Saints Day-3 Draft Targets
The 2023 NFL Draft concludes its three-day event with rounds 4, 5, 6, 7, and undrafted signings this afternoon starting at noon Eastern Time. The New Orleans Saints made three picks over the first two days:
• DT - Bryan Bresee, Clemson (1st Round - 29th overall)
• DE - Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame (2nd Round - 40th overall)
• RB - Kendre Miller, TCU (3rd Round - 71st overall)
The Saints have made a trade with the Chicago Bears to open the fourth round. New Orleans gives Chicago a fourth-round pick (#115) and fifth-round selection (#165). In return, the Saints get pick Number 103, the first choice in Day 3.
As we enter Day 3, New Orleans is now scheduled to have five selections. They currently own the first pick in the fourth round (Number 103 overall), one in the fifth (146), and two in the seventh (227, 257).
Once you get to the later rounds, it's no longer about filling specific needs for teams. They instead focus on value, developmental traits, and special teams contributors while hoping to get lucky and find a steal.
Here are some of the best remaining Day 3 players available.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener (9) rolls out versus the Boise State Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
• Jake Haener (Fresno State)
• Stetson Bennett (Georgia)
• Max Duggan (TCU)
• Clayton Tune (Houston)
• Aidan O'Connell (Purdue)
• Tanner McKee (Stanford)
• Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA)
• Jaren Hall (BYU)
The success of Brock Purdy as a seventh-round choice last season will have NFL teams scrambling for the remaining quarterbacks from the fifth round on in 2023.
Derek Carr is the New Orleans quarterback after the team signed him to a contract worth $100 in guaranteed money. Jameis Winston will back up Carr in 2023, but will be a free agent at season's end.
The Saints were never going to pick a quarterback in the early rounds. This will change in Day 3 if they see an available signal caller that they think could be a fit for their offensive system.
Running Back
Pitt Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda (2) runs against the Michigan State Spartans. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
• Israel Abanikanda (Pitt)
• Chase Brown (Illinois)
• Kenny McIntosh (Georgia)
• Zach Evans (Mississippi)
• Roschon Johnson (Texas)
• Chris Rodriguez (Kentucky)
• DeWayne McBride (UAB)
The Saints didn't have a backfield complement for Alvin Kamara the last two years and have struggled to consistently run the ball inside. Additionally, Kamara is facing a lengthy suspension from the league because of legal issues.
New Orleans addressed this position in a big way this offseason. They signed 1,000-yard back Jamaal Williams in free agency, then added rugged runner Kendre Miller with a third-round choice.
It seems unlikely that the Saints draft another back, but again, it's all about value in later rounds and undrafted signings. In 2007, undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas beat out fourth-round choice Antonio Pittman and went on to have a spectacular career in New Orleans.
Wide Receiver
Wake Forest Demon Deacons receiver A.T. Perry (9) catches a pass in front of Clemson Tigers corner Nate Wiggins (20). Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
• A.T. Perry (Wake Forest)
• Xavier Hutchinson (Iowa State)
• Bryce Ford-Wheaton (West Virginia)
• Parker Washington (Penn State)
• Rakim Jarrett (Maryland)
• Dontay Demus (Maryland)
• Andrei Iosivas (Princeton)
It would seem the Saints are set at wideout. Chris Olave, a 2022 first-round pick, had a terrific rookie campaign. So did undrafted rookie Rashid Shaheed. Michael Thomas is back on a reworked contract. Bryan Edwards was a free-agent addition.
However, Thomas has played in just 10 of the last 50 games because of injuries and could be a free agent after this year and Edwards has never produced consistently. The team may look to add some size at the position in case Thomas misses more time.
Perry brings terrific value and has early round talent. No NFL team has had better success than the Saints at unearthing receiver talent with late round picks or undrafted signings. Shaheed is the latest example, following players like Deonte Harty, Willie Snead, Lance Moore, and Marques Colston.
Tight End
Miami Hurricanes tight end Will Mallory (85) after a catch against Pitt Panthers defensive back Javon McIntyre (20). Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY
• Zack Kuntz (Old Dominion)
• Will Mallory (Miami, Fl.)
• Jahleel Billingsley (Texas)
• Josh Whyle (Cincinnati)
Converted wideout Juwan Johnson had a strong year for the Saints in 2022, catching 42 passes for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns. Adam Trautman is the blocker of the group, but is inconsistent in that capacity and offers nothing as a receiver.
After passing on several tight ends in Day 2, it's clear that New Orleans feels somewhat comfortable at the position. It wouldn't be surprising if they selected one to develop. However, Johnson produces as a receiver and the Saints often use an extra lineman in short yardage and goal line packages.
