As your New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. The 2025 NFL Draft big board rankings are reflective of Bucky Brooks' top five prospects by position 1.0 and ESPN's NFL Draft "Best Available" list. To keep track of the latest NFL mock drafts for the Saints, check out Mock Draft Monday. Part of the Saints Path to the Draft presented by Cox.

Top 10 Draft Prospects by Position

QB | OL | RB | DL | LB | DB | WR | TE

Here are the top 10 ranked draft prospects at defensive back.

1. Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)

Travis Hunter's Combine Results

• Height: 6-0 | Weight: 188 | Arms: 31 3/8 | Hands: 9 1/8
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Travis Hunter Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: DeVonta Smith / Darius Slay

Overview: "Exciting two-way player whose world-class athleticism and ball skills help him shine on both sides of the ball. Hunter is an instinctive, natural football player with a feel for making the biggest plays at the biggest times. He was the best player on his team by a long stretch. On offense, Hunter gets by on talent over technique but will need to smooth out the journey from press release to catch with better route running. He has the burst to uncover over three levels with ball skills and catch focus that are reminiscent of DeVonta Smith in his Heisman Trophy-winning season. The cornerback tape was solid in 2023 and improved across the board in 2024. Hunter takes his skills and instincts from receiver and transfers them to cornerback, where they amplify his ball-hawking talent and production. Hunter plays with excellent anticipation from man or zone with burst and playmaking range that should terrify quarterbacks. He possesses rare ball skills and leaping ability to make challenging interceptions and he will contest a high number of passes. He's leggy and loses some ground when transitioning from his pedal, and he needs to prove he can handle the rigors of NFL run support. Hunter was playing twice as much as his fellow prospects, and he lacks ideal frame size at both receiver and cornerback. Teams will need to make a decision on where and how to play Hunter, but he's capable of making a good number of winning plays as a future star no matter the choice." Full Travis Hunter draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Cornerback play was noticeably improved in 2024.
• Defensive playmaker with rare range.
• Plays with the expected level of route recognition.
• Smothers comebacks and crossing routes.
• Combines elite ball skills with impressive instincts.

Weaknesses:

• Long legs cause slower hip flips to run with vertical routes.
• Needs to stay lower and better balanced in his backpedal.
• Rarely challenged by NFL-caliber receiving talent in 2024.
• Must prove he can compete against higher weight classes.
• Committed blocks stick to him on the perimeter.

2. Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)

Will Johnson's Combine Results

• Height: 6-2 | Weight: 194 | Arms: 30 1/8 | Hands: 9 1/8
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Will Johnson Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Jaycee Horn

Overview: "Teams love big, fluid cornerbacks with ball production and that is exactly what Johnson offers. He's instinctive and plays with good body control and change of direction in space. He can play man coverage, but he's at his best when playing with his eyes forward instead of chasing routes downfield. Johnson displays good pre-snap recognition and can read and anticipate routes/throws at a high level. While he plays the role of thief in coverage, he needs to balance that mentality with a healthy respect for NFL route-runners, as he might lack the recovery speed to close the distance at a desired rate. He has coveted traits and his areas of concern fail to stand out as impediments for what could become a long, successful career as a future Pro Bowler." Full Will Johnson draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Big, smooth and instinctive.
• Presses with patient feet and strong re-routes.
• Connects quickly from press and can run with the route.
• Good body control and change of direction in space.
• Pre-snap play recognition makes it seem like he was in the offensive huddle.

Weaknesses:

• Suffered a season-ending turf toe injury in October.
• Ball greed makes him susceptible to double-moves.
• Struggles to factor once he's stacked by receiver.
• Average recovery burst and speed when beaten inside the route.
• Can afford to become more aggressive in block take-on and run support.

3. Jahdae Barron (CB/S, Texas)

Jahdae Barron's Combine Results

• Height: 5-11 | Weight: 194 | Arms: 29 5/8 | Hands: 9 1/2
• 40-yard Dash: 4.39 | 10-yard Split: 1.5 | Vertical Jump: 35
• Broad Jump: 10-3 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Jahdae Barron Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Tykee Smith

Overview: "Big nickelback was in the right place at the right time throughout his impressive 2024 season. Barron played smothering coverage underneath, fueled by route recognition, footwork and play strength. His instincts allow him to pounce on catch points or tackle pass catchers immediately from zone. However, he lacks recovery speed deep and can be a little too grabby at the top of the route in man. Tackle technique in run support is a shade inconsistent but looks easily correctable. The size and tape work in his favor as a physical nickel who can be an early contributor and future starter, with the potential to cross-train as a safety." Full Jahdae Barron draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Above-average size and strength as a "big nickel" corner.
• Able to forcefully redirect routes over the first 5 yards.
• Has plus awareness and instincts to make timely responses from zone.
• Ran receiver's routes for them like he knew the play in 2024.
• Claws, slaps and punches to beat up the catch point.

