NFL Analysts Agree Which Position The New Orleans Saints Will Focus On Early In Draft
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has wrapped up, with teams and analysts alike adjusting their draft boards accordingly. Free agency, which officially begins on March 13, will fill the needs of some teams, but most squads rely on a combination of both for improved results.
The New Orleans Saints are doing their annual scramble to get under the salary cap. As always, they'll clear the necessary space to sign free agents, but don't expect them to be major players on the market.
With an aging roster, the Saints would be better off to retool through the draft. New Orleans currently owns only two picks in the top 100 selections, 14th overall in the first round and another in the second, 45th overall. The team has several glaring needs, most notably at offensive line, edge rusher, safety, linebacker, and a big-bodied pass catcher.
Renowned NFL.com draft analysts Lance Zierlein and Bucky Brooks have each recently published their second mock drafts for the first round. Here are each of their most recent predictions for New Orleans.
LANCE ZIERLEIN
Troy Fautanu, OT (Washington)
Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Fautanu was considered a potential guard by many heading into the combine, but he possesses the length and tape that says he can play tackle. And his outstanding showing in Indianapolis will shoot him up draft boards.
The senior from the national title runner-up Huskies likely cemented first-round status with an impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. At 6'4" and 317-Lbs., he's a powerful blocker with good enough athleticism to get to the second level of a defense effectively.
Fautanu was mostly a left tackle at Washington, but some have projected him as a guard in the NFL. The Saints have a need at both spots, and Fautanu has immediate plug-and-play ability.
Fautanu's pass protection skills are a little ahead of his run blocking at this stage. However, he shows the balance, strength, technique, and agility to have a high upside.
BUCKY BROOKS
JC Lantham, OT (Alabama)
Alabama offensive tackle JC Lantham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes. Credit: Dale Zanine--USA TODAY
The beefy bookend upgrades an offensive line that needs more size and physicality at the point of attack.
The Saints’ uncertainty at offensive tackle could lead the team to take another player at the position in Round 1. Latham is a massive brawler with the strength, power and length to punish defenders in the run game.
The junior is expected to add his name to a long list of successful Crimson Tide offensive linemen who have had NFL success. A mammoth at 6'6" and 342-Lbs., Lantham was a right tackle throughout his collegiate career.
Despite his size, Lantham showed surprising athleticism and was elite in pass protection. He not only presents a wall for opposing pass rushers, but also exhibits outstanding awareness and agility to deal with stunts, speed rushers, and counter moves.
Lantham can be a mauler for the running game, but struggled at times with sustaining blocks on the edge. He'll also need to improve his positioning on a consistent basis, often lunging or drawing holding flags.
Alabama offensive tackle JC Lantham (65). Credit: Sports Illustrated
While both Zierlein and Brooks had the Saints addressing offensive tackle in their second mock draft, Zierlein had New Orleans selecting UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu in his first. Brooks has remained consistent, projecting that New Orleans would draft Lantham in both of his mock drafts.
It's been pretty clear where the major needs are for New Orleans Saints. Dan Parr also projected that the Saints would select Lantham with his first mock in mid-February. Daniel Jeremiah, after predicting the Saints would select Oregon QB Bo Nix in a January mock draft, also had New Orleans picking Lantham in his most recent mock.
Fellow NFL.com writer Eric Edholm had the Saints selecting Penn State OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu in his first mock draft back in early February. Analyst Charles Davis also had the Saints picking Fashanu in his mock draft, done after the Scouting Combine.
Here's what each had to say about the Penn State star.
Charles Davis
Penn State offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) blocks against Ohio State. © Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Saints need to help Derek Carr. Fashanu, with his nimble feet and power, projects to start immediately at left tackle.
Eric Edholm
One way or another, the Saints need to address the offensive line, even if they've already used ample assets on the position group. Trevor Penning's development has been disappointing, and Ryan Ramczyk's long-term health is a worry. Andrus Peat is also a free agent. Fashanu isn't the top-10 lock some think he is and needs to deal with power better, but he has a high ceiling with rare gifts.
The 2024 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 25 and concludes on Saturday, April 27. NFL free agency officially begins Wednesday, March 13, marking the start of the new league year.
