Good news, everyone: the New Orleans Saints finally have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft after agreeing on a trade that sent Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos. But what can they do with it? To figure that out, we’ve updated our seven-round Saints mock draft reflecting the picks the team actually has to work with now.
I’m going into this mock draft with the expectation that the Saints will find a starting quarterback ahead of the event, likely in free agency (or they could trade for one, but that’s its own can of worms) while addressing some other big priorities. So don’t panic when you don’t see that first rounder spent on your favorite quarterback prospect. Remember, free agency happens before the draft, and that’s where the Saints are likeliest to solve their problems.
So look at this as an opportunity to introduce yourself to some new 2023 draft prospects more than anything else. If we know anything about Mickey Loomis, it’s that the Saints general manager isn’t finished making moves. This projection is going to change wildly in the weeks ahead:
- Round 1, pick 29 (via Denver Broncos)
- Round 2, pick 40
- Round 3, pick 71
- Round 4, pick 115
- Round 5, pick 148
- Round 5, pick 168 (via Philadelphia Eagles)
- Round 7, pick 229
- Round 7, pick 260 (projected compensatory)
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Juwan Johnson should return on a restricted free agent tender for 2023, but New Orleans probably moves on from either him (if he’s too expensive) or Adam Trautman (once his rookie deal expires) in 2024, so this pick helps the offense now while keeping an eye on the future. Mayer is the best tight end in the draft with extensive blocking reps and experience lining up all over the field as a receiver. If he can help Alvin Kamara be more of a threat on runs to the outside while converting tough first downs, this pick is worth it, even if he’s playing second-fiddle to Johnson his rookie year.
James Gilbert/Getty Images
The Saints need to rebuild their defensive line with so many players headed for free agency, and Dexter is a great talent to start with. He’s listed at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds but moves very well for someone his size, and he’s been a consistent pass rusher the last two years with 25 and 24 pressures for the Gators, per PFF. Call this a meat-and-potatoes pick, but if the Saints hire a good defensive line coach to work with him Dexter could be…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Saints Wire…