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 on the defensive line.

1. Abdul Carter (Edge, Penn State)

Abdul Carter's Combine Results

• Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Arms: - | Hands: -
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Abdul Carter Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Carter has the urgency and athletic talent to bombard the stat sheet. He's always first out and first into contact after the snap but can dart into gaps or around blocks as a penetrator. He's willing to scrap at the point of attack; additional time in the weight room might be in order for his move up in class. Carter rushes with a rabid, all-game intensity that's hard for opponents to match. He explodes out of the blocks and can force tackles to abandon their technique to go catch him. He can bend and flatten at the top of the rush or hit a game-breaking spin counter inside. He's good with his hands but needs to keep working in that area to prevent long punchers from knocking him off-course. Carter's explosiveness, hunger and body control should have him on track to become a highly productive 3-4 rush linebacker with Pro Bowl talent." Full Abdul Carter draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Strikes first to gain early advantage at point of attack.
• Too sudden to be stopped from B-gap penetration.
• Slips and parries blocks with footwork and hand swipes.
• Stride length and speed allow for expanded range as playmaker.
• Rush talent to spin the sack counter and alter protection schemes.

Weaknesses:

• Average size and extended power at point of attack.
• Can be engulfed and neutralized by strength and length.
• Comes in hot, creating smaller margins for error as tackler.
• Displays some ankle tightness in his upfield rush.
• Needs to keep schooling up his hands and rush plan.

2. Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)

Mason Graham's Combine Results

• Height: 6-3 1/2 | Weight: 296 | Arms: 32 | 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: 24

Mason Graham Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Christian Wilkins

Overview: "Three-technique who provides activity, effort, strength and quickness. Graham's first-step quickness makes interior disruption inevitable. He has the instant read and response to regularly beat lateral blocks. He's stout at the point of attack with great leverage and body control but will lose some ground against double teams. Graham's lack of length makes it tougher for him to find quick wins as a rusher, but he more than makes up for it with his activity level and foot quickness. Harmonious hands and feet are the catalyst for his edge-to-edge counters, while his extended effort and closing burst help him get home. He may not dominate as a pro but his strength, body control and quickness should allow him to play his brand of ball and become a good starter in an upfield defensive front." Full Mason Graham draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Plays with a non-stop motor and easy movement.
• Gets into blockers before they can get into their action.
• Compact power with instant punch and ability to extend at the point.
• Lateral quickness to eliminate reach blocks and penetrate the gaps.
• Former wrestler with a feel for leverage through contact.

Weaknesses:

• Built with a burly frame and stubby arms.
• Lack of length creates additional work to get around wide bodies.
• Not enough bull-rush to collapse guards into the pocket.
• Has trouble dropping a deep anchor against double teams.
• Needs to develop a go-to move to improve sack production.

3. Jalon Walker (Edge, Georgia)

Jalon Walker's Combine Results

• Height: 6-1 | Weight: 243 | Arms: 32 | Hands: 10 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

Jalon Walker Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Nolan Smith

Overview: "Some see Walker as a "tweener" while others view him as a "hybrid." Either way, Walker can go. His career snap count is split between edge and linebacker, and his leadership is famous in the Georgia building. He's still working to fine-tune his instincts and efficiency as an off-ball linebacker but has the take-on and closing burst to become a productive pro at that spot. He's tough but small as an early down edge rusher, but his athletic talent and suddenness to attack both edges makes him a menace for tackles. The most valuable usage for Walker is likely to come as an early down linebacker who can rush off the edge or match up across the line as a blitzer on passing downs." Full Jalon Walker draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Hybrid talent who takes snaps as an off-ball linebacker and on the edge.
• Drifts downhill to meet blocks and constrict the run lane.
• Good length to stack blocks or punch and pass on the move.
• Twitched up with an elite closing burst to the football.
• Rush attack is highly athletic and very natural.

Weaknesses:

• Below-average size as a full-time edge defender.
• Improved off the ball but still developing his instincts.
• Needs to prevent his play-side shoulder from being covered.
• Average bend limits his sink and flatten potential at the top.
• Gets mauled by size when his rush crowds too close to tackle.

