The Saints shifted back to the defensive side of the ball with their third pick in the 5th round, grabbing Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford to bolster the defense.
Ford was the second pick on the defensive side of the ball in the 2024 draft along with Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry at No. 41.
Ford appeared in 49 games for the Longhorns and was a first-team All-Big 12 pick. He started all 14 games in 2023, rolling up 101 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions. Ford joins a linebacker room headlined by veteran Demario Davis and Pete Werner.
The Saints have now made five selections total, including McKinstry, Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga at No. 14, South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler and Pitt WR Bub Means.
The Saints have two picks remaining, one each of the 6th and 7th rounds.