The New Orleans Saints were supposed to win an easy NFC South, but instead, it’s time to start mock draft season. While the team still has time to turn the ship around, the fact of the matter is that New Orleans will not make a deep playoff run, even if they win the division. The Saints have a lot of issues and could have a new head coach next year, but their biggest problem is the quarterback.
After a 7-10 season with Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston, the Saints spared no expense to bring Derek Carr to the Big Easy. At the time, the organization clearly believed that Carr was the missing piece to bring this team back to the postseason. However, with 11 games in the books, New Orleans is 5-6 and Carr is no better than Dalton was last year. In fact, there’s a strong case to be made that Carr has actually been a downgrade when you factor in the Saints easy schedule.
With this in mind, Pro Football Network’s A.J. Schulte‘s mock draft states that the Saints will trade up for the right to select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. According to Schulte, the Saints will acquire the Bears first- and fourth-round picks in exchange for the Saints first-, second-, and 2025 first-round pick. This is obviously a bold move, but is Maye right for the Saints, and how realistic is this trade?
New Orleans Saints Trade Up For Franchise Quarterback In 2024 Mock Draft
Drake Maye the Player
You need an elite quarterback to compete in today’s NFL, and Drake Maye definitely has that potential. The UNC product has an absolute cannon for an arm and can place the ball with near-pristine accuracy. Arm talent is obviously important, but Maye’s ability to process a defense while keeping the ball out of harm’s way makes him a locked and loaded top-five pick. Additionally, while he’s no Lamar Jackson, Maye is an above-average athlete who can extend a play and take off with his legs when there isn’t anything available downfield. Caleb Williams may go off the board first, but there is a very real chance that Maye ends up being the best quarterback in this class.
Drake Maye from the pocket 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PQD5fMqopD
— awthentik (@awthentik) November 26, 2023
The biggest knock against Maye is the relative lack of statistical success. As of this posting, the quarterback has completed 269 of his 425 attempts for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while adding another 449 yards and nine scores on the ground. These numbers are impressive, but they’d be even better if he had a real supporting cast. UNC’s receivers are below average, and the offensive line is actively trying to get Maye killed. The fact he’s thriving in this environment is a testament to his ability to elevate an offense.
In many ways, Maye’s closest professional comparison is Justin Herbert. Just like when Herbert was coming out of college, Maye boasts great physical traits but has little to no talent to work with. There is no such thing as a can’t-miss prospect, and Maye should thrive at the next level. However, will the Saints actually be able to get him outside of a mock draft?
Does This Saints Mock Draft Make Sense?
Historically speaking, the Saints are one of the most aggressive teams in the league when it comes to the NFL Draft. While most teams like to trade back and acquire additional draft capital, New Orleans has never been shy about going up to get the guy they want. While the results of these bold transactions are mixed, the fact remains that the same members of the front office will (likely) be running the show for at least one more year, so you can expect a similar draft strategy.
Additionally, the quarterback position is easily the most important one in the game. If the Saints fall in love with Maye, then the mock draft is correct to assume that they’ll move heaven and Earth to get their next franchise passer. Drew Brees made New Orleans competitive each and every year just by being great at his job, and Maye has the potential to bring a similar type of impact. (And yes, he probably won’t be as good as Drew Brees).
The biggest problem in the Saints mock draft is figuring out what to do with Derek Carr. Carr has been a massive bust, and New Orleans probably doesn’t want to have him on the roster next year. Unfortunately, they might not have a choice. Carr carries a $35.7 million cap hit next year, but if the team cuts him, that number jumps up to $52.8 million. That is a lot of money for someone who doesn’t play for your team. In theory, the Saints could trade up for Maye and bench Carr, but then you’re stuck paying $35.7 million for a backup quarterback. General Manager Mickey Loomis is the master at manipulating the salary cap, but if the Saints mock draft is correct, then this could be his biggest challenge yet.
Main Photo: Rob Kinnan – USA Today Sports
