NFL Draft Grades - New Orleans Saints
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New Orleans Saints Upcoming 2024 Draft Picks (9)
2024
Pick 14. (R:1 P:14) -
Taliese Fuaga, G/OT, Oregon State
Grade: A-
The Saints needed a left tackle, but Taliese Fuaga is a right tackle. However, the Saints need a right tackle as well with Ryan Ramczyk's season being doomed with his knee injury. This pick makes sense, and Fuaga could have gone a bit earlier than this, so you have to like the slight value.
Grade: A-
The Saints needed a left tackle, but Taliese Fuaga is a right tackle. However, the Saints need a right tackle as well with Ryan Ramczyk's season being doomed with his knee injury. This pick makes sense, and Fuaga could have gone a bit earlier than this, so you have to like the slight value.
2024
Pick 41. (R:2 P:9) -
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Grade: A+
Here's another second-round steal. Kool-Aid McKinstry drew interest from some teams in the 20s, so it's amazing that the Saints are getting him at No. 41. McKinstry fills a huge need with the Saints really struggling at cornerback outside of Marshon Lattimore.
Grade: A+
Here's another second-round steal. Kool-Aid McKinstry drew interest from some teams in the 20s, so it's amazing that the Saints are getting him at No. 41. McKinstry fills a huge need with the Saints really struggling at cornerback outside of Marshon Lattimore.
2024
Pick 150. (R:5 P:15) -
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Grade: A+
Here he is! Spencer Rattler had second-day talent, but he apparently dropped because he appeared cocky and arrogant on some reality TV show he filmed a long time ago. Perhaps he's grown up since then, and if so, he'll be a promising successor for Derek Carr. You have to love the upside.
Grade: A+
Here he is! Spencer Rattler had second-day talent, but he apparently dropped because he appeared cocky and arrogant on some reality TV show he filmed a long time ago. Perhaps he's grown up since then, and if so, he'll be a promising successor for Derek Carr. You have to love the upside.
2024
Pick 168. (R:5 P:33) - Javon Solomon, DE, Troy
Grade: B+
Javon Solomon is a terrific pass rusher who would have gone much earlier than this if he weren't undersized. Solomon won't be able to play a ton of snaps in the NFL, but he'll be impactful as a designated pass rusher, which is something the Bills needed to acquire.
Grade: B+
Javon Solomon is a terrific pass rusher who would have gone much earlier than this if he weren't undersized. Solomon won't be able to play a ton of snaps in the NFL, but he'll be impactful as a designated pass rusher, which is something the Bills needed to acquire.
2024
Pick 170. (R:5 P:35) - Bub Means, WR, Pittsburgh
Grade: B
Bub Means helped himself at the combine with a fast 40 because there were questions about his separation skills. This is a fine pick for the Saints, who needed to acquire a receiver with Michael Thomas gone.
Grade: B
Bub Means helped himself at the combine with a fast 40 because there were questions about his separation skills. This is a fine pick for the Saints, who needed to acquire a receiver with Michael Thomas gone.
2024
Pick 175. (R:5 P:40) - Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
Grade: D
The Saints must have used all their energy selecting Spencer Rattler because this pick is very underwhelming. Jaylan Ford is a seventh-round or UDFA prospect, so it's puzzling as to why they would choose him at the end of the fifth round.
Grade: D
The Saints must have used all their energy selecting Spencer Rattler because this pick is very underwhelming. Jaylan Ford is a seventh-round or UDFA prospect, so it's puzzling as to why they would choose him at the end of the fifth round.
2024
Pick 190. (R:6 P:14) - Dylan McMahon, C, N.C. State
Grade: B
A center is an obvious need, given Jason Kelce's retirement. The Eagles have a replacement, but they needed new depth at the position. Dylan McMahon was a projected fifth-rounder, so the range makes sense for him to go at No. 190.
Grade: B
A center is an obvious need, given Jason Kelce's retirement. The Eagles have a replacement, but they needed new depth at the position. Dylan McMahon was a projected fifth-rounder, so the range makes sense for him to go at No. 190.
