As the New Orleans Saints approach the final week of the regular season, attention is beginning to shift toward the offseason, with the NFL Draft on the horizon. The Saints are particularly excited following an impressive 2025 draft class, which has energized fans to look ahead at promising talents emerging from the college ranks. With the College Football Playoffs underway this week, several elite prospects are taking center stage, offering a glimpse of potential future stars.
Among the top talents spotlighted in the quarterfinals of the playoffs are some standout players whose performances could greatly influence drafting strategies. While previous reports have featured Rueben Bain from Miami, other remarkable prospects are ready to make their mark.
From Miami, defensive end Akheem Mesidor is creating significant buzz. Often overshadowed by fellow lineman Rueben Bain, Mesidor’s skills cannot be overlooked. He showcased his abilities with 1.5 sacks and an impressive 11 pressures in a recent game against Texas A&M. Despite being a 25-year-old prospect by draft day, his high-energy play combined with a blend of speed and technique makes him an appealing choice for teams seeking to bolster their pass rush.
Another player to watch is Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, who has emerged as the highest-graded player in this draft class. Transitioning from safety to linebacker, Styles stands at 6’5” and 243 pounds, exhibiting exceptional athleticism. He is noted for his versatility and has had a perfect tackling record this season, excelling across various facets of the game including pass coverage, run defense, and rushing the passer.
On the West Coast, A’Mauri Washington from Oregon is turning heads as a defensive tackle. This 6’3”, 330-pound powerhouse possesses an impressive vertical jump of 36 inches and a 20.89 MPH sprint. His extraordinary strength is highlighted by personal records in the gym, and his explosive first step allows him to overpower opponents. While Washington may not yet be a household name, his potential impact in Thursday’s game is noteworthy.
Texas Tech’s edge rusher David Bailey continues to solidify his status as one of the top pass rushers in the nation. Currently ranked second in the country with 13.5 sacks and leading with 77 pressures, Bailey’s dynamic rushing ability is complemented by speed, power, and refined technique. Despite some challenges against the run, his exceptional quarterback pressure makes him difficult to ignore for any team looking to enhance its defensive lineup.
As the Saints and their fans look ahead to the draft, these standout athletes’ performances could have significant implications, potentially leading to another strong draft class and further bolstering the team’s prospects for the future. With so much talent on display, the upcoming draft promises to be an exciting time for both the franchise and its supporters.