New Orleans Saints 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
The New Orleans Saints failed to meet playoff expectations in the 2022 season with a 7-10 record. The defense emerged as a top-five unit to finish the season, but the Saints have holes at skill positions and on both lines of scrimmage.
New Orleans should be a contender for NFC South next season, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Tom Brady. The Saints hope to add immediate impacts in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, but they have the limited draft capital to work with. Here’s how New Orleans can improve in the draft.
Let’s check the most recent NFL picks, statistics, and the top betting insights for the 2023 NFL mock draft. Additionally, we have an abundance of NFL draft odds for your consideration.
2022 Season Record: 7-10
Status of Coach: Dennis Allen – Safe
Positions of Need
- Quarterback
- Wide receiver
- Safety
- Offensive guard
- Defensive tackle
Notable Draft Picks
- Round 2, Pick 40
- Round 3, Pick 71
New Orleans in a Bind without First-Round Pick
Quarterback is an obvious need for the Saints. An aging 35-year-old Andy Dalton is not the answer, especially after his up-and-down play in the 2022 season. Jameis Winston had his chance and consistently proved he cannot take care of the ball.
However, finding a franchise quarterback may have to wait another year. The Eagles own the Saints’ No. 10 pick via a pick swap ahead of last year’s 2022 NFL Draft. This would have been an ideal spot for New Orleans to target a quarterback or trade up. The Saints could still attempt to trade up but it would require a large haul that would likely include several future first-round selections.
New Orleans may have to target free agency or trade for a signal-caller. Jimmy Garoppolo feels like a realistic option, while Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers are pipe dreams. Keep an eye on where Sean Payton goes. He could generate a first-rounder for the Saints, which would increase their chances of drafting a franchise QB.
Potential Second-Round Targets
Outside of quarterback, defensive tackle looks like the biggest need since Shy Tuttle and David Onyemata are entering free agency. New Orleans should have plenty of defensive tackle options with the No. 40 pick.
Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika should be atop the wish list, as he can immediately come in and be a space eater, which will free up space for linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner to work. Florida’s Gervon Dexter also has the potential to eat blocks with power and length thanks to his large 6-foot-6 frame. Michigan’s Mazi Smith could be the most intriguing option, as he has elite athleticism that gives him good potential as a three-technique rusher.
The power behind Mazi Smith’s hands…unreal pic.twitter.com/0s6F0XEKrF
— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) January 13, 2023
While targeting a defensive tackle makes sense, don’t completely write off the Saints taking a quarterback. Tanner McKee (Stanford) stands 6-foot-6 with a strong arm and has flashed high-level accuracy when given time in the pocket. Hendon Hooker (Tennessee) had the chance to be a first-round selection before his devastating knee injury in the final weeks of the 2022 season. Hooker is still an intriguing prospect with his good mobility, quick release, and the excellent deep ball.
Learn More About the NFC South Draft 2023
- Carolina Panthers 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Atlanta Falcons 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Potential Third-Round Targets
After acquiring a defensive tackle, offensive guard and wide receiver needs must be addressed. The 2023 classes’ second-day receivers are a bit weaker than normal. However, that is not the case for interior offensive linemen. The Saints have several great options for a new starting left guard in the third round.
USC’s Andrew Vorhees was one of college football’s best guards in the 2022 season backed by his immense strength. Vorhees projects as a good run blocker but could need work against quick rushers in pass protection. Steve Avila (TCU) would add great versatility with the ability to play any interior position. After starting at center in 2021, Avila started the entire 2022 season at guard and displayed good power and hands.
