NFL Draft 2025: 5 Bold Reasons Saints Eye Sanders, Panthers Could Disrupt

The NFL Draft 2025 is heating up, with the New Orleans Saints facing a pivotal moment after Derek Carr’s shoulder injury threatens his availability for the upcoming season. Reports suggest the Saints are now heavily considering Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with their No. 9 pick, a move that could reshape their future. However, the Carolina Panthers, holding the No. 8 pick, could throw a wrench in those plans by trading out and letting another team snag Sanders first. This blog dives into the drama surrounding Carr’s injury, Sanders’ fit, and the Panthers’ potential to alter the draft’s course.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to NFL Draft 2025 Dynamics
• Derek Carr’s Injury Shakes Saints’ Plans
• Why Shedeur Sanders Fits the Saints
• Panthers’ Power at No. 8 Pick
• Trade Scenarios That Could Block New Orleans
• Implications for the NFC South
• Conclusion: A Draft to Watch

Introduction to NFL Draft 2025 Dynamics

The NFL Draft 2025, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is already buzzing with intrigue. The New Orleans Saints, sitting at No. 9, are under pressure to address their quarterback situation following news of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury. Shedeur Sanders, the accurate and poised Colorado star, has emerged as a prime target. Yet, the Carolina Panthers, their NFC South rivals with the No. 8 pick, hold the power to disrupt this plan by trading their spot to a quarterback-hungry team. As reported by NBC Sports, this scenario could mirror past draft-day leaps, like the Chiefs’ 2017 trade for Patrick Mahomes. Let’s unpack the stakes.

Derek Carr’s Injury Shakes Saints’ Plans

On April 11, 2025, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Derek Carr is grappling with a shoulder injury that may require surgery, potentially sidelining him for all of 2025. Carr, who went 14-13 over two seasons with the Saints, threw for 6,023 yards and 40 touchdowns but struggled with inconsistency. His absence leaves Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener as unproven options, neither inspiring confidence after lackluster 2024 showings. The Saints, under new head coach Kellen Moore, now see the NFL Draft 2025 as a chance to secure a long-term quarterback, with Sanders topping their list.

Why Shedeur Sanders Fits the Saints

Shedeur Sanders is a compelling prospect for New Orleans. In 2024, he completed 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading all FBS quarterbacks in accuracy despite a porous offensive line. His strengths—pre-snap reads, touch, and pocket presence—align with Moore’s offensive scheme, which thrives on timing and precision. Sanders could learn behind a veteran like Carr (if healthy) or step in early, leveraging weapons like Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara. Analysts, including ESPN’s Louis Riddick, call the No. 9 pick “all kinds of interesting” for Sanders, a sentiment echoed by Deion Sanders’ cryptic retweet.

Panthers’ Power at No. 8 Pick

The Carolina Panthers, picking one slot ahead at No. 8, are the wildcard in the NFL Draft 2025. Unlike the Saints, Carolina feels secure with Bryce Young, who showed late-2024 promise. Instead of drafting a quarterback, the Panthers are rumored to be open to trading down, especially if a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, or New York Jets covets Sanders. Such a move could fetch Carolina extra picks to bolster their roster, particularly at edge rusher or wide receiver. By trading out, they’d not only block their rival Saints but also gain assets, making it a strategic win.

Trade Scenarios That Could Block New Orleans

If the Panthers trade the No. 8 pick, several teams could leapfrog the Saints for Sanders. The Steelers, at No. 21, lack a clear quarterback of the future, with Aaron Rodgers as a short-term option. The Raiders, picking later, need a spark after years of instability. The Jets, post-Aaron Rodgers, might see Sanders as a fit for their young core. A trade could involve Carolina swapping No. 8 for a mid-first-rounder plus additional picks, similar to the Chiefs’ 2017 deal for Mahomes. This would leave the Saints scrambling, possibly settling for Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart or Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.

Implications for the NFC South

The NFL Draft 2025 could reshape the NFC South. If the Saints land Sanders, they gain a cost-controlled quarterback to build around, potentially saving $50 million by cutting Carr post-2025. This move would signal a shift from their aging roster, which hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020. However, if the Panthers facilitate a trade that denies New Orleans their target, it could prolong the Saints’ quarterback woes, giving Carolina a competitive edge. The division, already tight with Tampa Bay and Atlanta, would see its power dynamics hinge on this draft’s outcome.

Conclusion: A Draft to Watch

The NFL Draft 2025 promises high stakes for the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. Derek Carr’s injury has thrust Shedeur Sanders into the spotlight as a potential franchise savior at No. 9, but the Panthers’ No. 8 pick looms large. A trade could upend the Saints’ plans, leaving fans on edge as draft day nears. Will New Orleans secure their quarterback of the future, or will Carolina’s maneuver steal the show? With rivalries and futures on the line, this draft is one you won’t want to miss.