Weaknesses:

• Limited exposure in man coverage.
• Might not have the top-end speed to carry verticals solo.
• Average lateral transitions and recovery bust when beaten.
• Needs to run through and wrap up more frequently.
• Short arms could impact ball production and tackle success.

4. Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)

Malaki Starks' Combine Results

• Height: 6-1 | Weight: 197 | Arms: 31 5/8 | Hands: 9 1/2
• 40-yard Dash: 4.5 | 10-yard Split: 1.51 | Vertical Jump: 33
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: 7.26 | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.45 | Bench Press: DNP

Malaki Starks Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Three-year starter with reams of high-leverage games on his résumé. Starks is a versatile safety with the size and athleticism to eliminate contested catches and the speed and ball skills to shine when the action travels deep. Connection to the route is inconsistent in man and he's baited out of position by misdirection, but better discipline and anticipation should clean that up. He's not a true force player near the line and his pursuit angles can be raggedy but he gets guys down when he's in position. Starks has feast-or-famine moments on tape and disappointed with his short-area testing at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran well in Indianapolis, though, and was impressive in interviews with teams. He is a future starter as a movable back-end piece whose consistency will determine his floor/ceiling." Full Malaki Starks draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Has football IQ and athleticism to play multiple spots.
• Speed to phase deep routes or recover when necessary.
• Locates deep ball and plays it with plus body control.
• Challenges pass catchers with good force.
• Flows downhill and squeezes workspace for runners.

Weaknesses:

• Average peripheral vision and block shed as a down safety.
• Slows and catches contact when tackling running backs.
• Inconsistent to stack blocks or spill the run from the box.
• Suspect pursuit angles surrender long touchdowns.
• Too many eye violations in coverage this year.

5. Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)

Nick Emmanwori's Combine Results

• Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220 | Arms: 32 1/2 | Hands: 9
• 40-yard Dash: 4.38 | 10-yard Split: 1.49 | Vertical Jump: 43
• Broad Jump: 11-6 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 20

Nick Emmanwori Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Jeremy Chinn

Overview: "The assessment of Emmanwori's tape could depend on which games you watch. He's a physical specimen with rare size and outstanding speed, but he doesn't always play with a "first to the action" mentality in run support. When he gets it cranked up, he becomes a much more effective tackler and overall run stopper from sideline to sideline. He's capable of playing over the top, inside the box or even matching up with pass-catching tight ends. He's upright with average transition fluidity in coverage, but he has great recovery speed and uses his length to throw a blanket over the catch point. He has rare NFL traits and talent, so a boost in urgency could take him from a good starter to a Pro Bowl-caliber player." Full Nick Emmanwori draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Elite blend of traits, speed and versatility.
• Has the skill set to match up with top tight ends.
• Underestimating his range in space comes at a price.
• Wingspan and ball skills like a five-star wide receiver.
• Able to land punishing blows on catch targets.

Weaknesses:

• Drifts through games without urgency at times.
• Inconsistent downhill trigger in run support.
• Block take-on and pursuit angles need improvement.
• Gives too much ground to blockers instead of bypassing.
• Hip tightness limits transition quickness in space.

6. Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)

Maxwell Hairston's Combine Results

• Height: 5-11 | Weight: 183 | Arms: 31 | Hands: 8 3/4
• 40-yard Dash: 4.28 | 10-yard Split: 1.5 | Vertical Jump: 39 1/2
• Broad Jump: 10-9 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Maxwell Hairston Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Slender outside cornerback with long arms and impressive ball production. Hairston is capable of playing all forms of zone and man coverage. He anticipates well with his eyes forward and has the burst to take the ball away, posting six interceptions (three returned for TDs) over his last 20 games. He stays connected in man coverage with good agility and fluidity but needs to do a better job of locating the football downfield. He will struggle to contest big wideouts and his run support will turn off some teams. Hairston has the athleticism and on-ball talent to become a starter, but he needs to prove he can hold up to the rigors and physicality of the NFL game." Full Maxwell Hairston draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Pedals and changes direction with controlled footwork.
• Stays connected through transitions at the top of the route.
• Does a nice job of digesting route combos from zone.
• Reads quarterback to help anticipate route breaks.
• Runs well and stays in phase with the route.

Weaknesses:

• Declares hips a little prematurely.
• Inconsistent in locating the football downfield.
• Will have trouble checking stronger wideouts.
• Massive liability in run support.
• Below-average open-field tackler after the catch.

