NFL Draft Recap: New Orleans Saints: 2023 NFL Draft Outlook

The New Orleans Saints entered the 2023 offseason with several questions. At the top of the list was who will play quarterback this upcoming season. The teams signed Derek Carr in free agency, giving them their first franchise quarterback since Drew Brees retired.

Unfortunately, the Saints lacked draft capital after trading their 2023 first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles last year. However, the team acquired a late first-round pick from the Denver Broncos through the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers for former head coach Sean Payton.

New Orleans made seven picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Their first pick came 29th overall.

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Who Did The New Orleans Saints Draft On Offense?

The Saints used their first two draft picks on defense. However, their first offensive pick was TCU running back Kendre Miller. New Orleans signed Jamaal Williams in free agency to pair with Alvin Kamara. While the rookie is currently the No. 3 running back on the roster, he should see plenty of work early in the season with Kamara facing a lengthy suspension.

New Orleans then spent three of their four Day 3 draft picks on offense. They traded up to the top pick in the fourth round for guard Nick Saldiveri. The Saints spent a fifth-round selection on Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener. He should push Jameis Winston for the backup quarterback job.

However, the team’s final pick might have some sleeper fantasy value. Wake Forest wide receiver A.T. Perry was the 195th overall pick and the last selection by New Orleans. The team has a limited wide receiver core outside of Chris Olave and Michael Thomas. Unfortunately, Thomas has struggled to stay healthy over the past few years. Therefore, Perry has an outside chance of making an impact as a rookie.

Who Did The New Orleans Saints Draft On Defense?

The Saints used their top two draft picks on defense this year. They used their first-round selection on Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee. While he has struggled with injuries the past few years, the defensive lineman has massive upside.

New Orleans spent a second-round pick on Notre Dame edge rusher Isaiah Foskey and a fifth-rounder on Minnesota safety Jordan Howden. Foskey should have a meaningful role as a rookie after the Saints lost Marcus Davenport in free agency. Meanwhile, Howden should play rotational snaps behind starting safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye.

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