Fast forward to just a couple of months from now. The New Orleans Saints will be finalizing their 2024 NFL Draft board. Nobody knows who will be at the top of it or who will be available by the time the come on the clock. 

The Saints have the 14th overall pick in the first round. 

Offensive tackle and pass rusher have been popular positions for their first selection, but the offseason has only just begun. Let's see how their roster looks by the end of April before 

In a recent mock draft, Field Yates from ESPN gave Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton to the Saints. 

The Saints might need to replace two offensive tackles this offseason, as longtime stalwart Ryan Ramczyk has dealt with a knee injury that could force him into retirement and Trevor Penning has struggled since being taken in the first round just two years ago. Guyton oozes upside with excellent quickness and the potential to anchor either tackle spot for a long time. He has allowed one sack over 29 career games (15 starts). — Yates, ESPN

The rationale for his selection makes plenty of sense. Offensive tackle might be the biggest issue on the Saints roster by the time next season begins. Trevor Penning has not proven to be a starter, and Andrus Peat may be playing elsewhere. James Hurst is much better inside on the OL.

That being said, the player is the issue, not the position for this pick. 

Guyton is a OT prospect with a very high ceiling. There's a possibility that he becomes a Pro Bowl player with his measurables and movement ability. He looms at 6'7, and he uses that size to his advantage effectively. 

Guyton's hand usage is passable, and his pass blocking is better than his run blocking. You can see the rawness to his game when it comes to a rushing attack behind him. When he gets beat, it is usually because he's late off the line in those scenarios. 

He's not the best at using leverage as a blocker, either. There are times when he makes minor mistakes that end up with a free rusher a bit too often. 

All in all, Guyton is still a bit of a project. He made just 15 starts in college. 

The Saints already have a 'project' type of tackle in Penning. Looking for a more NFL-ready offensive lineman makes a lot more sense for them. In the top 15 picks, there's a solid chance that one of those will be available. If not, New Orleans should look to address a different need or take the top overall player with their pick.

Down the road, Guyton may blossom into a very impressive NFL OT. The Saints cannot take that gamble in this year's draft, though.

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