New Orleans Saints 2024 7-Round Mock Draft: Adding Offensive Weapons for Klint Kubiak and Rebuilding a Fearsome Pass Rush
With a new offensive coordinator expected for the New Orleans Saints, the team’s offensive draft strategy could see some significant changes. San Francisco 49ers Offensive Passing Game Specialist Klint Kubiak is due to be hired by the Saints in the days following this year’s Super Bowl 58. At which time, the future vision for the offense will start to fall into place.
WKU's Malachi Corley runs in for a touchdown.
WKU's Malachi Corley runs in for a touchdown against UTEP on Nov. 4, 2023 at the Sun Bowl.
Some moves toward that vision have already been made. Last week, the Saints moved on from Offensive Line Coach Doug Marrone. A move that makes sense with Kubiak expected to bring a wide zone, Kyle Shanahan-esque style of offense with him. One that may not have blended well enough with Marrone’s approach. More such moves will be in the way with position coaching staff spots available with the wide receivers and running backs.
But perhaps the most exciting crop of talent that could be added to bolster Kubiak and the Saints’ new approach will be found in this year’s draft. Free agency will have a major impact on the team’s needs, but the chances of finding more fits for the system during the selection process are plentiful. With that in mind, this Mock Draft Monday dives in to find those prospects while still bolstering the defense with a double-dipping, prototype-challenging strategy at edge rusher.
Round 1, Pick 14 - Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a sack.
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 242 pounds, Tuner is not the prototypical edge rusher for the Saints. Although he also is not too far off. His style though sets him further apart. So why make this selection? Because New Orleans desperately needs to take advantage of the value of speedy, athletic pass rusher.
The recent successes of linebackers Kaden Elliss and Zack Baun rushing off the edge have proven enough that the team would benefit from a consistent and elite presence of a similar ilk. Turner is that. With 22.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for a loss over this three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native is proven and disruptive force. One the Saints would absolutely benefit from adding in this year's draft.
But do not worry, they will not have to run opposite their prototype all seven rounds.
Round 2, Pick 45 - Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) runs the ball against Old Dominion.
Dec 18, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) runs the ball against Old Dominion Monarchs linebacker Koa Naotala (47) during the first quarter at Charlotte 49ers' Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
With Kubiak set to unite with the Saints following this season's Super Bowl, one question has been most present. "Who will have the role of wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the Saints' revamped offense?" While New Orleans could lean on players like offensive weapon Taysom Hill out the backfield and work to maximize the yards of catch threat presented by wideout All-Pro returner Rashid Shaheed, Corley could be the addition needed now and for the future.
Whether or not the Saints will transpose the 49ers' offensive system so specifically that a Samuel-type player will even be needed remains to be seen. But if your franchise pursues someone from the Shanahan tree, it seems like. Corley has the stocky build of Samuel measuring in at 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds at this year's Senior Bowl. He also has the athleticism, elusiveness and power necessary to serve the role as well.
Corley's stock is on the rise after his stop in Mobile. This may end up being a little too early for him. But with New Orleans having no third or fourth-round picks, grabbing him and his skills set early felt worth the criticism.
Round 5, Pick 149 - Missouri OT Javon Foster
American offensive lineman Javon Foster of Missouri (75) battle National edge Marshawn Kneeland of Western Michigan (99).
Feb 3, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; American offensive lineman Javon Foster of Missouri (75) battle National edge Marshawn Kneeland of Western Michigan (99) during the second half of the 2024 Senior Bowl football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Along with Kubiak should come a greater investment in the zone run game. That means the Saints will need to make sure they have athletic and mobile offensive lineman from starters all the way down the depth chart. Despite being a fifth-round selection, Foster could be either.
With the ongoing question marks surrounding the Saints' offensive line, a unit now set to have a new position coach in 2024, investing heavily in starter competition and depth makes sense. Foster finished 2023 tied with the top zone run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Both he and expected first-round offensive tackle, Taliese Fuaga of Oregon State, finished with a 91.3.
Foster as a starter or backup would be an excellent fit if Kubiak brings the zone run affinity expected coming from a year with Shanahan.
Round 5, Pick 167 (expected compensatory pick) - Penn State TE Theo Johnson
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson of Penn State (84) runs after a catch during the first half of the 2024 Senior Bowl.
