The first wave of free agency is over, which means it’s time to update the Saints mock draft following all their offseason action. As is normally the case with New Orleans, the team didn’t do too much in free agency, spending most of their time getting under the salary cap rather than going all-in on the biggest names on the market. The rest of the division, however, improved considerably, so if the Saints want to get back to the postseason, they’ll need to make the most of their nine selections.
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 Saints mock draft does not include trades.
Seven-Round New Orleans Saints Mock Draft
First Round (14th Overall): JC Latham, OT
The New Orleans Saints need an offensive tackle, and JC Latham was the best one left on the board in this mock draft. The 6′-6″, 360-pound Alabama product is an absolute monster of a man, capable of bulldozing defenders in the run game while holding up against bull rushes in pass protection. Latham spent his college days playing right tackle, so he’ll need to move to the left side. Ryan Ramczyk’s recent restructure implies that the Saints intend to have him back in 2024, but Latham is more than ready to handle life on the left side of the offensive line.
Second Round (45th Overall): Byron Murphy, DT
Byron Murphy is an absolute force of nature in the middle of the defense. While he’s not the most refined player or the biggest guy, the Texas product plays with an unmatched physicality that will translate to the next level. If he gets his hands square on an offensive lineman, it’s over, and despite his small size, he’s more than capable of staying on the field on all three downs. The Saints need an interior player to pair with Bryan Bresee, and this mock draft gives them one of the best in the class.
Byron Murphy NFL Draft Profile
Fifth Round (150th Overall): Layden Robinson, OG
In the actual draft, the Saints will probably pull off some kind of trade to make sure they don’t have a 105-pick wait between selections. However, since this Saints mock draft does not include trades, New Orleans lands Layden Robinson with the first of their fifth-round picks. While he’s incredibly unpolished, the Texas product has the raw athleticism and build to be a starting-caliber player with the right coaching.
Fifth Round (168th Overall): Elijah Jones, CB
Elijah Jones has the height and arm length for a cornerback, but his lack of deep speed and agility drop him to the fifth round. At this point in the draft, every player has some major flaws, so you might as well aim for upside. Jones possesses fantastic ball skills and could haul in a few interceptions a year if utilized in the proper role.
Fifth Round (170th Overall): Garret Greenfield, OT
JC Latham has a chance to be a cornerstone player for New Orleans. That opportunity does not exist for Garret Greenfield, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide some value for the Saints in this mock draft. The sixth-year Senior is on the older side, so there isn’t much upside here, but he’s an impressive run blocker who should open rushing lands in short-yardage situations. Additionally, given New Orleans lack of tackle depth, they might as well throw a dart on a Day 3 guy.
Fifth Round (175th Overall): Justin Eboigbe, DT
Justin Eboigbe is a jack of all trades, master of none who is a perfect fit in this Saints mock draft. The Alabama product can move all around the defensive front, which is a vital skill when you’re not good enough to be a full-time starter at a single position. Additionally, while he is something of a one-trick pony, he has the size and strength to potentially grow into a league-average starter.
Sixth Round (190th Overall): Blake Watson, RB
Alvin Kamara is getting older, Jamaal Williams did nothing of note last year, and Kendre Miller looked unimpressive in limited work. With the future of the Saints backfield looking bleak, this mock draft has the team address the position with Blake Watson. The Memphis product is dangerous in the open field but lacks the build to be a true three-down player. Seeing as the Saints have historically preferred to use a committee approach to their backfield, Watson should fit right in.
Sixth Round (199th Overall): Dallin Holker, TE
Dallin Hooker is a solid receiving tight end who led all NCAA tight ends in both receptions and yards. While he lacks the athleticism to remain dominant against the next level of competition, he can be a reliable depth option with a decent set of hands.
Dallin Hooker NFL Draft Profile
Seventh Round (239th Overall): Austin Reed, QB
Jameis Winston is a Cleveland Brown, which means the Saints are one bad snap away from handing the keys to Nathan Peterman or Taysom Hill. As is the case with just about every quarterback selected in the seventh round, Austin Reed probably won’t turn into anything, but you can’t blame the Saints for shooting for the moon with the final pick of their mock draft.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
