How Louisville Draft Pick Quincy Riley Fills A Saints Need
Many expected the Saints to address corner earlier in the draft. It was considered a deep draft class at the position, with a few possible projected starters even slipping into the third round.
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New Orleans used five picks at other positions through the first four rounds before choosing a cornerback. When they finally selected one, they got a player whose traits match several at the position drafted before him.
CB - Quincy Riley, Louisville
Louisville Cardinals cornerback Quincy Riley (3) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
A football, basketball, and track star at A.C. Flora High School in South Carolina, Riley committed to Middle Tennessee State. He played little as a true freshman in 2019 but intercepted 2 passes the following year for the Blue Raiders.
In 2021, Riley led Middle Tennessee State with 5 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and broke up 9 passes. He also added 4.5 sacks and 1.5 sacks on his way to 1st Team All-Conference USA honors. After the 2021-22 season, he'd transfer to Louisville.
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Riley intercepted a team-high 3 passes for the Cardinals in 2022, leading the ACC with 101 return yards. In 2023, he'd again have 3 interceptions and led his team with 12 passes broken up. Last season, Riley tied for the team lead with 2 interceptions and led the ACC with 13 pass breakups on his way to 2nd Team All-ACC honors.
Louisville Cardinals defensive back Quincy Riley (3) breaks up a pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
A lean corner, Riley may have troubles against bigger NFL receivers. He's not especially physical in man coverage, often leading to a receiver getting clean breaks in their routes. He has also never been much of a factor in run support.
A bit inexperienced in man coverage, Riley may take early lumps against receivers with good route precision. His aggressiveness can also lead to blown coverages against double moves and play fakes.
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A former sprinter in high school and at Middle Tennessee State, Riley has the burst, stride, and speed to keep with almost any receiver. This is especially evident in his recovery speed or explosion to the throw in off-ball coverage.
Riley's 15 interceptions over the last five seasons and 25 passes broken up the last two years shows a player with elite ball skills. He has remarkable anticipation, the quickness to get to the ball in a flash, and the savvy to bait quarterbacks.
Louisville Cardinals defensive back Quincy Riley (3) breaks up a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Riley shows good route recognition. His reach, leaping ability, and competitiveness allows him to make a lot of plays on contested throws. While he won't win a lot of physical battles, his terrific body control and ball skills enables him to win his share of one-on-one battles.
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The New Orleans Saints traded CB Marshon Lattimore before the end of last season, then lost CB Paulson Adebo in free agency. Talented Kool-Aid McKinstry is solidified as one starter. However, Alontae Taylor is much more disruptive being moved around the formation than as a starting outside cornerback.
Quincy Riley should complete with Taylor and Isaac Yiadom for outside corner reps. His speed and ball skills also gives him some versatility for slot coverage. He also brings athleticism and return skills to the special teams units, always a focal point in New Orleans.
New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to use more off-ball coverage and zone concepts in his secondary. This may play to Quincy Riley's best attributes, possibly leading to him being a mid-round draft steal.
Related: Final 2025 NFL Draft First Round Predictions For the Saints
Related: Final New Orleans Saints 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Related: Best Remaining Prospects For Day 3 Of the 2025 NFL Draft
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