Feb 3, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National tight end Theo Johnson of Penn State (84) runs after a catch during the first half of the 2024 Senior Bowl football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Every offense needs a big-bodied red zone threat. That is where Johnson can help light up a scoreboard. Though his athleticism at 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds should not be undersold. Adding his versatility to an already eclectic room of tight ends and one of the league's best coaches at the position, Clancy Barone, could bring about a lot of potential.
Round 5, Pick 169 (expected compensatory pick) - Missouri RB Cody Schrader
Missouri's Cody Schrader exclaims in celebration.
Missouri's Cody Schrader exclaims in celebration during MU's game against Memphis at the Dome at America's Center on Sept. 23, 2023, in St. Louis, Mo.
Going back to a player from the same school as an earlier pick is usually taboo in mock drafts. But with the expected focus on the zone run game on the way, double-dipping into the Missouri draft class is not a bad call at all. Schrader is a small but dense running back at 5-foot-8 and 207 pounds. His ability to get low and run through contact serve him well. However, it is his field vision in the zone run game that is most impressive.
His 184 zone rush attempts in 2023 is the most of all draft-eligible running backs in the nation. He totaled 650 of his 1,627 rushing yards by getting outside of the tackles and piled more than 1,300 yards after contact in the process. Schrader looks like an excellent fit for a wide zone offense.
Round 5, Pick 174 (expected compensatory pick) - Washington State EDGE Brennan Jackson
Washington State Cougars defensive end Brennan Jackson (80) celebrates after a tackle.
Oct 1, 2022; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive end Brennan Jackson (80) celebrates after a tackle of California Golden Bears wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (7) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State won 28-9. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Grabbing an extra pass rusher may be in the cards for New Orleans depending on how free agency goes. Grabbing one that fits their mold after going outside of it early makes even more sense. Jackson's numbers as a pass rusher improved each year with Washington State. He also tipped the scales at the Senior Bowl measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 266 pounds. Right in the pocket of the Saints' prototype, even if on the shorter side.
Round 6, Pick 189 (via Philadelphia Eagles) - Miami OG Javion Cohen
Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Javion Cohen (70) celebrates a touchdown.
Sep 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Javion Cohen (70) celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lewis-USA TODAY Sports
Cohen may not have the zone run expertise that Foster does, but his athleticism is apparent. With an uncertain future between the Saints and lineman Andrus Peat, the team could be looking for reinforcements on the interior. Getting someone that can move well while still bringing good size at least gives you a solid starting point this late in the draft. Cohen checks both boxes and did have some impressive moments at the Senior Bowl.
Round 6, Pick 200 - South Alabama QB Carter Bradley
Quarterback Carter Bradley of South Alabama (12) throws the ball during practice
Feb 1, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; American quarterback Carter Bradley of South Alabama (12) throws the ball during practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
This pick has nothing to do with Kubiak and the potential look of his incoming system. It just feels like the Saints need to swing at quarterback often in the draft. While late-round finds at signal caller are sharply becoming the exception rather than the rule, there are still the Brock Purdy's of the world out there giving teams hope.
Bradley is not a top-rated passer, but was one of the better-performance passers at this year's Senior Bowl. He has NFL size at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, he has an arm that can deliver three-level passing and shows adequate accuracy and anticipation in his passing. He is also the son of long-time NFL coach, and current Indianapolis Colts Offensive Coordinator Gus Bradley. That is more than enough to take a late swing and see what land over the next couple off-seasons.
Round 7, Pick 230 - Kansas S Kenny Logan Jr.
Kansas Jayhawks safety Kenny Logan Jr. (1) rallies the crowd.
Nov 18, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks safety Kenny Logan Jr. (1) rallies the crowd during the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans needs a box safety. After giving safety Marcus Maye a deal back in 2022, the former New York Jet just has not looked the way the Saints likely expected. He has struggled to stay on the field with injuries limiting two season, one of which was already limited by a league suspension, and has been inconsistent when present.
While Maye has made a few plays to be sure, the Saints looked to be at their most energetic and aggressive when veteran safety Johnathan Abram was on the field the final two games of the season. Perhaps New Orleans looks to move on from Maye this offseason, and re-sign Abram. If so, a selection like Logan, who thrives playing in the box and close to the line of scrimmage, could have a solid impact.