7. Azareye'h Thomas (CB, Florida State)

Azareye'h Thomas' Combine Results

• Height: 6-1 1/2 | Weight: 197 | Arms: 32 3/8 | Hands: 10
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: 10-2 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Azareye'h Thomas Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Jaylen Watson

Overview: "Press-man cornerback with average speed but excellent length to disrupt game flow for opponents. Thomas deters early looks his way from quarterbacks by jabbing, crowding and smothering the release from press. He lacks route recognition and lateral twitch to stay tight to breaks from off-man. He also needs to develop his instincts and trust his eyes from zone coverage. He has average top-end speed but competes to shrink the receiver's downfield catch odds using his length and ball skills. He's more likely to spoil a catch than make a play on the football that results in a turnover, but that could change with more experience. He's below average in run support, although he improved in that area in 2024. Thomas needs more seasoning, but he could become a good starter within two or three years." Full Azareye’h Thomas draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Imposing size and length as a press corner.
• Stalls receiver's release with a strong punch.
• Crowds and connects to the early stages of the route.
• Takes cues from receivers to turn, locate and play the throw.
• Seeks to occupy as much of the catch space as possible.

Weaknesses:

• Average body control to mirror wrinkles in the route.
• Roughhousing at break points could lead to penalties.
• Lacks anticipation and drive burst for off coverages.
• Below-average recovery speed once he's beaten.
• Too much lunging and arm tackling in run support.

8. Shavon Revel Jr. (CB, East Carolina)

Shavon Revel Jr.'s Combine Results

• Height: 6-2 | Weight: 194 | Arms: 32 5/8 | Hands: 9 5/8
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Shavon Revel Jr. Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Benjamin St-Juste

Overview: "Big, long and fast are the physical descriptors that stand out for the East Carolina corner. Revel is leggy when matching press release but he's disruptive once he gets his hands on the wideout. He plays upright in man coverage, tends to allow small pockets of separation due to his high center of gravity and still needs improvement when it comes to finding and defending the deep ball, despite his ability to stay in phase with vertical routes. He has ideal length and good vision from zone, and he should continue to improve in that coverage with more experience. Revel suffered a torn ACL in September, but his measurables, explosiveness and upside give him a good chance to become an early starter." Full Shavon Revel Jr. draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Enticing blend of length and top-end speed.
• Uses long arms to re-route wideout in press.
• Digests combination routes and comes out cleanly.
• Plays with ideal eye balance to make plays from zone.
• Uses long strides and plus acceleration to close the distance.

Weaknesses:

• Split high with long legs and a high center of gravity.
• Footwork and timing can get away from him when mirroring press release.
• Average balance and body control matching route breaks and stops.
• Relies too heavily on face-guarding instead of finding the football.
• Needs to improve pursuit angles and entry points as a tackler.

9. Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)

Trey Amos' Combine Results

• Height: 6-1 | Weight: 195 | Arms: 31 1/4 | Hands: 9
• 40-yard Dash: 4.43 | 10-yard Split: 1.6 | Vertical Jump: 32 1/5
• Broad Jump: 10-6 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 13

Trey Amos Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Tarheeb Still

Overview: "Long press cornerback who proved he could make the jump from the Sun Belt to the SEC without a hitch. Amos can disrupt the release and plays with good short-area movement in man coverage. He can get a little lost at the top of the route and needs occasional safety nets over the top. He has twitchy feet to close and sees the action clearly from zone but can be hampered by indecisiveness, despite favorable instincts. Amos uses physicality and length to shrink the 50/50 odds in his favor. He can play in multiple coverage but is most consistent in zone. Amos needs to ramp up his run support and trust his eyes in space, but he has the goods to become a solid starting outside corner." Full Trey Amos draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Possesses foot quickness and size to be a problem in press.
• Plays with pro coverage agility and transition quickness.
• Has body control and footwork needed to stay in phase versus NFL routes.
• Twitchy burst and long arms help with catch disruption.
• Plant-and-drive is sudden and without stall at the top.

Weaknesses:

• Can be a little too quick to open hips to route movement.
• Allows unnecessary separation from off-man coverage.
• Needs better eye balance and decisiveness from off coverage.
• Loses some ground when it turns into a flat-out foot race.
• Plays receiver's hands instead of the ball with back to the action.

10. Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)

Benjamin Morrison's Combine Results

• Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Arms: 30 3/8 | Hands: 9 1/4
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Benjamin Morrison Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Linear outside cornerback whose eye-catching ball production must be balanced out by his inconsistencies in coverage. Morrison would appear to be a natural press corner, but he lacks ideal footwork to mirror and match not only the release but the initial route breaks. He has below-average coverage fluidity in open spaces and appears to be more effective covering the deep ball than shadowing routes on the first two levels. Morrison is more patient from off coverages and takes efficient paths to the throw, so a more zone-oriented scheme could make sense, while helping to minimize areas of concern." Full Benjamin Morrison draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Inquisitive but patient in reading routes from off-man coverage.
• Squeezes deep routes with proper positioning and head turn.
• Good make-up speed to chase and close separation.
• Outstanding ball production – nine interceptions in 31 games.
• Natural feel for attacking angles and catch points.

Weaknesses:

• Lacks ideal arm length and play strength as a press corner.
• Struggles to consistently mirror against sudden release fakes.
• Below-average hips and feet to retrace routes from trail positioning.
• Carries a slight stall before triggering to match route breaks.
• Accessible throwing windows frequently open around him.