2024
Pick 199. (R:6 P:23) - Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa
Grade: A-
I had Khristian Boyd in the fifth round, so i like this value at the Tom Brady pick in the NFL Draft. Boyd was a productive pass rusher in school, though we'll have to see if the 1-AA production translates to the NFL.
Grade: A-
I had Khristian Boyd in the fifth round, so i like this value at the Tom Brady pick in the NFL Draft. Boyd was a productive pass rusher in school, though we'll have to see if the 1-AA production translates to the NFL.
2024
Pick 239. (R:7 P:19) - Josiah Ezirim, G, Western Kentucky
Grade: B+
The Saints have some glaring offensive tackle issues, so there's a chance that Josiah Ezirim will earn some playing time. He was expected to go in this range.
Grade: B+
The Saints have some glaring offensive tackle issues, so there's a chance that Josiah Ezirim will earn some playing time. He was expected to go in this range.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/22/2024 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Saints wanted Myles Murphy in the 2023 NFL Draft, so they could draft a talented edge rusher to help the mediocre pass rush. And speaking of the pass rush, the Saints don't have a left tackle to defend against it because Trevor Penning has been a major bust. They may take the best edge rusher or tackle available.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu looks like a franchise left tackle. He is a massive blocker with elite athleticism for the position.
Round: 2
New Orleans Saints: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
The Saints struggled at cornerback across from Marshon Lattimore, so the position could be addressed soon.
Cam Hart is a big cornerback who limited Marvin Harrison Jr.
Pick change; previously Johnny Dixon, CB
Round: 5
New Orleans Saints: Gabriel Murphy, DE, UCLA
The Saints signed Chase Young, but that was just a 1-year deal.
Gabriel Murphy was very productive at UCLA. Some would say that Laiatu Latu had a hand in that, but Murphy looked great in the East-West Shrine practices.
Round: 5
New Orleans Saints: Curtis Jacobs, OLB, Penn State
The Saints could stand to have better linebacker depth and perhaps a new starter in a couple of years.
Curtis Jacobs is a talented blitzing linebacker, but needs to improve his coverage.
Round: 5
New Orleans Saints: Marcus Harris, DT, Auburn
The Saints aren't very deep on the defensive line, so a mid-round pick could be used on this area.
Marcus Harris was a productive pass rusher for Auburn, but he has some limitations for the NFL.
Round: 5
New Orleans Saints: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
Alvin Kamara can't seem to stay healthy for long stretches, so here's another running back.
Dylan Laube showed great receiving ability during his time at New Hampshire. He's put together well as a runner.
Pick change; previously Jaden Crumedy, DT
Round: 6
New Orleans Saints: Tahj Washington, WR, USC
Michael Thomas is gone, so the Saints will need to address receiver at some point.
Round: 6
New Orleans Saints: Beau Brade, S, Maryland
The Saints re-signed Tyrann Mathieu, but he's not going to be playing on a high level much longer.
Beau Brade is a smaller strong safety candidate.
Round: 7
New Orleans Saints: Rico Payton, CB, Pittsburg State
The Saints are thin at cornerback beyond Marshon Lattimore.
Past Grades and Selections
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2024
Pick 14. (R:1 P:14) -
Taliese Fuaga, G/OT, Oregon State
A- The Saints needed a left tackle, but Taliese Fuaga is a right tackle. However, the Saints need a right tackle as well with Ryan Ramczyk's season being doomed with his knee injury. This pick makes sense, and Fuaga could have gone a bit earlier than this, so you have to like the slight value.
A- The Saints needed a left tackle, but Taliese Fuaga is a right tackle. However, the Saints need a right tackle as well with Ryan Ramczyk's season being doomed with his knee injury. This pick makes sense, and Fuaga could have gone a bit earlier than this, so you have to like the slight value.
