DPOY or Bust: Saints Risk Everything If They Pick Asante Samuel Jr. Instead
New Orleans, LA – With the 2025 NFL Draft looming, all eyes are on the New Orleans Saints and their critical decision at cornerback. Rumors have swirled about the Saints’ interest in veteran CB Asante Samuel Jr., but insiders and analysts are sounding the alarm: if New Orleans gambles on Samuel instead of drafting a defensive phenom, it could be a DPOY or bust scenario.
At the heart of the conversation is the franchise’s pressing need to revamp a defense that has struggled to maintain consistency in the secondary. With a golden opportunity to grab a young, game-changing corner in the draft—possibly one with Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) upside—going with an older, smaller-framed Samuel may be seen as settling.
Samuel Jr., though experienced and technically sound, has faced questions about his tackling ability and size against elite receivers. While he’s flashed brilliance in spurts, critics argue his ceiling is already known—and it’s not game-breaking.
“The Saints are a DPOY-caliber player away from having an elite defense,” said one NFC South scout. “If they pass up a lockdown corner in the draft for a name like Samuel, it’s a risky move that could backfire big.”
The Saints’ front office is reportedly split: one camp favoring proven experience in Samuel, and another demanding the team swings for upside and dominance in the draft. With the NFC South in flux and playoff hopes hanging in the balance, this decision could define the Saints’ defensive identity for years to come.
Should they play it safe with Samuel—or roll the dice on a rookie with superstar potential?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For the Saints, it’s DPOY or bust.
