test between two dangerous SEC fringe teams. Although NFL Draft Buzz predicts him as a fourth rounder, some outlets predict him going much earlier, potentially in the late first round.
Colston Loveland - Tight End, Michigan
NFL Draft Buzz Projection: 1st - Mid
The thought of drafting a highly touted tight end has been discussed for several years - perhaps 2025 is the year to do it. Loveland is the highest-rated tight end in the 2025 Draft Class. Loveland is the full package of tight ends: catching, blocking, and running after catch. His Michigan Wolverines will need serious offensive production to keep up with Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns this Saturday.
Ollie Gordon II - Running Back, Oklahoma State
NFL Draft Buzz Projection: 1st - Late
With concerns around practically everyone in the running back-room’s future with the organization, perhaps New Or leans should draft an elite RB prospect. Gordon is the second highest ranked RB prospect in this class behind Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins. Gordon is a tall, physical back who is surprisingly quick and agile in space with upside potential in the passing game. His Oklahoma State Cowboys play the Arkansas Razorbacks this Saturday as they hope to continue their quest for a playoff berth.
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