Two of the New Orleans Saints’ top decision-makers will be getting a good look at some of the best prospects in the 2023 NFL draft this week. Nola.com’s Jeff Duncan reports that head coach Dennis Allen and college scouting director Jeff Ireland are planning to attend the pro days for Ohio State (on Wednesday, March 22) and Alabama (on Thursday, March 23) with dozens of draft-eligible players in attendance. Expect multiple position coaches and area scouts to accompany them so they can get eyes on as many prospects as possible. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer adds that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis will also be in Columbus for Ohio State’s pro day.
Are the Saints tipping their hand by sending Allen and Ireland to these big-name pro day workouts? Maybe, maybe not. They were both in attendance for Ohio State’s pro day last year (along with wide receivers coach Kodi Burns) to scout Chris Olave and his teammates, and liked what they saw so much they were moved to trade up for Olave in the first round of the 2022 draft. That doesn’t necessarily mean history will repeat itself, but it’s still interesting to see which school pro days the Saints are prioritizing.
Here the top draft-eligible prospects from both Ohio State and Alabama:
1
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud
2
Ohio State left tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
3
Ohio State slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba
4
Ohio State right tackle Dawand Jones
5
Ohio State center Luke Wypler
6
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison
7
Ohio State strong safety Ronnie Hickman
8
Ohio State cornerback Cameron Brown
9
Ohio State defensive tackle Jerron Cage
10
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young
11
Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr.
12
Alabama slot corner Brian Branch
13
Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs
14
Alabama free safety Jordan Battle
15
Alabama cornerback Eli Ricks
16
Alabama linebacker Henry To'oto'o
17
Alabama defensive tackle Byron Young
18
Alabama left tackle Tyler Steen
19
Alabama right guard Emil Ekiyor Jr.
20
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu
21
Alabama free safety DeMarcco Hellams
22
Alabama defensive tackle DJ Dale
