Saints Rookie Class Power Rankings
The expectations and each and every New Orleans Saints draft class are high since their star-studded 2017 group. That cohort included current stats like running back Alvin Kamara, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and right tackle and offensive line stalwart Ryan Ramczyk. But even those that did not stick around in New Orleans have received sizable paydays.
Since that class, the Saints have continued to draft better than most are willing to admit with some overwhelming misses clouding the path. But the 2023 draft class is off to a promising start thanks to the players that have been able to see and stay in the field.
Bryan Bresee rushes the passer during preseason matchup with Los Angeles Chargers.
Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Austen Pleasants (75) blocks New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
In a seven-player class, a team would be lucky to hit on a pair of players. New Orleans looks on pace to potentially hit with at least three. Here are our power rankings for the 2023 draft class, beginning with two (possibly three) players that already look like long-term options at their positions.
Potential Long-Term Options
No. 1: DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson
The Saints' first-round selection has proven to be a solid investment through his first 10 games. While playing just 47% of defensive snaps in the heavily rotated Saints defensive line, he's piled on 13 total tackles, 4 for a loss, 1.5 sacks and does a good job getting his hands up when he cannot get to the quarterback with 5 passes defended. The Clemson product has led the way for the team's interior pass rushers with 233 pass rushing snaps and 17 total pressers, per PFF.
No. 2: S Jordan Howden, Minnesota
When your fifth-round pick comes in second on a ranking like this, the kudos should go to the scouting department. Not only was Howden thrust into early action, he performed well under that pressure. As a player that can play everything from the post to the slot, the first-year safety has answered the call. The Saints clearly love what they've found in their new safety.
His 33% forced incompletion percentage ties for the No. 2 spot on the Saints defense. While he did surrender a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts, his 19 snaps per target make him the second-least targeted player on a per-snap basis. He is forcing quarterbacks to move past him even as a rookie. With New Orleans having some flexibility in how they choose to approach safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye's deals this offseason, Howden may make things tough for the vets.
No. 3: WR A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
This may be admittedly be a little bit of recency bias coming off the game in which Perry reeled in his first career touchdown catch, it is worth it. Not only did Perry get his first touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings, but he also saw his first catches and targets in the game as well. He had been active for the two previous games as well, but like most wideout behind the team's big three he was relegated to a blocking role.
One the Saints went all-out in the passing game, perhaps too much so, in the closing half of their loss to the Vikings, Perry got his chances to show out. His first target led to a big catch over the middle, something injured wideout Michael Thomas would usually be trusted to do. If Thomas is to miss extended time at all, more opportunities will open for Perry. He will not play Thomas' role one-for-one, Chris Olave would be asked to shoulder a good portion of that burden. But the Wake Forest wide receiver's looks will certainly tick up as well.
While Bresee, Howden and Perry all look like they could be potential long-term options for the team, the remaining rookies need more time and opportunity. Perhaps more importantly, they will need to prove they can make good on and stay healthy for those opportunities when they do present themselves.
Awaiting Opportunity
No. 4: OL Nick Saldiveri
The fourth-round offensive lineman may not be getting many looks this season. But with the team's consistent struggles in the trenches, there could be same shakeups this offseason. There is no arguing that competition needs to be brought in some free agency and the draft, but Saldiveri could have a leg up on the competition with a year already in the system.
No. 5: RB Kendre Miller
Ranking Miller over Foskey was a toss up for this spot, but Miller's explosive play potential carries him above for now. Between the preseason and at select moments throughout the regular season, the TCU running back has shown flashes of his big play ability and why the Saints chose him as the fourth running back of the 2023 class. But his health has continually plagued him thus far and in a league with very little patience for his position, showing that he can stay on the field while already being utilized in such a reduced role will be pivotal.
No. 6: DE Isaiah Foskey
The team's second-round defensive end had his best week of practice and his best game right before a quadriceps injury sideline him for a few weeks. Hopefully Foskey's developmental push continues to move forward when he returns. But with the addition of veteran pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul and the potential return of former first-round pick edge defender Payton Turner, it may be tough for the rookie to breakthrough again this year.
No. 7: QB Jake Haener
It is a real challenge to evaluate Haener as anything but a reserve quarterback without opportunity for now. That is no shot at him or his development, which cannot be publicly seen with veteran passers Derek Carr, Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill ahead of him. Haener has not yet even been designated the emergency third quarterback so far this season.
Haener is a talented young quarterback with an immense amount of chemistry with Carr, the team's starter. That could go a long way in helping him take on the No. 2 quarterback role in 2024. But it is conceivable that, barring a slew of injuries, Haener never really is seen in a starting role in New Orleans on his rookie deal.
This is shaping up to be a successful draft class for New Orleans, if expectations are reasonable. The team may get three or more options from this group that could be in line for second contracts. That is a major win for a team selecting in the draft.
