Mock draft season is in full swing, as free agency is over and the New Orleans Saints can truly focus on their remaining needs for the upcoming season. The 2023 NFL Draft represents the most important part of the team-building process, and the Saints have eight selections with which to add some much-needed youth to this roster.
Note that this exercise was performed using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator. If the player was on the board when the Saints were on the clock, they were fair game. Also note that this exercise does not include trades.
Seven-Round New Orleans Saints Mock Draft
First Round (29th Overall) – Zay Flowers, WR
Chris Olave is a superstar, but the Saints could use another receiver. Michael Thomas hasn’t stayed healthy since 2019, so the team shouldn’t count on him playing a full season now. Passing wins games in today’s NFL, and Derek Carr is good enough to win a weak NFC South. However, he’s not good enough to turn the Saints into real competitors all on his own, so New Orleans needs to surround him with as many weapons as physically possible.
Zay Flowers’ change of direction is something ELSE 😳 pic.twitter.com/3WhFwdR8UW
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) April 8, 2023
Second Round (40th Overall) – Mazi Smith, DT
The Saints lost multiple key free agents along the defensive line, and this mock draft helps mitigate some of those losses. Mazi Smith might not be the most consistent player as of yet, but the 6′-3″, 323-pound defensive tackle possesses a massive frame that can stand up to double teams, and he can use that power to collapse the pocket. In the short term, he’s probably better off as a rotational player, but he could easily develop into a three-down starter by Year 2.
Third Round (71st Overall) – Tank Bigsby, RB
Alvin Kamara will likely face a suspension in 2023, and even if he doesn’t, he’s not getting any younger. It should go without saying that Tank Bigsby is not as good as Prime Alvin Kamara, but he could be a worthy heir to his starting job. Bigsby plays with a rare fury, handing out painful blow after blow while refusing to go down on first contact. He’s also a solid pass catcher that should be able to handle receiving duties, which is always a plus.
Fourth Round (115th Overall) – Tyler Steen, OT
With the major needs addressed, the Saints turn their attention to the offensive line in this mock draft. New Orleans had a below-average offensive line last year, as Trevor Penning battled injuries throughout his rookie year. Perhaps he can stay healthy and improve his lackluster tape in Year 2, but New Orleans needs a contingency plan in case that doesn’t happen. Tyler Steen is still a little unpolished, but that’s to be expected from a player that began his collegiate career as a defensive tackle. He should be able to win the swing tackle job in 2023 and could turn into a starter if his linear progression at the position continues into the pros.
Fifth Round (146th Overall) – Jammie Robinson, S
Jammie Robinson is not the most versatile player in this class, but he has the chance to be an NFL contributor if utilized correctly. The Florida State product is at his best playing in the box and close to the line of scrimmage, which does limit his value in today’s pass-happy NFL. Additionally, he is on the smaller side, so he might struggle to tackle some of the NFL’s bigger running backs. That being said, the vast majority of the time, his body will be up for the task of working in the trenches, and if you have the opportunity to get a good role player in the fifth round, you can’t pass that up.
Fifth Round (165th Overall) – Luke Schoonmaker, TE
In reality, Luke Schoonmaker will probably not be on the board at this point. However, in this Saints mock draft, Schoonmocker is still available, so he’s an easy selection. Even with Juwan Johnson back, New Orleans could use another tight end, and Luke Schoonmaker has a lot of the traits you look for in the position. He’s one of the best run blockers in the class, and he has the raw potential to be a decent threat in the passing game.
Michigan Man Moving. @UMichFootball TE Luke Schoonmaker with a 4.65u.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/nZpSAlqbop— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2023
Seventh Round (227th Overall) – Cam Jones, LB
We’ve officially entered the final round of the Saints mock draft, and the pickings are a little slim. Cam Jones has the football IQ to play in the NFL, but simply lacks the build and athletic gifts required to ever compete for a starting job. Smart players like this are hard to come by, so he’s worth a late-round flyer, but he probably won’t develop into anything more than a special teamer.
Seventh Round (257th Overall) Viliami Fehoko, EDGE
The Saints close out their mock draft with Viliami Fehoko. Fehoko is something of a tweener, too small to play inside but too big to play outside. Unless he adds some weight and transitions inside, it’s hard to imagine him ever competing for a starting job, but he could earn some snaps lined up inside as a situational pass rusher.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
