NFL Draft Grades - New Orleans Saints
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New Orleans Saints Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (8)
2023
Pick 29. (R:1 P:29) -
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Grade: C
The Saints lost David Onyemata this offseason, so it's not a surprise that they drafted Bryan Bresee with Myles Murphy off the board. However, this is a very questionable selection with Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer on the board. Bresee is a very talented player, but he didn't live up to expectations at Clemson, and he also has some major injury concerns.
Grade: C
The Saints lost David Onyemata this offseason, so it's not a surprise that they drafted Bryan Bresee with Myles Murphy off the board. However, this is a very questionable selection with Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer on the board. Bresee is a very talented player, but he didn't live up to expectations at Clemson, and he also has some major injury concerns.
2023
Pick 40. (R:2 P:9) -
Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
Grade: A-
The Saints could have gone with Keion White, but Isaiah Foskey is a great option as well. Foskey is very athletic and should help a pass rush that was horrific last year. With Marcus Davenport gone and Cameron Jordan on a sharp decline, someone like Foskey was needed.
Grade: A-
The Saints could have gone with Keion White, but Isaiah Foskey is a great option as well. Foskey is very athletic and should help a pass rush that was horrific last year. With Marcus Davenport gone and Cameron Jordan on a sharp decline, someone like Foskey was needed.
2023
Pick 71. (R:3 P:8) -
Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
Grade: A
This pick shouldn't surprise anyone. Alvin Kamara, who could be suspended for his off-the-field issues, looked like he was running in quicksand last year, outside of the game in which he played against the flu-ridden Raiders. Miller is someone who had second-round interest, so I like the value.
Grade: A
This pick shouldn't surprise anyone. Alvin Kamara, who could be suspended for his off-the-field issues, looked like he was running in quicksand last year, outside of the game in which he played against the flu-ridden Raiders. Miller is someone who had second-round interest, so I like the value.
2023
Pick 115. (R:4 P:13) - Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
Grade: B
The Bears have taken the "other" Texas running back, which seems like a quality decision because the Bears don't have the best backfield. Roschon Johnson is aThe Bears have taken the "other" Texas running back, which seems like a quality decision because the Bears don't have the best backfield. Roschon Johnson is a big back with decent receiving ability for a player his size. big back with decent receiving ability for a player his size.
Grade: B
The Bears have taken the "other" Texas running back, which seems like a quality decision because the Bears don't have the best backfield. Roschon Johnson is aThe Bears have taken the "other" Texas running back, which seems like a quality decision because the Bears don't have the best backfield. Roschon Johnson is a big back with decent receiving ability for a player his size. big back with decent receiving ability for a player his size.
2023
Pick 146. (R:5 P:11) - Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota
Grade: B
I had Jordan Howden going three picks later than this, so the range makes sense for the Saints, who needed to improve their secondary. Jordan Howden had lots of fans from the scouting departments even though his play didn't show it at Minnesota.
Grade: B
I had Jordan Howden going three picks later than this, so the range makes sense for the Saints, who needed to improve their secondary. Jordan Howden had lots of fans from the scouting departments even though his play didn't show it at Minnesota.
2023
Pick 165. (R:5 P:30) - Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota
Grade: C
Adding another cornerback makes sense, but I never had Terell Smith in my mock drafts. He's an athletic cornerback with upside, but wasn't a very good player at Minnesota. The Bears might be able to turn him into a decent player, but I have my doubts.
Grade: C
Adding another cornerback makes sense, but I never had Terell Smith in my mock drafts. He's an athletic cornerback with upside, but wasn't a very good player at Minnesota. The Bears might be able to turn him into a decent player, but I have my doubts.
2023
Pick 227. (R:7 P:10) - Raymond Vohasek, DT,
Grade: C
I'm surprised Raymond Vohasek was drafted. He's not a good pass rusher, and he has a very sketchy injury history. He'll have trouble making the roster.
Grade: C
I'm surprised Raymond Vohasek was drafted. He's not a good pass rusher, and he has a very sketchy injury history. He'll have trouble making the roster.
2023
Pick 257. (R:7 P:40) - Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon
Grade: B
Alex Forsyth was solid in run blocking and pass protection last year at Oregon. I'm surprised he went so late; I thought he could have been taken early on Day 3.
