Perfect Picks 2023: New Orleans Saints
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - B.J. Ojulari (Edge Rusher, LSU)
The Saints paid a hefty price in the 2018 draft for Marcus Davenport. They traded up, mortgaging future picks for the edge rusher. The move never panned out, and Davenport will test free agency with his rookie contract expiring. Cam Jordan can’t be expected to provide the edge pressure forever. Therefore, the Saints will likely address the position early.
After the initial clump of edge rushers, it’s a pick-your-poison type deal. BJ Ojulari hasn’t garnered much first-round hype but the traits are there. While he looks underpowered at times, the dip and speed of Ojulari are often on display. He had nine sacks last season and shows a high motor when chasing down QBs. He won’t be for everyone but adds a more dynamic rusher to the Saints’ arsenal.
Round 2 - Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back, Alabama)
Behind Alvin Kamara the Saints backfield is lacking in a future stud running back. With Kamara’s legal issues likely leading to a suspension of sorts, it’s not unreasonable to think they could look for a long-term solution. After next season the Saints will have an option on Kamara that will only cost them $9 million in dead cap space. Getting cheaper and younger at a position of attrition should happen sooner rather than later.
Gibbs is an ultra-smooth, do-it-all back. In that sense, he is similar to Kamara. Both are comfortable as the lead back or as a receiving option. While it could be viewed as a luxury pick by some, Gibbs falling to this spot in the draft was too good to be true. Having an elite back like Gibbs would give new QB Derek Carr a safety valve. Lessening the pressure by not forcing Carr to carry the offense on his back.
Mid Round Gem - Charlie Jones (Wide Receiver, Purdue)
The Saints made their big wide receiver move last year when taking Ohio State’s Chris Olave. They will hope Michael Thomas will avoids further injury and sign a new deal but an insurance policy would be nice.
Mid-round pickup Charlie Jones fits that role to a tee. Sharp routes, good body control and a surprising turn of foot. Jones impressed at the combine posting a 4.43 40-yard dash time. Having toiled in the Iowa offense for two years, 2022 was a breakout year for Jones. He paired with Aidan O’Connell at Purdue to post 1,361 receiving yards and 12 TDs. Another weapon to help Carr settle in the Big Easy.
Late Round Sleeper - Jalen Redmond (Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma)
We have already given the Saints some extra pass rush juice in this mock draft so how about shoring up the interior? It’s a position that could have little depth once free agency comes around. Oklahoma’s Jalen Redmond was still available late here and his impressive Senior Bowl showing should have NFL teams interested.
Redmond blew the doors of his combine and, despite being a tad undersized at 6’2, 291lbs, has experience at nose and 3-tech. His 14 career sacks suggest there is scope for him to rush the passer and his athletic testing backs that up. The Saints need help at both spots, so the versatility Remond would bring is a bonus.
Draft In Full:
Round 1 – BJ Ojulari (Edge, LSU)
Round 2 – Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back, Alabama)
Round 3 – Keeanu Benton (Defensive Tackle, Wisconsin)
Round 4 – Charlie Jones (Wide Receiver, Purdue)
Round 5 – DeMarcco Hellams (Safety, Alabama)
Round 5 – Atonio Mafi (Offensive Guard, UCLA)
Round 7 – Jalen Redmond (Defenive Tackle, Oklahoma)
Round 7 – Latavious Brini (Safety, Arkansas)
