As the 2025 Madden season kicks off, the New Orleans Saints have quietly put together one of the most intriguing rookie classes in the league. While none of these players came in with star development traits or top-10 hype, there’s undeniable potential across the board — especially for a team built around speed, versatility, and smart system fits.
1. Carter Nelson – TE – 79 OVR
Key Traits: 6’5″, 245 lbs | 91 SPD | 93 ACC
Projection: Immediate Weapon, Mismatch Nightmare
Nelson enters the league with the physical tools of a generational tight end. At 91 speed and 6’5″, he stretches the field like a wide receiver, but with a frame that can block in space and dominate in the red zone. Though he only has Normal Dev, his high starting OVR and athletic ceiling make him a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
“He’s already making linebackers look slow and safeties look small. This offense just leveled up.”
2. Tre Reader – MLB – 76 OVR
Key Traits: 87 SPD | 86 ACC | 83 COD
Projection: Starting MLB, Defensive Anchor in the Making
Reader plays faster than his 215-pound frame would suggest. His lateral quickness and solid awareness give him the tools to be an every-down linebacker. Though his strength is average, his reaction time and fluid hips make him perfect for today’s spread offenses.
“He’s not the thumper type, but he gets to the ball like a heat-seeking missile.”
3. Mehki Flowers – SS – 76 OVR
Key Traits: 92 SPD | 90 ACC | 88 AGI
Projection: Plug-and-Play Safety, Turnover Generator
At 24 years old, Flowers is a bit older than most rookies — but he plays like a vet. His closing speed and quick-twitch movement make him ideal in zone coverage and run support. While he starts with Normal Dev, he’s the kind of player who flashes on film and racks up stats.
“Flowers is a gamer — always near the ball, always making things happen.”
4. Gabe Harris – RE – 73 OVR
Key Traits: 6’4″, 254 lbs | 85 SPD | 83 STR
Projection: Rotational Edge Rusher with High Ceiling
Harris is explosive off the edge. With his blend of speed and strength, he can hold the edge or collapse the pocket on passing downs. Needs development in awareness and pass-rush moves, but his physical foundation is strong.
“Prototype body. If his technique catches up, he could be a problem for NFC South QBs.”
5. Calvin Simpson-Hunt – CB – 73 OVR
Key Traits: 91 SPD | 87 ACC | 92 AGI
Projection: Nickelback or CB2 with Growth Potential
A twitchy athlete with fluid hips and solid instincts. At 6’1″, he has the size and agility to stick with shifty slot receivers or match up with taller WRs. Will need time to adjust to pro reads, but his athletic profile is undeniable.
“A developmental project with upside — just needs reps.”
6. Dalton Carnes – WR – 72 OVR
Key Traits: 94 SPD | 93 COD | 5’9″, 179 lbs
Projection: Slot WR / Special Teams Ace
Don’t let his size fool you — Carnes has game-breaking speed and elite change of direction. Perfect fit for jet sweeps, WR screens, and return duties. His 94 SPD makes him one of the fastest rookies in the league.
“Every time he touches the ball, there’s a chance for six. Simple as that.”
7. Matt McCloud – CB – 71 OVR
Key Traits: 96 SPD | 90 ACC | 6’1″, 168 lbs
Projection: Special Teams Gunner, Developmental CB
Speed kills, and McCloud might be the fastest rookie corner in the league. With a long frame and blazing speed, he’s raw but disruptive. Could evolve into a top-tier returner or situational DB if developed properly.
“You can’t teach 96 speed — this kid is pure jet fuel.”
8. Lawrence Dean – LOLB – 71 OVR
Key Traits: 77 SPD | 86 ACC | 72 STR
Projection: Backup Linebacker / Hybrid EDGE Look
Dean has hybrid versatility with the frame of a stand-up edge rusher and coverage skills of a backer. Could thrive in sub-packages or as a spy against mobile QBs. He’s a chess piece waiting to be used creatively.
9. Destin Wade – QB – 64 OVR
Key Traits: 87 SPD | 91 ACC | 6’3″, 224 lbs
Projection: Project QB, Gadget Player, or Future Star?
He’s raw, no question. But Wade has elite athleticism, a solid arm, and great mobility. In a league that rewards dual-threat QBs, he’s a project worth investing in — or a perfect piece for creative option and RPO packages.
“He’s a sleeper. Not ready yet — but get him on the field, and he’ll give defenses headaches.”
Final Takeaway:
This class doesn’t boast a single star dev or guaranteed superstar — but it’s full of high-floor contributors, elite athletes, and players who could evolve into franchise cornerstones with proper development. The Saints front office prioritized speed, size, and versatility — and the early signs suggest they may have hit on multiple future starters.