Grade: B
Alex Forsyth was solid in run blocking and pass protection last year at Oregon. I'm surprised he went so late; I thought he could have been taken early on Day 3.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
New Orleans Saints: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
The Saints struggled to stop the pass last year. The pass rush was a disaster, and Cameron Jordan is only getting older. Marcus Davenport, meanwhile, is no longer with the team.
Myles Murphy has immense potential as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL, but can also be a 4-3 edge.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Quentin Johnson, WR - The Saints need another receiver to go along with Chris Olave.
2. Mazi Smith/Bryan Bresee, DTs - The Saints also lost David Onyemata this offseason.
Round: 2
New Orleans Saints: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Saints continue to improve their pass defense by finding a needed upgrade across from Marshon Lattimore.
Cam Smith is a fast cornerback with long arms.
Round: 3
New Orleans Saints: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
The Saints signed Jamaal Williams, but he's more of a replacement for Mark Ingram. Alvin Kamara will have to be replaced as well.
Devon Achane can be a dynamic third-down back in the NFL.
Round: 4
New Orleans Saints: Aidan O'Connell, QB, Purdue
The Saints could target a quarterback earlier than this, as they'll need to find a franchise signal-caller for the long term.
Aidan O'Connell has a nice arm, but possesses issues with accuracy.
Round: 5
New Orleans Saints: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
The Saints have some old or failed safeties, so they'll have to address this position.
Jordan Battle was solid at Alabama, but didn't make many splash plays.
Round: 5
New Orleans Saints: C.J. Johnson, C.J. Johnson, East Carolina
Michael Thomas has regressed, so the Saints will need to find another receiver.
Round: 7
New Orleans Saints: Deslin Alexandre, DE, Pittsburgh
Here's some pass-rushing depth for a team that couldn't get to the quarterback very well last year.
Round: 7
New Orleans Saints: Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
The Saints are hurting at receiver beyond the two young talents they have at the position.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 29. (R:1 P:29) -
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
C The Saints lost David Onyemata this offseason, so it's not a surprise that they drafted Bryan Bresee with Myles Murphy off the board. However, this is a very questionable selection with Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer on the board. Bresee is a very talented player, but he didn't live up to expectations at Clemson, and he also has some major injury concerns.
C The Saints lost David Onyemata this offseason, so it's not a surprise that they drafted Bryan Bresee with Myles Murphy off the board. However, this is a very questionable selection with Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer on the board. Bresee is a very talented player, but he didn't live up to expectations at Clemson, and he also has some major injury concerns.
2023
Pick 40. (R:2 P:9) -
Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
A- The Saints could have gone with Keion White, but Isaiah Foskey is a great option as well. Foskey is very athletic and should help a pass rush that was horrific last year. With Marcus Davenport gone and Cameron Jordan on a sharp decline, someone like Foskey was needed.
A- The Saints could have gone with Keion White, but Isaiah Foskey is a great option as well. Foskey is very athletic and should help a pass rush that was horrific last year. With Marcus Davenport gone and Cameron Jordan on a sharp decline, someone like Foskey was needed.
2023
Pick 71. (R:3 P:8) -
Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
A This pick shouldn't surprise anyone. Alvin Kamara, who could be suspended for his off-the-field issues, looked like he was running in quicksand last year, outside of the game in which he played against the flu-ridden Raiders. Miller is someone who had second-round interest, so I like the value.
A This pick shouldn't surprise anyone. Alvin Kamara, who could be suspended for his off-the-field issues, looked like he was running in quicksand last year, outside of the game in which he played against the flu-ridden Raiders. Miller is someone who had second-round interest, so I like the value.
2023
Pick 115. (R:4 P:13) - Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
B The Bears have taken the "other" Texas running back, which seems like a quality decision because the Bears don't have the best backfield. Roschon Johnson is aThe Bears have taken the "other" Texas running back, which seems like a quality decision because the Bears don't have the best backfield. Roschon Johnson is a big back with decent receiving ability for a player his size. big back with decent receiving ability for a player his size.
B The Bears have taken the "other" Texas running back, which seems like a quality decision because the Bears don't have the best backfield. Roschon Johnson is aThe Bears have taken the "other" Texas running back, which seems like a quality decision because the Bears don't have the best backfield. Roschon Johnson is a big back with decent receiving ability for a player his size. big back with decent receiving ability for a player his size.
