The countdown to the NFL Draft is in full swing, and the excitement is palpable among football fans. As we eagerly await the big day, the team at EssentiallySports has been hard at work creating 7-round mock drafts for all 32 NFL teams. Today, we take a closer look at the New Orleans Saints and their potential picks for the upcoming draft.
The Saints are coming off a strong season, finishing with a 12-4 record and making it to the divisional round of the playoffs. However, with the retirement of quarterback Drew Brees, the team will be looking to add some young talent to their roster. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our 7-round mock draft for the New Orleans Saints.
Round 1, Pick 28: Tyler Shough, QB, Oregon
With the departure of Drew Brees, the Saints will be looking for a new franchise quarterback to lead their team. Tyler Shough from Oregon could be the perfect fit for New Orleans. Shough had an impressive season with the Ducks, throwing for 1,559 yards and 13 touchdowns in just seven games. He also has the ability to make plays with his legs, making him a dual-threat quarterback, something the Saints have been missing in recent years.
Round 2, Pick 60: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
The Saints have one of the best wide receivers in the league in Michael Thomas, but they could use some depth at the position. Terrace Marshall Jr. from LSU could be a great addition to the Saints’ offense. He had a breakout season in 2020, catching 48 passes for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns in just seven games. Marshall Jr. has the size, speed, and route-running ability to be a valuable asset for the Saints.
Round 3, Pick 98: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
The Saints’ defense was one of the best in the league last season, but they could use some help on the edge. Jaelan Phillips from Miami could be the answer. He had a dominant season with the Hurricanes, recording 45 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks in just 10 games. Phillips has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a force on the edge for the Saints.
Round 4, Pick 133: Deonte Brown, OG, Alabama
The Saints could use some depth on their offensive line, and Deonte Brown from Alabama could be a great addition. Brown is a powerful and physical guard who excels in run blocking. He would be a valuable asset for the Saints’ run-heavy offense and could also provide some much-needed protection for their new quarterback.
Round 6, Pick 218: Tarron Jackson, DE, Coastal Carolina
The Saints’ defense was dominant last season, but they could use some depth on the defensive line. Tarron Jackson from Coastal Carolina could be a steal in the sixth round. He had a productive season with the Chanticleers, recording 54 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks in 11 games. Jackson has the size, strength, and motor to be a valuable rotational player for the Saints.
Round 7, Pick 229: Tre Brown, CB, Oklahoma
The Saints have a solid secondary, but they could use some depth at cornerback. Tre Brown from Oklahoma could be a solid pick in the seventh round. He had a productive season with the Sooners, recording 33 tackles, one interception, and eight pass breakups in 10 games. Brown has the speed, agility, and ball skills to be a valuable asset for the Saints’ defense.
Round 7, Pick 255: Rueben Bain, DT, Michigan State
With their final pick in the draft, the Saints could take a chance on Rueben Bain from Michigan State. He had a solid season with the Spartans, recording 23 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks in seven games. Bain has the size and strength to be a rotational player on the Saints’ defensive line and could develop into a solid contributor in the future.
Overall, the Saints have the potential to make some great picks in the upcoming draft. With a new quarterback and some talented playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Saints could be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season. We can’t wait