The ideal 2023 New Orleans Saints mock draft
NFL teams always want to knock the NFL Draft out of the ballpark. For the New Orleans Saints, their plan of attack will be really intriguing to see during the draft weekend. What is the best potential class that they could realistically put together in this year's draft? In this scenario, the Saints stay put […]
NFL teams always want to knock the NFL Draft out of the ballpark. For the New Orleans Saints, their plan of attack will be really intriguing to see during the draft weekend.
What is the best potential class that they could realistically put together in this year's draft?
In this scenario, the Saints stay put at all of their selections. No trades up or down as those are impossible to predict.
The following are the selections for New Orleans in this year's draft.
- Round 1, Pick 29 (from DEN via MIA and SF)
- Round 2, Pick 40
- Round 3, Pick 71
- Round 4, Pick 115
- Round 5, Pick 146
- Round 5, Pick 165 (from Philadelphia)
- Round 7, Pick 227
- Round 7, Pick 257
Round 1, Pick 29: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Murphy would be a home run selection for New Orleans. The Clemson pass rusher is arguably a top ten talent in this class. That being said, due to other needs and potential moves, he could slide to 29 for the Saints.
Murphy provides an impressive strength and size combo that would blossom in the Saints system. A duo of Murphy and Cameron Jordan would help the Saints defensive line get back to their dominant ways.
Round 2, Pick 40: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Downs is a top five receiver in the class. He is also quite unique as his silky smooth route running and finesse may remind some folks of Saints young WR Chris Olave. Downs is a slippery player in open space that will give an NFL team a fun, dynamic target in the passing game. This would make a ton of sense if he makes it to pick 40 for the Saints.
Round 3, Pick 71: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Value, value, value. Tucker Kraft would be a valuable selection for the Saints here in round three. He's projected to go somewhere in the third round, and some mock drafts even have him in the second.
Kraft is exciting after the catch for a TE prospect, and he isn't afraid to get physical in the blocking game. His game is more balanced than most of the other tight ends in this class. The Saints need an upgrade at TE2 behind Juwan Johnson, and Kraft could be exactly that.
Round 4, Pick 115: Demarion Overshown, LB, Texas
Overshown, a former safety, is an athletic option early on day three for the Saints in this scenario. He provides intriguing physical upside and plays with plenty of energy. His game will need refinement at the NFL level, but his potential is a smart grab in the fourth round at a position of need when it comes to depth.
Round 5, Pick 146: Cory Trice, Jr., CB, Purdue
In the fifth round, the Saints snag one of the more underrated CBs in the class. Trice Jr. is a lengthy defensive back any 6'3". He proves prototypical NFL size and would give the Saints a young CB that can play in a pinch early on. He led Purdue in pass breakups in 2022 with 10.
Round 5, Pick 165: J.L. Skinner, S, Boise State
Speaking of underrated, Skinner was projected to go somewhere on day two earlier in the draft process. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury in February that has caused his stock to slide a bit.
The safety prospect from Boise State looms large at 6'4" and nearly 210 pounds. He's explosive and quick in the run game. His angles in the passing game need work, but the Saints would have a ball of clay that could turn into a solid third safety for the team in the future.
Round 7, Pick 227: Juice Scruggs, IOL, Penn State
New Orleans grabs a depth OL player here. Scruggs is going to make an NFL roster as a backup interior offensive lineman, and he fits what the Saints like to do on their OL.
Round 7, Pick 257: Richard Gouraige, OT, Florida
Similar to their other seventh-round pick. the Saints grab another offensive lineman that gives them bit of depth. Gouraige played both inside and outside at Florida, but he may see more time inside at the NFL level. Regardless, his pass protection is solid for a 7th rounder, and he was extremely durable in college.