2023
Pick 146. (R:5 P:11) - Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota
B I had Jordan Howden going three picks later than this, so the range makes sense for the Saints, who needed to improve their secondary. Jordan Howden had lots of fans from the scouting departments even though his play didn't show it at Minnesota.
B I had Jordan Howden going three picks later than this, so the range makes sense for the Saints, who needed to improve their secondary. Jordan Howden had lots of fans from the scouting departments even though his play didn't show it at Minnesota.
2023
Pick 165. (R:5 P:30) - Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota
C Adding another cornerback makes sense, but I never had Terell Smith in my mock drafts. He's an athletic cornerback with upside, but wasn't a very good player at Minnesota. The Bears might be able to turn him into a decent player, but I have my doubts.
C Adding another cornerback makes sense, but I never had Terell Smith in my mock drafts. He's an athletic cornerback with upside, but wasn't a very good player at Minnesota. The Bears might be able to turn him into a decent player, but I have my doubts.
2023
Pick 227. (R:7 P:10) - Raymond Vohasek, DT,
C I'm surprised Raymond Vohasek was drafted. He's not a good pass rusher, and he has a very sketchy injury history. He'll have trouble making the roster.
C I'm surprised Raymond Vohasek was drafted. He's not a good pass rusher, and he has a very sketchy injury history. He'll have trouble making the roster.
2023
Pick 257. (R:7 P:40) - Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon
B Alex Forsyth was solid in run blocking and pass protection last year at Oregon. I'm surprised he went so late; I thought he could have been taken early on Day 3.
B Alex Forsyth was solid in run blocking and pass protection last year at Oregon. I'm surprised he went so late; I thought he could have been taken early on Day 3.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 11. (R:1 P:11) -
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
B+ Grade
The Saints surrendered third- and fourth-picks to move up, and it makes sense for them to do so. With two of the top four receivers flying off the board, New Orleans could not have waited until No. 16 to address the position. Olave fills a huge need and is one of the better players available, so I like this pick. I'm not a huge fan of the trade, but it had to be done.
B+ Grade
The Saints surrendered third- and fourth-picks to move up, and it makes sense for them to do so. With two of the top four receivers flying off the board, New Orleans could not have waited until No. 16 to address the position. Olave fills a huge need and is one of the better players available, so I like this pick. I'm not a huge fan of the trade, but it had to be done.
2022
Pick 19. (R:1 P:19) -
Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
A- Grade
The Saints landed a nice bargain in Trevor Penning. There was some speculation that Trevor Penning would go as high as No. 9. I thought that was too rich for him, but the 13-17 range seemed right. Penning is a nice pick for the Saints, who desperately needed to replace the departed Terron Armstead.
A- Grade
The Saints landed a nice bargain in Trevor Penning. There was some speculation that Trevor Penning would go as high as No. 9. I thought that was too rich for him, but the 13-17 range seemed right. Penning is a nice pick for the Saints, who desperately needed to replace the departed Terron Armstead.
2022
Pick 49. (R:2 P:17) - Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee
B Grade
It's a bit disappointing to see the Saints pass on a quarterback, but Alontae Taylor is a solid prospect who will fill a big need in the secondary. The only question is where, as Taylor is versatile enough to play corner and safety. I had him going around this range in my mock draft.
B Grade
It's a bit disappointing to see the Saints pass on a quarterback, but Alontae Taylor is a solid prospect who will fill a big need in the secondary. The only question is where, as Taylor is versatile enough to play corner and safety. I had him going around this range in my mock draft.
2022
Pick 161. (R:5 P:18) - D'Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State
B+ Grade
The Saints were considering Quay Walker at No. 19, so this is better late than never for linebacker help that the team needed. D'Marco Jackson is a solid fifth-round prospect I've constantly had in this range, so this is a quality selection.
B+ Grade
The Saints were considering Quay Walker at No. 19, so this is better late than never for linebacker help that the team needed. D'Marco Jackson is a solid fifth-round prospect I've constantly had in this range, so this is a quality selection.
2022 New Orleans Saints - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 196. (R:6 P:17) -
Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri
A- Grade
I've had Tyler Badie going a bit earlier than this in my mocks, so I like the value. Badie is a small back, but he has positive strength and quickness. He'll provide needed depth for the Ravens, who have nothing but injured running backs on their roster.
