Saints 2023 rookie report card: Who is performing? Who is disappointing?
The New Orleans Saints have an intriguing 2023 NFL Draft class so far. In a class headlined as one without much top-end talent, the Saints are feeling that a bit so far with their rookies. Their top pick, Bryan Bresee, has stood out as a potentially important piece going forward, though. His pass rush ability […]
The New Orleans Saints have an intriguing 2023 NFL Draft class so far. In a class headlined as one without much top-end talent, the Saints are feeling that a bit so far with their rookies.
Their top pick, Bryan Bresee, has stood out as a potentially important piece going forward, though. His pass rush ability has been clear, and he has made multiple impact plays in his rookie year.
What does the entire draft class look like so far for New Orleans?
Rookie Report Card: 2023 Saints draft class
- DL Bryan Bresee: B
- DE Isaiah Foskey: D+
- RB Kendre Miller: B-
- OL Nick Saldiveri: D
- QB Jake Haener: C-
- DB Jordan Howden: B+
- WR A.T. Perry: C
Bresee's explosiveness has been impressive during his rotational play. It's clear that the staff still wants him to improve in the run game, considering his lack of playing time on early downs. Regardless, his splashes have been arguably the most exciting part of the Saints draft class so far.
Foskey and Saldiveri both received rough grades. They haven't seen much playing time, especially Saldiveri. As the 103rd overall pick, he was not a starting option when the Saints offensive line saw many injuries/struggles. It is clear that he hasn't proven that he is a capable NFL OL yet.
As for Foskey, his reps have mostly been on special teams. For as second-round pick at a position of need, the Saints probably hoped for an impact on defense from him. That has not been the case whatsoever.
Miller has been a good depth running back behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. The use of a third-rounder on a third RB is a bit questionable, but he looks like a solid RB when healthy so far for New Orleans.
Haener and Perry have not played a role in the regular season. Perry gets a better grade as he was a lower pick than Haener.
Howden has been the 'steal' of the class for the Saints. He's played a lot of defensive snaps in the secondary and played a major role with Marcus Maye suspended. In eight games, he has 16 tackles and 3 passes defended.
The DB plays with an electric energy that meshes well with Alontae Taylor, Tyrann Mathieu, and others on the Saints defense. He is a useful defensive piece going forward for years to come.
Overall, the class hasn't been the most productive in their first half of a season. The Saints will need some of the young players to step up if given an opportunity in the future.
