Saints 2023 draft: Grading all seven picks by New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints had an entertaining 2023 NFL Draft. Of course, they made some moves up on day three, and they attacked needs effectively throughout. On a pick-by-pick basis, what grade would each selection get from me? Check the grades out below. Round 1, Pick 29 (from DEN via MIA and SF)Brian Bresee, DT, ClemsonGRADE: […]
The New Orleans Saints had an entertaining 2023 NFL Draft. Of course, they made some moves up on day three, and they attacked needs effectively throughout. On a pick-by-pick basis, what grade would each selection get from me? Check the grades out below.
- Round 1, Pick 29 (from DEN via MIA and SF)
Brian Bresee, DT, Clemson - GRADE: A-
Bresee was one of the top remaining talents on the board at pick 29. Additionally, the Saints addressed their biggest need on the roster with the selection. Bresee will step in and impact the defense immediately. Don't be surprised if he's a starter on the defensive line at 3-tech to start the regular season. He brings exciting pass-rush upside to a defensive line that needed more of it. Bresee is truly a physical freak, and this pick was a smart one by New Orleans.
- Round 2, Pick 40
Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame - GRADE: B-
Foskey is another physically dominant prospect on the DL. The Saints have a type, and he fits it. He will need to improve upon his pass rush technique, but he has all the tools in the tool box. The former Fighting Irish lineman will battle with Carl Granderson for a starting job off the edge for the Saints. New Orleans addressed another big need here, but there were a couple of other players in B.J. Ojulari and Keion White that I preferred as prospects. Still a solid B- from me.
- Round 3, Pick 71
Kendre Miller, RB, TCU - GRADE: D+
Put away the pitchforks. This pick isn't a bad one by the Saints, but I didn't think RB was as big of a need as the team did after signing Jamaal Williams in free agency. Also, Roschon Johnson and Keaton Mitchell were two available running backs that I would have taken over Miller. That being said, the TCU product does have intriguing explosiveness that the Saints may tap into in the future.
- Round 4, Pick 103 (from CHI)
Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion - GRADE: C+
This was a fine pick by New Orleans. Saldiveri gets a nudge up from a normal "C" due to his versatility. The Saints needed OL depth, so the pick did have merit.
- Round 4, Pick 127 (from JAX)
Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State - GRADE: B+
Haener was good value in the middle of the fourth for New Orleans. The Saints get a backup QB for the future that has the potential to become a starter. I personally preferred Haener over any other day three option for the Saints at QB. His grit and accuracy can be the basis for his NFL career.
- Round 5, Pick 146
Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota - GRADE: B
Howden fills a depth role that the Saints had to grab in the draft. They didn't invest much in the secondary during the first wave of free agency, and Howden could see the field a bit on defense this year. At the least, he has solid special teams usage potential as well. Good pick.
- Round 6, Pick 195 (from DEN)
A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest - GRADE: A+
Perry might turn out to be one of the biggest steals of this entire NFL draft. The Saints had to snag another wide receiver during the draft, and they got one that could have gone on day two in the sixth round. Amazing value for a player with massive upside.
A supersized X receiver, Perry utilizes his tangibles to create explosive plays on the regular. –Rob Gregson
