As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New Orleans Saints have zeroed in on a standout prospect from the University of Georgia, a program known for churning out NFL-ready talent. Sources close to the organization reveal that the Saints’ front office and scouting department have been heavily focused on Georgia’s star linebacker, Jamal “Tank” Daniels, who is projected to be a first-round pick.
Daniels, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive dynamo, anchored one of the top defenses in college football during the 2024 season. Known for his explosive first step, sideline-to-sideline speed, and high football IQ, Daniels has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top linebackers, including Roquan Smith and Fred Warner. He led the Bulldogs in tackles for the past two seasons and was a unanimous All-American in 2024, earning the SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The Saints’ interest in Daniels is more than just speculation. Multiple reports indicate that General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Dennis Allen personally attended Georgia’s Pro Day, where Daniels impressed with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical jump, and fluid movement in coverage drills. Sources say the Saints held a private dinner with Daniels the night before his Pro Day, signaling serious intent to bring him aboard.
New Orleans, who finished the 2024 season with a middling record of 8-9, narrowly missing the playoffs, is looking to inject youth and leadership into a defense that struggled with consistency and injuries. With veteran linebacker Demario Davis nearing the twilight of his career, Daniels could be the perfect successor to lead the unit into a new era.
The Saints currently hold the 14th overall pick in the draft, and many analysts believe Daniels could still be available at that spot. However, there’s growing buzz that other teams in need of linebacker help—like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants—might make a move earlier in the draft. This has led to speculation that New Orleans could consider trading up to secure their man.
For their part, the Saints have remained characteristically tight-lipped. When asked about Daniels during a recent press conference, Dennis Allen gave a vague but telling response: “We’re doing our homework on a lot of guys, but I’ll say this—Georgia knows how to produce professionals. That’s a program you trust.”
Daniels, meanwhile, has spoken positively about potentially playing in New Orleans. In a post-Pro Day interview, he said, “I had a great conversation with the Saints staff. It’s a team I’ve watched for a long time, and I love the way they play defense. Fast, physical, and with pride—that’s how I play too.”
If selected, Daniels would join a young core that includes safety Tyrann Mathieu, cornerback Paulson Adebo, and defensive lineman Payton Turner, all of whom could benefit from a playmaker of his caliber in the front seven. More importantly, he could become the face of a defensive rebuild aimed at recapturing the dominance New Orleans enjoyed earlier in the 2020s.
As the countdown to the draft continues, all signs point to the Saints making a bold move. Whether it’s waiting patiently at 14 or climbing the board to ensure they don’t miss out, one thing is clear: Jamal “Tank” Daniels is firmly in their sights—and perhaps soon, in black and gold.