4. Shemar Stewart (Edge, Texas A&M)

Shemar Stewart's Combine Results

• Height: 6-5 | Weight: 267 | Arms: 34 1/8 | Hands: 9 5/8
• 40-yard Dash: 4.59| 10-yard Split: 1.58 | Vertical Jump: 40
• Broad Jump: 10-11| 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Shemar Stewart Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Roy Robertson-Harris

Overview: "Stewart is carved from granite, possessing a rare blend of traits, explosiveness and untapped upside. He's long and sudden off the snap but hasn't learned to weaponize his hands to control the point of attack and bypass protection with go-to moves. His bull-rush compresses the pocket off the edge, and he's too athletic for guards when reduced inside. He can be very disruptive in both phases but requires additional training to start converting his opportunities into finishes. The lack of production relative to the traits is a concern; still, players who move like him are highly coveted. While the boom-or-bust label might be in play, it feels like a matter of time before it all starts to click at a high level." Full Shemar Stewart draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Carved from granite with a rare combo of size, length and explosiveness.
• First-step burst and good bend to create danger in the gaps.
• Strength to drive lateral blocks into the backfield.
• Exceptional chase speed to close hard off the backside.
• Speed-to-power rush knocks pass-setting tackles off their mark.

Weaknesses:

• Puzzling lack of career production relative to his traits.
• Allows blockers into his frame, diminishing his length.
• Gets pushed off his base and widened at the edge.
• Leans into blocks instead of commanding the point of attack through force.
• Rushes the passer with intensity, but there can be a lack of plan and focus.

5. Mykel Williams (Edge, Georgia)

Mykel Williams's Combine Results

• Height: 6-5 | Weight: 260 | Arms: 34 3/8 | Hands: 10 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

Mykel Williams Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Gregory Rousseau

Overview: "An upside prospect with loads of traits, Williams simply needs more snaps and more time to fill out his frame. He is an explosive athlete who uses his exceptional length to keep tackles and tight ends at the end of his punch. He plays a little too tall at the point and needs to get stronger to shed blocks more quickly, but he plays with good physicality in the trenches and is never pushed around. He's still learning moves and counters but already has a big bull rush, good secondary effort and the closing burst to become a sack blanket in the pocket. He's not there yet, but Williams' improvement to become an impactful 4-3 base end feels inevitable." Full Mykel Williams draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Explodes out of stance and into blocks with force.
• Range and quickness to spill and chase or close down the backside.
• Covers ground quickly with his backside pursuit.
• More than 30 percent of his career tackles resulted in a loss.
• Quality get-off to attack the high side of the rush.

Weaknesses:

• Needs to improve base strength and upper-body power.
• Can be stalled by strong hands that cinch him up.
• Inconsistent press-and-shed at point of attack.
• Pass rush approach is currently underdeveloped.
• Rush can become too straight-legged and upright.

6. Mike Green (Edge, Marshall)

Mike Green's Combine Results

• Height: 6-3 | Weight: 251 | Arms: 32 | Hands: 8 1/2
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 28

Mike Green Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Alex Highsmith

Overview: "High-energy pass rusher with productivity and a method of play that should translate to the next level. Green displays a natural and instinctive rush, utilizing loose hips and a series of moves and counters that can open doors with force or finesse. He's very physical, with notes of violence in the way he attacks blockers in both phases. His explosiveness allows him to penetrate gaps, play around or through the protection edges and change direction quickly to finish in the backfield. He relentlessly presses forward, but can run out of gas due to his hot-running motor. Teams might wish he were heavier and longer but he's willful, skilled and powerful with the ability to create enormous matchup concerns as an edge rusher on the next level." Full Mike Green draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Possesses explosive power, strong core and full-tilt motor.
• Plays ball with a high level of violence and physicality.
• Burst, leverage and leg drive propel him into the backfield.
• Clubs, fights and slips his way off blocks to tackle.
• Ankle flexion allows him to corner low and tight around the edge.

Weaknesses:

• Lacks length and mass as an edge-setter.
• Gets knocked off course by the long poke of a tackle.
• Plays so hard that he occasionally runs out of gas.
• Dips inside and loses contain responsibilities.
• Hard-charging style makes him vulnerable to misdirection.

7. James Pearce Jr. (Edge, Tennessee)

James Pearce Jr.'s Combine Results

• Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 | Arms: 32 3/4 | Hands: 10
• 40-yard Dash: 4.47 | 10-yard Split: 1.56 | Vertical Jump: 31
• Broad Jump: 10-3 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

James Pearce Jr. Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Odafe Oweh

Overview: "Pearce is a tight-hipped, linear pass rusher with explosive take-offs and good speed-to-power but a lack of bend to flatten at the top. His high pressure rate is partially derived from an instinctive feel for positioning, allowing him to work around protection for quick wins into the pocket. He's very long but narrow through his hips, so the build-out of his frame might be limited. Pearce knows how to play around blocks and has the speed to close and tackle, but his base is naturally narrow and lacks bend. He'll need to improve his strength and technique as an NFL run defender. Despite those concerns, Pearce's length, twitch and rush production create a higher ceiling." Full James Pearce Jr. draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Explosive first, second and third steps in his rush.
• Attacks a slow punch with a compact slap to open outside/inside edge.
• Creates big speed-to-power push despite a lack of mass and bend.
• Can beat half-man protection positioning in an efficient, linear track.
• Effective use of length to separate from and slink around blocks.

