New Orleans Saints' biggest roster needs are crystal clear ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
During free agency, the New Orleans Saints attacked value. They grabbed depth at linebacker and upside at pass rusher. On offense, they picked up a veteran at wide receiver. Where do they go from here? What do they need to address in the draft? The Saints have clear roster needs entering the 2024 NFL Draft. […]
During free agency, the New Orleans Saints attacked value. They grabbed depth at linebacker and upside at pass rusher. On offense, they picked up a veteran at wide receiver. Where do they go from here? What do they need to address in the draft?
The Saints have clear roster needs entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
Pro Football Focus outlined offensive line, defensive line, and cornerback as the team's biggest roster needs.
Are those three actually the biggest holes for New Orleans, though? I'd say no.
PFF got two of the three choices correct, albeit vague. The need at offensive tackle is much larger than interior offensive line. On defense, the interior needs more help after the addition of pass rusher Chase Young. Regardless, they are technically right on those.
As for cornerback, the Saints have one of the best CB rooms in the NFC if they stay healthy. Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are a great top CB duo, especially after Adebo's best season of his career in 2023.
Behind them, Alontae Taylor has had some inconsistencies, but overall, he has been an energetic, productive piece in the secondary. He may be best outside, but the slot will probably remain his role in 2024. He's still young, too.
Ugo Amadi is the veteran nickel back behind Taylor, and he is a key special teams player. He made a couple nice plays on defense in 2023 for the Saints.
Accordingly, could they use more depth at cornerback? Of course – but you could say that about every team in the NFL right now.
The Saints have two bigger needs than CB on their roster right now when it comes to both starting potential and depth. Those spots are wide receiver and safety.
WR has some young talent at the top in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. A.T. Perry is an intriguing backup with unique physical size and jump ball catch ability. That being said, new veteran Cedrick Wilson is the only other proven player at the position.
We all know that wideouts can deal with injuries, and Wilson is simply a solid WR3 (at maximum) that fits the Saints' new scheme. He will be a good role player, but New Orleans could certainly add a day one or two pick at WR in the NFL Draft this year.
As for safety, Tyrann Mathieu just got a new extension and played great football in 2023. He was a top ten safety, even nearing his mid-30s. Rookie Jordan Howden was a surprising positive for the team's secondary last season, and he projects as a starter right now. While New Orleans may be okay with that, it is risky.
The draft's safety class is not particularly strong, but the roster need remains. It will be intriguing to see if they target one in the draft as well as a vet later in free agency once the smoke clears from the draft. You could argue that they need another impact safety more than any other position outside of offensive tackle.
No matter what – the Saints' biggest needs are easy to see as of now.
Saints QB Derek Carr gives good luck to Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani
What a coincidence.
