Canal Street Chronicles
New Orleans gets replacement for star player according to ESPN’s top draft expert.
Mock draft season is officially here, as ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. has released his first mock draft of the year. He has Miami quarterback Cam Ward going #1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, and Heisman Trophy winning CB/WR Travis Hunter going to the Cleveland Browns at #2. With the #9 pick, Kiper has the New Orleans Saints drafting Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, the top pure CB on almost every draft board.
9. New Orleans Saints
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson — who reads the QB incredibly well and has the quickness to finish plays with takeaways — could be the Marshon Lattimore replacement in New Orleans. Johnson had nine interceptions over his career at Michigan. The Saints seemingly always find their way out of their salary cap issues, but they are projected to be $70.6 million over the cap in 2025, per Roster Management System. They have to find Day 1 starters in the draft, and Johnson would fill a big hole. New Orleans allowed 7.3 yards per pass attempt this season, ranking 23rd in the league.
The Saints have bigger needs than cornerback, but this would be a pick made because Johnson is almost too good to pass on if he is still there at #9. Almost every expert on ESPN has Johnson as a top 4 prospect overall, so if the Saints are able to draft him at #9 that would be a huge get. Replacing Lattimore will not be easy, as he is one of the best corners in the NFL when healthy, but if there is anyone in this draft who has the ability to pick up where Lattimore left off it would be Johnson.
Read Kiper’s full mock draft on ESPN+ here.
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