Around this time last year, the Atlanta Falcons drafted their quarterback of the future, taking Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. A lot of fans were surprised the Falcons went that direction, especially after signing Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year deal in free agency.
However, the Falcons made the right decision, as Cousins looked like a shell of himself late last season. This opened the door for Penix to start and come into 2025 as the starting QB.
In a strange coincidence, the New Orleans Saints are in a similar situation. Veteran quarterback Derek Carr’s 2025 season could be in jeopardy due to a shoulder injury. That said, the Saints are considered another team inside the top 10 who could take a QB on Thursday.
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is a potential option for new head coach Kellen Moore and New Orleans. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter's latest report has the Saints going after a different quarterback.
"The belief is they want to draft a quarterback -- just maybe not at No. 9, and maybe not Sanders. As another personnel executive said: "I don't think New Orleans is taking Shedeur. I think they're hot and heavy on Jaxson Dart."
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson has seen his draft stock rise over the past few months since he went to the Reese’s Senior Bowl in January. After transferring from USC in 2021, Dart spent the last three years of his collegiate career with the Rebels.
This past season at Ole Miss, the 6-foot-2 quarterback completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also added 495 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.
Many teams across the league are intrigued by Dart’s upside as a dual-threat quarterback who played in a high-powered offense under head coach Lane Kiffin. Although, the young QB makes some puzzling decisions with the football while having average arm strength and velocity.
Therefore, if the Saints took Dart over Sanders at No. 9 or later in the first round, that would be a huge statement.
Despite this, Falcons fans aren’t worried about the Saints, especially if they take a rookie QB. They know the division will likely come down to them and Tampa Bay at the end of the day.