A- Grade
I've had Tyler Badie going a bit earlier than this in my mocks, so I like the value. Badie is a small back, but he has positive strength and quickness. He'll provide needed depth for the Ravens, who have nothing but injured running backs on their roster.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 28. (R:1 P:28) -
Payton Turner, DE, Houston
C- Grade
Charlie Campbell was on point with his report that Payton Turner was rising up draft boards, but I didn't think he'd go this early! I was thinking the middle of the second round, but the Saints pulled the trigger on Turner because Greg Newsome was snatched off the board. I'm all for teams upgrading their pass rush, and the Saints needed to do so in the wake of Trey Hendrickson's departure. However, the Saints probably could've moved down about a dozen spots and still gotten Turner or someone of his caliber.
C- Grade
Charlie Campbell was on point with his report that Payton Turner was rising up draft boards, but I didn't think he'd go this early! I was thinking the middle of the second round, but the Saints pulled the trigger on Turner because Greg Newsome was snatched off the board. I'm all for teams upgrading their pass rush, and the Saints needed to do so in the wake of Trey Hendrickson's departure. However, the Saints probably could've moved down about a dozen spots and still gotten Turner or someone of his caliber.
2021
Pick 60. (R:2 P:28) - Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State
B- Grade
Pete Werner is a stout run defender who played well down the stretch this past season, but I didn't ever have him in the second round. I had always mocked him in the third frame, but this is close enough for it to not matter much. Werner certainly fills a need in a dubious linebacking corps.
B- Grade
Pete Werner is a stout run defender who played well down the stretch this past season, but I didn't ever have him in the second round. I had always mocked him in the third frame, but this is close enough for it to not matter much. Werner certainly fills a need in a dubious linebacking corps.
2021
Pick 98. (R:3 P:34) - Quinn Meinerz, G, Wisconsin-Whitewater
B Grade
The Broncos will need to make sure the offensive line is pristine for Aaron Rodgers to give him the best chance to win the Super Bowl. Quinn Meinerz should help in that regard. He had an amazing Senior Bowl, showing that he can compete with the top athletes entering the NFL Draft.
B Grade
The Broncos will need to make sure the offensive line is pristine for Aaron Rodgers to give him the best chance to win the Super Bowl. Quinn Meinerz should help in that regard. He had an amazing Senior Bowl, showing that he can compete with the top athletes entering the NFL Draft.
2021
Pick 105. (R:3 P:41) - Baron Browning, 3-4OLB, Ohio State
B Grade
I've had Baron Browning pegged near the bottom of the third round, so the range makes sense for Baron Browning, who is a high-upside player. He's big, fast and athletic, but he lacks instincts and is raw. The Broncos have needed linebacker help for quite some time, so perhaps Vic Fangio can coach up Browning into becoming a quality starter.
B Grade
I've had Baron Browning pegged near the bottom of the third round, so the range makes sense for Baron Browning, who is a high-upside player. He's big, fast and athletic, but he lacks instincts and is raw. The Broncos have needed linebacker help for quite some time, so perhaps Vic Fangio can coach up Browning into becoming a quality starter.
2021
Pick 133. (R:4 P:28) - Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame
F Grade
The Saints are paying big money to two young quarterbacks, so it makes sense that they would pick a signal-caller with this pick. OK, maybe not. The Saints have so many needs and so few resources that they couldn't afford to make a luxury pick like this.
F Grade
The Saints are paying big money to two young quarterbacks, so it makes sense that they would pick a signal-caller with this pick. OK, maybe not. The Saints have so many needs and so few resources that they couldn't afford to make a luxury pick like this.
2021
Pick 218. (R:6 P:34) - Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas
C Grade
Meh. I like adding quarterbacks late in the draft for development and future trade purposes, but Sam Ehlinger never looked like an NFL quarterback to me.
C Grade
Meh. I like adding quarterbacks late in the draft for development and future trade purposes, but Sam Ehlinger never looked like an NFL quarterback to me.
2021
Pick 229. (R:7 P:1) - Mike Strachan, WR, Charleston
B Grade
I had Mike Strachan going around this range. He makes sense for the Colts, who were expected to address their receiver need earlier than this. I like this as a solid value pick.
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B Grade
I had Mike Strachan going around this range. He makes sense for the Colts, who were expected to address their receiver need earlier than this. I like this as a solid value pick.
Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!
Also, if you'd like to support the site, check out my book! It's available on Amazon, and it's called A Safety and a Field Goal.
Take a look:
You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!
2021 New Orleans Saints - Prospect:TBD