Weaknesses:

• Needs more mass and play strength for transition into pros.
• Lacks swipe strength to displace blocker's hands once they are in.
• Pass rush can be knocked off-track by a firm punch.
• Tight hips makes it easier to guide him past the pocket.
• Struggles to break down quickly in space, allowing sacks to slip away.

8. Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)

Walter Nolen's Combine Results

• Height: 6-4 | Weight: 296 | Arms: 32 1/2 | Hands: 9 1/2
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Walter Nolen Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: John Franklin-Myers

Overview: "Nolen has NFL-starting size but won't blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up. He has the athletic talent to play into gaps but needs to play with better hands to keep himself clean at the point of attack. He wins as a rusher with his athleticism and play strength, and doesn't need to be schemed for. The pass rush still requires refinement, but he already flashes quick-win moves that foreshadow good pressure and sack production as a pro. Nolen's blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as a three-down interior lineman." Full Walter Nolen draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Impressive playmaking production as an interior defender.
• Twitchy off the snap and into blockers with good pop.
• Power to punch and shove defenders aside to take over the gap.
• Can absorb double teams or play across blocker's face and into backfield.
• Outstanding body control to regain balance and make a play.

Weaknesses:

• Below-average extension and control at the point.
• Needs to play with consistent inside hands to stay clean.
• Base width can narrow on him in both phases.
• Looks to disengage from blocks too quickly at times.
• Rush needs a more diversified first-phase approach.

9. Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)

Kenneth Grant's Combine Results

• Height: 6-4 | Weight: 331 | Arms: 33 1/2 | Hands: 10 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: 22

Kenneth Grant Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Tedarrell Slaton

Overview: "Grant is a broad-bodied nose tackle whose tape can run hot and cold depending on the game and the types of blocks he's facing. He struggles to anchor when hit with down blocks due to his narrow base and tall pads, but he uses his power and length to beat single blocks and split double teams when he finds the crease. He had some sack production in college, and we could see him improve in that area once he learns to create more rush space with his hands. Grant's game will finally come together in full when he's able to take his impressive physical attributes and impose his will on opponents." Full Kenneth Grant draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Built with a broad chest, thick lowers and long arms.
• Capable of playing multiple spots in odd or even fronts.
• Can absorb and split double teams when pad level is right.
• Possesses club strength to knock blocker off balance.
• Good strike and extend with arm-over release as a two-gapper.

Weaknesses:

• Too often lacks explosiveness for dominant early phase reps.
• Plays with tightness in lowers and a narrow base.
• Has a tougher time growing roots against angle blocks.
• Limited range and short-area quickness as a tackler.
• Poor first-step quickness to create advantages for his rush.

10. Nic Scourton (Edge, Texas A&M)

Nic Scourton's Combine Results

• Height: 6-3 | Weight: 257 | Arms: 33 | Hands: 10
• 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP

Nic Scourton Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Trey Hendrickson

Overview: "Physical edge presence with the potential for creating havoc on all three downs. Scourton can power across the blocker's face and into gaps but is an average "set-and-contain" run defender. He plays with adequate hustle and range in pursuit and hits runners with heavy pads. He's an eclectic rusher with a mature rush plan and rarely shows opponents the same look on consecutive plays. He won't outrace or bulldoze tackles, but he utilizes tempo alterations and a bag full of moves and counters. Teams threw chips and double-teams his way out of concern and respect. Scourton's size, demeanor and rush talent give him a chance to become a productive three-down starter off the edge." Full Nic Scourton draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

• Good power and aggression when attacking the point.
• Capable of playing through edges or slipping blocks for disruption.
• Hounds the play with tremendous change-of-direction talent.
• Forced offenses to send additional protection help his way.
• Thoughtful rusher who sets up moves and counters.

Weaknesses:

• Looked a step quicker on his 2023 tape at Purdue.
• Lacks of length prevents him from controlling edge blockers.
• Gets caught sleeping and loses contain positioning.
• Average acceleration creates average speed-to-power rush.
• Allows tackles to close the distance and bring him in tight.