The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a crucial turning point in the franchise’s trajectory. After seasons of inconsistent quarterback play, aging talent on defense, and a desperate need to recapture the magic of their Drew Brees era, the Saints are entering the 2025 NFL Draft with high expectations and pressing needs. And according to most recent mock drafts, the player they may turn to as a cornerstone for their future is none other than former Florida State University standout, Jared Verse.
The Saints haven’t been shy about showing their hand in recent months. While General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Dennis Allen have kept their cards close to the vest publicly, NFL insiders suggest that New Orleans has zeroed in on a high-upside defensive difference-maker—and Verse checks all the boxes. A ferocious edge rusher with elite athleticism, leadership skills, and proven production in one of the nation’s toughest conferences, Verse has long been seen as a top-tier NFL talent. Now, with the Saints in position to take him somewhere between picks 10 and 20 depending on how the board falls, the pairing looks more realistic than ever.
For New Orleans, the pick would represent a clear signal: they’re committed to building a defensive identity for the future. It’s no secret that the Saints’ once-feared defense has taken a step back in recent years. While players like Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore have long anchored the unit, age and injuries have started to erode their dominance. The pass rush, in particular, has suffered. Cameron Jordan, now 35, remains a locker room leader and fan favorite, but his days of double-digit sack totals are likely behind him. The Saints need an infusion of young, game-changing talent off the edge—and Jared Verse could be that spark.
Verse’s journey to the top of NFL Draft boards wasn’t always assured. Originally playing his college ball at Albany, he transferred to Florida State in 2022, and it was there that he began to blossom into a household name. With back-to-back dominant seasons in Tallahassee, Verse terrorized ACC quarterbacks and showed that he could go toe-to-toe with the best offensive linemen in the country. His decision to return to school for the 2024 season raised eyebrows—many believed he was a surefire first-rounder a year earlier—but Verse wanted to polish his game and leave no doubt. That bet on himself paid off.
In his final season with the Seminoles, Verse posted 12.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and forced three fumbles. But the stats only tell part of the story. His presence alone changed offensive game plans. Teams routinely double-teamed him, slid protections his way, and ran away from his side of the field. Even still, he managed to leave his mark on nearly every game. Coaches rave about his motor, his study habits, and his desire to be great. Scouts praise his combination of size (6’4”, 260 lbs), explosiveness, and refined technique. And analysts agree: Verse isn’t just one of the best edge rushers in this class—he’s one of the best defensive prospects, period.
For the Saints, he’d be more than a rotational pass rusher. He’d be a foundational piece. Plug him into a front seven that includes interior linemen like Bryan Bresee and linebackers like Pete Werner, and suddenly the defense has a new, youthful nucleus. And perhaps more importantly, Verse brings a level of intensity and professionalism that this team desperately needs. He’s not just going to rack up sacks—he’s going to change the culture.
There’s also the hometown factor to consider. Though Verse is originally from Dayton, Ohio, his time at Florida State has endeared him to football fans across the Southeast. New Orleans, a city that deeply values college football pedigree and SEC/ACC roots, would likely embrace Verse from day one. His aggressive style of play fits the spirit of Saints football—a hard-nosed, relentless approach that echoes the city’s grit and pride. In many ways, Verse feels like a perfect match for both the franchise and the fan base.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL Draft. There’s always the chance that another team falls in love with Verse and snatches him up earlier than expected. He’s been linked to teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts, who also have defensive needs and selections near New Orleans. But if Verse is on the board when the Saints are on the clock, few believe they’d pass him up.
There’s also the matter of what the Saints might do elsewhere in the draft. While defense is a glaring need, there are questions to answer on offense, too. Quarterback remains a long-term question mark. Derek Carr has been serviceable, but not spectacular. The offensive line needs reinforcements, and wide receiver depth is a concern behind Chris Olave. But the Saints appear to be focused on building from the front, creating a dominant defense that can keep them in games while the offense finds its rhythm.
That approach mirrors what they did during the early years of the Sean Payton era. Before Brees became Brees, the Saints invested heavily in their defense. Names like Will Smith, Charles Grant, and Jonathan Vilma formed the core of a unit that eventually helped win a Super Bowl. Could Verse be the first piece of a new defensive dynasty? The Saints seem to think so.
It’s also worth noting how Verse compares to recent edge rushers to come out of the draft. His blend of strength, speed, and flexibility draws comparisons to players like Aidan Hutchinson and Myles Garrett. He may not be quite as freakish as Garrett or as polished as Nick Bosa, but he lands somewhere in that upper tier—perhaps closer to what Jaelan Phillips or Josh Allen (of the Jaguars) were coming out. That’s high praise, and it’s reflected in how teams have evaluated him throughout the pre-draft process.
He’s impressed in interviews, looked sharp in workouts, and checked every box at the combine. His 40-yard dash time was in the 4.5s, his vertical jump was over 35 inches, and his 10-yard split was among the best in the class—key metrics for projecting success as a pass rusher at the next level.
The Saints, for all their recent ups and downs, have shown an ability to hit on defensive picks when they commit to it. Marshon Lattimore, Marcus Davenport (despite injuries), and even guys like Trey Hendrickson before he left in free agency—there’s a track record there. Loomis and Allen know what a top-tier edge rusher can do for a team’s fortunes. With the NFC South still wide open, a dominant defender like Verse could help swing several games and push New Orleans back into playoff contention.
More than anything, drafting Jared Verse would be a statement. A statement that the Saints are done patching holes. That they’re ready to rebuild with youth, power, and purpose. That they’re going back to their roots as a defense-first football team, one that’s impossible to push around and never short on effort. That they’re committed to finding players who love football as much as the city of New Orleans loves its Saints.
It’s been a while since Saints fans had a young star to rally around on defense. Verse could be that star. His sack celebrations might become weekly highlights. His leadership might help usher in a new standard of excellence. And his name might soon join the list of Saints legends who left their mark on the Superdome turf.
Nothing is official until Roger Goodell reads the name from the podium. But if the buzz is to be believed, Saints fans should start getting familiar with the name Jared Verse. Because if New Orleans gets its way on draft night, he might just be the future face of the franchise.