Offensive Line
North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Ben Finley (10) looks to pass as guard Chandler Zavala (64) blocks. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY
• Nick Saldiveri, G (Old Dominion)
• Chandler Zavala, G (N.C. State)
• Jaelyn Duncan, T (Maryland)
• Sidy Sow, G (Eastern Michigan)
• McClendon Curtis, G/T (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
• Carter Warren, T (Pitt)
• Jerome Garvin, G (Tennessee)
New Orleans has until May 1 to pick up the fifth-year rookie option on G Cesar Ruiz or he'll be a free agent in 2024. Andrus Peat will also hit free agency and spends as much time on the injured list as on the field.
The Saints have hit big on linemen from smaller schools or in the later rounds. Zach Strief, Jahri Evans, Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, and Terron Armstead were all taken from lesser-known schools and/or drafted in the fifth round or later.
DEFENSE
Defensive End
Northwestern Wildcats defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore (99) forces a fumble on Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13). Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY
• Adetomiwa Adebawore (Northwestern)
• Isaiah McGuire (Missouri)
• Mike Morris (Michigan)
• Dylan Horton (TCU)
New Orleans spent the 40th overall pick (2nd round) on DE Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame. Foskey could challenge for an immediate starting role opposite of Cameron Jordan, while Carl Granderson and Tanoh Kpassagnon provide excellent depth.
It doesn't seem likely that the Saints draft another edge player. However, Adebawore was projected by many as a late 1st or early Day 2 pick. McGuire was thought to be a late Day 2 selection. With Jordan entering his 13th season, the opportunity to add another athletic end might be tempting if one is still on the board.
Defensive Tackle
Bowling Green Falcons defensive lineman Karl Brooks (44) sacks Minnesota Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (2). Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
• Karl Brooks (Bowling Green)
• Moro Ojomo (Texas)
• Keondre Coburn (Texas)
Bryan Bresee was grabbed by the Saints with the 29th overall choice of the first round. With Bresee and free-agent additions Nate Shepherd and Khalen Saunders, New Orleans upgraded a spot that had massive struggles in 2022.
Like with end, it doesn't seem probable that the team uses another draft pick here. A space-eater like Coburn could still be tempting for a run defense that was porous last season. Brooks and Ojomo have pass rush potential and could be developmental prospects.
Linebacker
Florida Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) tackles LSU Tigers running back Josh Williams (27). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
• Ventrell Miller (Florida)
• Shaka Heyward (Duke)
• Nick Herbig (Wisconsin)
• Jeremy Banks (Tennessee)
• Noah Sewell (Oregon)
• Henry To'o To'o (Alabama)
Twelve-year veteran LB Demario Davis is still one of the NFL's best defensive players. Third-year LB Pete Werner is an outstanding complement. Kaden Elliss departed as a free agent after a breakout season, so perhaps 2022 fifth-round pick D'Marco Jackson can step up after missing all of his rookie year.
Heyward is a tackling machine who could be a weakside fit. Banks is a physical but undersized inside force. Miller and Sewell are downhill defenders excellent against the run and with some pass rush value, but liabilities in coverage.
It's all about scheme-fit and special teams value if the Saints select a linebacker at all. They may feel that a veteran free-agent after the draft would be a better solution if they have depth concerns.
Cornerback
Syracuse Orange defensive back Garrett Williams (8) breaks up a pass intended for Virginia Cavaliers receiver Lavel Davis Jr. (1). Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
• Jakorian Bennett (Maryland)
• Garrett Williams (Syracuse)
• Clark Phillips (Utah)
• Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (TCU)
• Eli Ricks (Alabama)
• Kei'trel Clark (Louisville)
• Starling Thomas (UAB)
This is a position of strength for the Saints. Marshon Lattimore is one of the league's best at the position. Alontae Taylor and Paulson Adebo are on rookie deals and extremely physical defenders with underrated athleticism. Bradley Roby adds a veteran presence and can cover the slot or outside.
If the Saints draft a corner, it'll be a player that can cover the slot, where the team struggled a bit last year. Special teams contributions will also play a big factor.
Safety
Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jammie Robinson (10) tackles Florida receiver Trent Whittemore (14). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY
• Jammie Robinson (Florida State)
• Rashad Torrence (Florida)
• Ronnie Hickman (Ohio State)
• Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M)
• Christopher Smith (Georgia)
• Trey Dean (Florida)
• JL Skinner (Boise State)
New Orleans brought back Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye after disappointing first seasons with the team. Additionally, the Saints also signed Lonnie Johnson and Jonathan Abram in free agency.
This position looks set on paper. However, the Saints need more big plays from the unit. It would be a little surprising if New Orleans picked a safety in Day 2, but any of these names would add athleticism to the back end if they slid into Day 3.
The Saints have gotten some very good late-round players in recent years. Jahri Evans (4th round, 2006), Jermon Bushrod (4th, 2007) Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (4th, 2019), David Onyemata (4th, 2016), Thomas Morstead (5th, 2009), Zach Strief (7th, 2006), Marques Colston (7th, 2006), and Kaden Elliss (7th, 2019) are some great examples.