2024
Pick 41. (R:2 P:9) -
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
A+ Here's another second-round steal. Kool-Aid McKinstry drew interest from some teams in the 20s, so it's amazing that the Saints are getting him at No. 41. McKinstry fills a huge need with the Saints really struggling at cornerback outside of Marshon Lattimore.
A+ Here's another second-round steal. Kool-Aid McKinstry drew interest from some teams in the 20s, so it's amazing that the Saints are getting him at No. 41. McKinstry fills a huge need with the Saints really struggling at cornerback outside of Marshon Lattimore.
2024
Pick 150. (R:5 P:15) -
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
A+ Here he is! Spencer Rattler had second-day talent, but he apparently dropped because he appeared cocky and arrogant on some reality TV show he filmed a long time ago. Perhaps he's grown up since then, and if so, he'll be a promising successor for Derek Carr. You have to love the upside.
A+ Here he is! Spencer Rattler had second-day talent, but he apparently dropped because he appeared cocky and arrogant on some reality TV show he filmed a long time ago. Perhaps he's grown up since then, and if so, he'll be a promising successor for Derek Carr. You have to love the upside.
2024
Pick 168. (R:5 P:33) - Javon Solomon, DE, Troy
B+ Javon Solomon is a terrific pass rusher who would have gone much earlier than this if he weren't undersized. Solomon won't be able to play a ton of snaps in the NFL, but he'll be impactful as a designated pass rusher, which is something the Bills needed to acquire.
B+ Javon Solomon is a terrific pass rusher who would have gone much earlier than this if he weren't undersized. Solomon won't be able to play a ton of snaps in the NFL, but he'll be impactful as a designated pass rusher, which is something the Bills needed to acquire.
2024
Pick 170. (R:5 P:35) - Bub Means, WR, Pittsburgh
B Bub Means helped himself at the combine with a fast 40 because there were questions about his separation skills. This is a fine pick for the Saints, who needed to acquire a receiver with Michael Thomas gone.
B Bub Means helped himself at the combine with a fast 40 because there were questions about his separation skills. This is a fine pick for the Saints, who needed to acquire a receiver with Michael Thomas gone.
2024
Pick 175. (R:5 P:40) - Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
D The Saints must have used all their energy selecting Spencer Rattler because this pick is very underwhelming. Jaylan Ford is a seventh-round or UDFA prospect, so it's puzzling as to why they would choose him at the end of the fifth round.
D The Saints must have used all their energy selecting Spencer Rattler because this pick is very underwhelming. Jaylan Ford is a seventh-round or UDFA prospect, so it's puzzling as to why they would choose him at the end of the fifth round.
2024
Pick 190. (R:6 P:14) - Dylan McMahon, C, N.C. State
B A center is an obvious need, given Jason Kelce's retirement. The Eagles have a replacement, but they needed new depth at the position. Dylan McMahon was a projected fifth-rounder, so the range makes sense for him to go at No. 190.
B A center is an obvious need, given Jason Kelce's retirement. The Eagles have a replacement, but they needed new depth at the position. Dylan McMahon was a projected fifth-rounder, so the range makes sense for him to go at No. 190.
2024
Pick 199. (R:6 P:23) - Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa
A- I had Khristian Boyd in the fifth round, so i like this value at the Tom Brady pick in the NFL Draft. Boyd was a productive pass rusher in school, though we'll have to see if the 1-AA production translates to the NFL.
A- I had Khristian Boyd in the fifth round, so i like this value at the Tom Brady pick in the NFL Draft. Boyd was a productive pass rusher in school, though we'll have to see if the 1-AA production translates to the NFL.
2024
Pick 239. (R:7 P:19) - Josiah Ezirim, G, Western Kentucky
B+ The Saints have some glaring offensive tackle issues, so there's a chance that Josiah Ezirim will earn some playing time. He was expected to go in this range.
B+ The Saints have some glaring offensive tackle issues, so there's a chance that Josiah Ezirim will earn some playing time. He was expected to go in this range.
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