Bleacher Report projects Saints to draft Clemson QB Cade Klubnik (late round prospect)
To be clear, the article referenced in the article linked (lazy journalism) isn't saying the Saints should draft Klubnik in the first round. It's a Bleacher Report action plan for each team that they are updating weekly. Last week they had the Saints drafting LB Danny Stutsman, also not in the first round.
Here is this week's Saints plan:
- Biggest Weaknesses:
- Defensive Tackle
- Cornerback
- Quarterback
- Offensive Tackle
- Edge-Rusher
Move to Make Now: Give Jaylan Ford snaps
The Saints entered Week 16 with a less than one percent chance of making the playoffs, according to Next Gen Stats. So, it's time to evaluate the young players on the roster.
Demario Davis turns 36 next month and 2025 will be a contract year for him. Additionally, the organization is trending toward a rebuild this spring and could save $4 million of cap space by making him a post-June 1 cut, per Over The Cap.
Meanwhile, Ford has a future with the team but the rookie hadn't recorded a defensive snap heading into this weekend. With two just two games left, the front office should push for the fifth-round pick to get playing time.
2025 Free Agency: WR Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns
While New Orleans has Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed under contract as a good one-two punch out wide, the offense could use some depth at the position and someone who can operate out of the slot.
Moore has been a decently productive inside receiver during his four-year career, racking up nearly 200 catches for over 2,100 yards and nine touchdowns through Week 15 of this season. Also, He'll be just 25 years old in March to help add some youth to the roster.
2025 NFL Draft: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
It would be wise for Mickey Loomis to move on from Derek Carr this offseason seeing as the Saints are currently projected to begin the offseason $63.8 million over the cap, per OTC, and making Carr a post-June 1 cut would save $30 million. Also, he is about to be 34 in the spring.
The problem is the Saints likely won't be in the range of drafting one of the top quarterbacks in this year's class without trading up and the QB3 discussion is up for debate. The Clemson product could make a case for the latter and at least bring competition to the position group with Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler.
"As a passer, he possesses a good arm to make high-end throws from the pocket and on the move," the Tiger's scouting report says. "Klubnik delivers middle-of-the-field passes with good velocity and zip. In the short and intermediate portions of the field, Klubnik can drive passes into tight windows.
"His ability to make throws when flushed out of the pocket has been great. Klubnik uses his athleticism to turn nothing into something and help pull the offense out of a hole."
(Previous Week's Selections: Put Derek Carr on IR, LT Dan Moore Jr., LB Danny Stutsman)