New Orleans Saints can strike gold in first round of 2024 NFL draft with the potential fall of top prospect
The NFL Draft can be a tough projection. Actually, it's a bit difficult to know which teams will go in what direction until very close to the start of the draft. That's an annual piece of the event. That being said, the New Orleans Saints have a great chance to grab some top talent in […]
The NFL Draft can be a tough projection. Actually, it's a bit difficult to know which teams will go in what direction until very close to the start of the draft. That's an annual piece of the event.
That being said, the New Orleans Saints have a great chance to grab some top talent in the class with their first selection. They will pick 14th overall. Offensive tackle, pass rusher, and wide receiver have all been popular choices in mock drafts so far in earl 2024.
Offensive tackle projects as their largest need, and most likely selection early in the draft. Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a serious knee cartilage injury. It is an issue that will affect his preparation for the remainder of his career and could force him to retire earlier than expected. His long-term future in the NFL is cloudy, even though he is a top talent at OT.
Additionally, the tackle spot opposite him does not have a clear starter for the future in New Orleans. James Hurst is a veteran with experience there, and Andrus Peat could start there again next year as he did for much of this past season. Regardless, the need is clear.
A top offensive tackle has been sliding in recent mock drafts. That player is Penn State OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu. He would be a great pick for the Saints.
In Pro Football Focus' latest mock draft by Trevor Sikkema, he gave the talent tackle to New Orleans.
With Derek Carr in New Orleans for at least another year (potentially two), the Saints need to take an honest look at their offensive tackle spot. They traded for Trevor Penning in 2022, and he has not been a starting-caliber option. Ryan Ramczyk is one of the best right tackles in the league, but the lack of cartilage in his knee is catching up to him, and he might not be in the league much longer.
Fashanu needs to get stronger, but he has all the tools to be a great pass protector in the NFL. — Sikkema
As Sikkema noted, Fashanu does need to improve his play strength. That being said, he is a polished pass blocker, and that could be a major addition for Derek Carr and the offense.
Rewind to a month ago. Fashanu was going in the top eight picks of most mock drafts. Now, he is consistently sliding a hair. It used to be a surprise to see him slide past 10th overall, but the 14th pick is now on the table for the former Nittany Lions blocker.
Fashanu is Travis May's 9th-rated prospect in the 2024 class in his latest rankings.
Fashanu was the epitome of consistency throughout his Penn State career, only logging two games where he gave up more than one pass rush pressure. Elite numbers in pass protection with some room to grow in run blocking. — May
New Orleans would come away with a steal if Fashanu falls to them, and he is the pick. He's a top talent in the class that would immediately be a starter for the black and gold.
Saints’ opening odds to win 2025 Super Bowl
They don’t have great odds.
