It's unclear what will happen with Derek Carr's (shoulder, contract) remaining tenure in the Crescent City, but it appears the Saints would like to move on sooner than later. Will the Saints double-dip to begin Kellen Moore's tenure with Nussmeier, whose father (Doug Nussmeier) is the Saints' offensive coordinator or wait for a shot at Arch Manning in 2027?

Nussmeier will be 24 as a rookie, weighs only 200 pounds, and four multi-interception games within a five-game stretch in the middle of the 2024 season highlights the risk of his gunslinger mentality. That said, he has the sound mechanics and football IQ you'd expect from a coach's son (in this mock, uniquely) with the arm talent to test tight windows as well as throw with accuracy and touch and the ability to make plays on the move.

Arch Manning has attempted 95 passes since arriving in Austin as an early enrollee two years ago, but that is a reflection of the team's investment in former No. 1 overall recruit Quinn Ewers. Honestly, he likely would return in 2026.

Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, saw extended action in victories over Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State last season. The idea of Arch Manning at No. 1 overall is a steep projection, but the pedigree is there.

The other interesting storyline to this selection is that Arch Manning will begin his career where his grandfather, Archie Manning, began and spent 12 of his professional seasons. In fact, the franchise has not used a first-round pick on the position since Archie Manning in 1971.

But wait, there's more. Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier is the father of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is expected to be another top quarterback prospect in this draft.

Yes, the Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the second round this year, but that won't stop them from drafting another QB if they're in the top 10. Remember, Derek Carr isn't a lock to remain with New Orleans beyond 2025.

Allar took a big step as a junior in 2024, throwing for 3,327 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with 8 interceptions. He has prototypical size (6-5, 238 pounds) and every raw tool a coach could want. He's known for his strong arm but still needs to work on his ball placement and progressions; his completion rate increase from 60% in 2023 to 66.5% in 2024 bodes well. Allar should be in the first-round conversation if he continues his upward trajectory.

Best Pick: Third-round defensive tackle Vernon Broughton is a player who has his best football in front of him. He is a long, powerful player who needs to get stronger, but he's rather new to the game. Love the pick.

Worst Pick: I didn't love the pick of quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round. I know he has a big arm, but he's raw and he's going to be 26. There were better options at quarterback in my book.

The Skinny: First-round offensive linemen Kelvin Banks will help solidify that unit up front and will develop into a good player. I didn't like Shough in the second, but the rest of their draft was solid. Shough has to develop into a starter for this to be a good draft -- and I wonder if he can.

Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, cornerback, wide receiver, guard and edge rusher

Reach, reach, reach. That's what I have in my notes for the Saints. Too many reaches. I was critical of their first round. I was similarly critical of their second and third rounds. Some of that centered on their QB approach -- I had a much higher grade on Shedeur Sanders than I did Tyler Shough, whom they took at No. 40. But I just didn't love their value throughout.

On Shough, are we sure he will be the heir apparent to Derek Carr? The veteran is dealing with a shoulder injury, and his status for 2025 is up in the air. I understand that Shough is 26 years old, but I'm not sure New Orleans can put him on the field this season and expect to win games. And really, if you're taking a quarterback in the top 40, you've got to believe you can win games with him, either immediately or after he catches up to the speed of the league. I don't have that belief.

I liked the selection of offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. in Round 1, but Vernon Broughton was my 20th-ranked defensive tackle, and New Orleans took him in Round 3. There were better safeties available when it drafted Jonas Sanker in the same round, too. The Saints didn't get an edge rusher until Round 7 and didn't take a wide receiver at all.

So what saves this class from a C? They added a few good players on Day 3, including linebacker Danny Stutsman and cornerback Quincy Riley. Those are solid picks. Not stars, but solid prospects. Overall, I would have gone in a different direction if I were in GM Mickey Loomis' shoes.