2023 NFL Draft Predictions: New Orleans Saints Biggest Team Needs

The New Orleans Saints have undergone several massive changes over the past few years. Future Hall of Famer Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season. However, the team was able to overcome the loss of their quarterback.

New Orleans had a 9-8 record in 2021 despite starting four different quarterbacks. While the team fought through the injuries, the biggest blow came after the season when head coach Sean Payton announced his retirement after 15 years with the team. The Saints named former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen the new head coach.

Unfortunately, the 2022 season was a disappointing one. New Orleans finished third in the NFC South division with a 7-10 record. While the team doesn’t have their first-round pick this year, the Saints acquired the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Denver Broncos in exchange for their former head coach.

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What Are The New Orleans Saints Biggest Needs On Offense?

Over the past two years, the Saints have failed to replace Brees. New Orleans has started five quarterbacks since losing the future Hall of Famer: Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, Trevor Siemian, Ian Book, and Taysom Hill. Thankfully, they have solved their quarterback problem. Earlier this week, New Orleans signed Derek Carr to a four-year deal.

Now the Saints can work on improving their receiving core. Chris Olave had an excellent rookie season, totaling 72 receptions on 119 targets for 1,042 receiving yards and four touchdowns as the team’s new No. 1 wide receiver. While Michael Thomas has played only 10 games over the past three years, New Orleans is hopeful he can stay healthy in 2023.

However, that shouldn’t stop them from adding a wide receiver early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Some potential options for the Saints are Zay Flowers, Quentin Johnston, and Jalin Hyatt. All three could be available with New Orleans’ first-round pick.

What Are The New Orleans Saints Biggest Needs On Defense?

The Saints have had a strong defense over the past few years. However, the unit has several impact players hitting the open market next week. Their top need on defense is at defensive tackle, as the team has several free agents this offseason.

If New Orleans wants to use their first-round pick on the defense, the ideal target is Calijah Kancey. The former Pittsburgh star defensive tackle had 15 sacks over the past two years. Furthermore, he ran a blazing 4.67 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine last week.

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