New Orleans Saints 7-Round Mock Draft: Taking A First-Round WR With Top OL/DL Prospects Gone
In this week’s mock draft scenario, when the New Orleans Saints hit the clock at No. 14 overall, all of the chalk picks are gone. That means no Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga nor Penn State lineman Ola Fashanu and no top edge rushers like Florida State’s Jared Verse or UCLA’s Laiatu Latu. And of course no trading back.
With that, the Saints in this draft simulation must make a selection outside of the ordinary trends to kick off the selection process. Then, the rest of the rounds will have to provide fodder for enriching the trenches. Because of these wrinkles, the Saints have to start things off with bang, and do so in a way breaks the mold.
Round 1, Pick 14 - LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr.
SU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) smiles during the first half against the Army Black Knights.
Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) smiles during the first half against the Army Black Knights at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, yes. “But the Saints don’t draft LSU players.” The last Tiger selected by New Orleans was offensive lineman Will Clapp in the 2018 draft. Before that was defensive lineman Al Woods in 2010. Surprisingly, the Saints have never gone more than 9 years without taking a Tiger since the 1969 draft.
That means going from Michael
Thomas to Brian Thomas Jr. is not as farfetched as one might think. Even NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund has projected this pairing already this off-season. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Thomas Jr. is a versatile chess piece that would allow new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak another big-bodied receiver that can line up inside and out. He totaled 1,177 receiving yards and an astounding 17 receiving touchdowns with the Tigers in 2023. His talent is undeniable and his role within the Saints offense would be a perfect fit.
Round 2, Pick 45 - Duke OT Graham Barton
Duke Blue Devils offensive tackle Graham Barton (62) celebrates.
Nov 27, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive tackle Graham Barton (62) celebrates a point during the first half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Wallace Wade Stadium. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
With all the versatility in the world available to him, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive tackle could be an instant starter at the next level. As to where he would line up; that all depends on the needs of the team drafting him. Barton has the ability to play any offensive line position and the Saints have a grip of questions along the unit.
With the exception of center Erik McCoy and right guard Cesar Ruiz, the rest of the offensive line could be in flux come 2024. That is where a high-level talent who played over 50% of his run blocking snaps in zone run schemes can be of incredible value in the second round.
Round 5, Pick 149 - Colorado State EDGE Mohamed Kamara
CSU football's senior defensive lineman Mohamed Kamara (8) celebrates his sack for a safety.
CSU football's senior defensive lineman Mohamed Kamara (8) celebrates his sack for a safety against San Diego State at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.
The Saints desperately need more speed in their defensive line after seeing the impact of linebacker and pass rusher Zack Baun last year. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 251 pounds, Kamara does not fit the typical size profile the Saints look for in a defensive end. However, when looking for a situational pass rusher, the needs may be different.
Sure, your big-bodied, three-down defensive end makes sense. But your third down, obvious passing situation pass rusher could and to be a bit more athletic, a bit faster. That is Kamara’s game.
Round 5, Pick 167 (expected compensatory pick) - Penn State TE Theo Johnson
Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Theo Johnson (84) reacts after catching a shovel pass for a touchdown.
Nov 4, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Theo Johnson (84) reacts after catching a shovel pass for a touchdown during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Penn State product has been a tough pass in mock drafts. He has a great blend of height, weight and speed while also being able to move effectively as a route runner. With his 6-foot-6 frame, he could be a key red zone threat as well.
Round 5, Pick 169 (expected compensatory pick) - Auburn DT Marcus Harris
Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Marcus Harris (50) breaks through the line.
Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Marcus Harris (50) breaks through the line during the A-Day spring practice at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 9, 2022.
The Saints defensive line has taken steps back each year since the 2021 trade of defensive tackle Malcom Brown. Each year either the pass rush has been slow to come along, the run defense has been less effective or both have struggled throughout the season.
Harris is an athletic interior pass rusher but has considerable size to help plug up the middle of the run game as well. He would be a great addition to the more dynamic interior pressure players that are currently rostered in New Orleans. If the team lost elite run-stopper Malcolm Roach in free agency (which we believe they should avoid), this pick would make even more sense.
Round 5, Pick 174 (expected compensatory pick) - Michigan OG Trevor Keegan
Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan, center, celebrates a touchdown scored.
Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan, center, celebrate a touchdown scored by running back Blake Corum against Washington during the second half of U-M's 34-13 win in the College Football Playoff national championship game in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
The Saints have more questions on the offensive line than just tackle. With lineman Andrus Peat expected to hit free agency, and things still being unclear when it comes to the development and opportunity provided for 2022 first-round selection Trevor Penning, the questions are plentiful.
If Peat leaves and Penning is not ready to start again at left tackle this year, that would mean James Hurst would likely bounce outside and that leaves a major hole in the interior. 2023 draft pick Nick Saldiveri could become an option, but Keegan would provide some solid competition in the process. He has a ton of experience in zone blocking run schemes as well.
Round 6, Pick 189 (via Philadelphia Eagles) - Michigan EDGE Jaylen Harrell
Michigan defensive end Jaylen Harrell (32) looks to tackle Alabama running back Justice Haynes.
Michigan defensive end Jaylen Harrell (32) looks to tackle Alabama running back Justice Haynes (22) during the second of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
Harrell matches the Saints’ defensive end profile a bit more. He has been particularly disruptive as a pass rusher and had some stand out moments in Mobile, Ala. during the 2024 Senior Bowl as well. The Saints notably love their Senior Bowl prospects.
Round 6, Pick 200 - South Dakota State RB Isaiah Davis
SDSU's running back Isaiah Davis (22) runs with the ball.
SDSU's running back Isaiah Davis (22) runs with the ball on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.
Adding talent to the backfield could end up being either a luxury or a must by the time the draft rolls along. The futures of backs Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller seem set, especially if Kamara’s contract is soon restructured. However, what will happen with Jamaal Williams? Any running back that goes from leading the league in rushing touchdowns to only getting one (in a controversial manner) at the end of the year has a valid reason to explore options.
Should that happen, Davis could be a fantastic draft option along with Missouri rusher Cody Schroeder and Troy’s Kimani Vidal. Davis has a lot of zone run experience and little in the stats sheet at South Dakota State. He totaled 1,578 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns.
Round 7, Pick 230 - Oregon State S Kitan Oladapo
Oregon State Beavers defensive back Kitan Oladapo (28) pressures Washington State Cougars quarterback Jayden de Laura (4).
Oct 9, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Jayden de Laura (4) throws a pass while on the run against Oregon State Beavers defensive back Kitan Oladapo (28) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints need an active, sound tackler in the box when it comes to safety. They look to be in a good spot when it comes to deep safeties with both Tyrann Mathieu and Jordan Howden on holding down those responsibilities. We would not be surprised to see veteran safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. re-signed to help there as well.
Marcus Maye in the other hand could be on his way out. The value proposition simply has not met the investment for New Orleans. With that in mind veteran safety Johnathan Abram would be a player to bring back. Adding Oladapo behind him could be a sneaky, late draft steal.
Oladapo is remarkably active, he is a sound tackler and plays with a high IQ and fast-processing presence in the box. He is not the fastest player physically at the position and may not be someone you would want in deep coverage early in his pro career. But if the team is looking for a jolt of energy, passion and physical play, look no further than the 6-foot-2, 219-pound Oregon State defender.
