The New Orleans Saints entered this year’s draft with one clear mission — build the foundation of a new era. With veteran leaders Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan retiring, the Saints turned the page with a youth-driven class headlined by their new franchise quarterback, John Mateer, and an explosive offensive weapon in Desmond Reid.
Head Coach Firefighter Richard called this class “a balance of grit and growth,” focusing on players who bring athleticism, adaptability, and a hunger to improve.
🔥 The Headliner: QB John Mateer (Oklahoma)
The Saints’ first-round pick is officially the new face of the franchise.
Mateer, a 6’1”, 224 lb dual-threat quarterback, was chosen for more than his numbers — it was his mental makeup that sealed the deal.
A scrambler archetype with 88 speed, 92 acceleration, and 90 change of direction, Mateer gives the Saints something they’ve lacked for years: mobility and playmaking beyond the pocket.
“He’s not just an athlete — he’s a leader,” said Coach Richard. “He plays calm, thinks fast, and makes smart decisions. That’s how we’ll win games.”
With Alvin Kamara and a rebuilt offensive line, Mateer’s arrival signals the beginning of a new offensive identity — one built around ball control, balance, and explosiveness when it matters most.
⚡ The Lightning Bolt: HB Desmond Reid (Pitt)
Meet the Saints’ new secret weapon.
Reid, a 5’8”, 175 lb receiving back, brings elite speed (91), acceleration (94), and agility (94) — tailor-made for the modern Saints offense. His compact frame and burst out of the backfield give him shades of a young Darren Sproles, and his ability to split out wide as a receiver opens endless options for creative play design.
“Reid’s going to be a nightmare matchup,” Coach Richard said with a grin. “He’s the kind of guy that can flip a drive in one play.”
Expect to see Reid and Kamara share the field often in two-back sets, adding new dimensions to New Orleans’ short-passing game.
🧱 The Project Piece: TE Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt)
Originally recruited as a quarterback, Eli Stowers’ transition to tight end has paid off. At 6’4”, 235 lbs with 88 speed and 90 acceleration, he offers intriguing versatility — a move tight end who can stretch the seam or work from the slot.
Though still raw as a blocker, his athletic profile gives Mateer a safety valve across the middle and a potential red-zone mismatch. The Saints coaching staff views him as a developmental project with high upside — a perfect fit for Firefighter Richard’s long-term system.
💪 The Grinder: LB Niko Taylor
While he may not have the flashiest profile, Niko Taylor (6’5”, 264 lbs) brings a blue-collar mentality to the linebacker room. He’s physical, strong, and coachable — exactly the type of player who thrives in a Saints defense built on discipline and effort. Taylor will likely contribute early on special teams and rotational snaps while developing under the team’s new defensive leadership.
⚜️ A Draft About Identity
This class wasn’t about chasing stars — it was about finding players who fit the culture.
Coach Richard’s background as a personal trainer and firefighter has clearly influenced his draft philosophy: conditioned, composed, and consistent.
The Saints are looking to build a team that doesn’t just compete — but outlasts.
With Mateer at the helm, Reid’s speed in the backfield, and Stowers’ versatility added to the mix, New Orleans is beginning to take shape as one of the most exciting young teams in the league.
“We’re not rebuilding,” said Firefighter Richard. “We’re reconditioning.”
And with this rookie class, the fire in New Orleans just got a whole lot hotter.
