The time has almost come and the 2023 NFL draft is just a couple of days away. The New Orleans Saints have made a lot of moves this offseason that indicate they’re ready to compete, such as signing quarterback Derek Carr. Now, it’s their chance to add some young players to the roster.
New Orleans has eight selections in the draft, including the one they got for trading Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos. They are expected to address the trenches, add some defensive depth and maybe add some more weapons.
Here’s our final mock draft of the season before things kick off on Thursday night.
Round 1, Pick 29: DL Mazi Smith, Michigan
The plan for the Saints early could be to attack the trenches, it’s where they need the most help on both sides of the ball. Smith isn’t known for his pass rush abilities, but is a freak athlete and incredibly strong which leads to him being a more than stout run defender. Locking him into your front for the next four or five years would be a great addition.
Round 2, Pick 40: DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
Anudike-Uzomah has an extremely high pass rush win rate and has a ton of ways to win at the edge against tackles. The Saints desperately need more pass rush help and this is one of the safest bets in the draft. He’s not an other-worldly athlete, which is why he’ll likely drop into day two, but is a good value here.
Round 3, Pick 71: OG Chandler Zavala, NC State
With not a lot of depth and Andrus Peat in the last season of his contract, the guard spot is going to need to be addressed soon. Getting a guy with a ton of experience at left guard like Zavala will go a long way and could potentially be a plug and play option if something happens.
Round 4, Pick 115: WR Trey Palmer, Nebraska
The Saints want more weapons on offense and Trey Palmer is bursting at the seams with athletic potential. 2022 was his first year with any real responsibility on offense and he had a great year. He finished with 71 catches for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had a 4.33 40 yard dash with a 1.48 10 yard split. He’d be able to grow in the Saints offense as he is still a bit raw, but could be a great situational piece immediately.
Round 5, Pick 146: TE Davis Allen, Clemson
If you want to compliment the tight ends on the roster without putting a ton of resources into the position, Allen is a good option. He’s big and has great hands, along with being an okay blocker. He’s not a great downfield option, but in short space will be a valuable and reliable receiving threat.
Round 5, Pick 165: S Quindell Johnson, Memphis
Johnson is a versatile weapon that could be used all over the defense for New Orleans. He’s played significant snaps deep, in the box and in the slot. He’s great depth that could play in emergencies and has a good chance of growing into a starter.
Round 7, Pick 227: LB Ryan Greenhagen, Nebraska
He’s a strong, smart tackler and run defender. Not a flashy player, has some situational use and special teams upside. That’s what day three of the draft is for New Orleans.
Round 7, Pick 257: CB Kahlef Hailassie, Western Kentucky
With the last pick of the draft, the Saints could add some more depth to the boundary corner position. You can never have too many corners and Hailasse is a player with good size, coverage ability and tackling upside.
