The New Orleans Saints’ 2024 season was a tough pill to swallow. A year filled with inconsistency has placed them in the bottom half of the league. While the season has been a disappointment, it does offer a silver lining: a chance to secure a strong draft class and revitalize the roster. This mock draft not only addresses key needs but also brings excitement to the Saints fanbase. With an overall draft grade of B+, this mock draft could be the perfect blueprint to set the team back on track.
Saints Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 9:
• Player: Will Campbell
• Position: T
• College: LSU
• PFF Big Board Rank: #8
• Grade: A-
Will Campbell is a dominant tackle prospect with elite size, athleticism, and versatility. As a cornerstone of LSU’s offensive line, Campbell has consistently displayed strong pass-blocking and run-blocking abilities. His technique and football IQ make him a plug-and-play starter who could stabilize the Saints’ offensive line for years. Though the line presented some issues last year I honestly don’t believe the Tackle spot is the Saints greatest weakness. I think it is LG. This pick could have a ripple effect. Moving Fuaga to RT, Penning to LG, and Campbell to LT. However, that would essentially make all three rookies again Penning would have to learn LG a year after being converted to RT and though its a more natural fit Penning would need to learn LG. It would be the Andrus Peat model for Penning, high pick failing at Tackle and moving to Guard. There is no guarantee it will work but, who knows.
Round 2, Pick 40:
• Player: JT Tuimoloau
• Position: ED
• College: Ohio State
• PFF Big Board Rank: #43
• Grade: A-
JT Tuimoloau is a disruptive edge rusher who brings both power and athleticism to the defensive line. A versatile defender, Tuimoloau excels at setting the edge against the run while also being a relentless pass-rusher. His ability to impact games with his physical tools makes him an exciting addition to the Saints’ defense. Without Chase Young, the Saints will have a huge need here as both Foskey and Payton Turner haven’t panned out. The Saints have invested over and over at defensive end only to have little to no success. JT may help their fortunes change for the better.
Round 3, Pick 71:
• Player: Jalen Milroe
• Position: QB
• College: Alabama
• PFF Big Board Rank: #69
• Grade: B+
Let the Naysayers Know! Jalen Milroe is a dynamic quarterback with a strong arm and impressive athleticism. Known for his dual-threat ability, Milroe adds a different dimension to the quarterback position. While his decision-making and accuracy need refinement, his upside makes him a solid developmental pick with the potential to become a starter. With the Saints even if he never becomes the great QB he has the potential to be, he definitely possesses all the tools to be the next Taysom Hill. The only question would be… is he willing?
Round 3, Pick 91:
• Player: Andrew Mukuba
• Position: S
• College: Texas
• PFF Big Board Rank: #92
• Grade: C+
Andrew Mukuba is a rangy safety with good ball skills and the ability to cover ground quickly. His versatility allows him to line up in various roles, but concerns about his tackling consistency and play recognition keep this pick from being graded higher. Mukuba has the tools to grow into a reliable contributor. The Honey Badger is aging and the Saints are in serious need of a youth movement in the deep secondary.
Round 4, Pick 110:
• Player: Tory Horton
• Position: WR
• College: Colorado State
• PFF Big Board Rank: #117
• Grade: B
Tory Horton is a productive receiver with solid hands and the ability to stretch the field vertically. His combination of speed and route-running makes him a threat in the passing game, particularly on deep routes. Horton could provide much-needed depth and explosiveness to the Saints’ receiving corps. Olave and Rasheed can not be relied upon to get through an entire season injury-free. The best pick for the Saints would be a large monster like T-Mac (Tetairoa McMillan) in the first, but if you miss him than Tory fits the bill here in the 4th.
Round 4, Pick 127:
• Player: Trevor Etienne
• Position: HB
• College: Georgia
• PFF Big Board Rank: #127
• Grade: B-
Trevor Etienne is a well-rounded running back with good vision, quickness, and pass-catching ability. While not the most explosive back in the class, his reliability and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Saints’ backfield rotation. Last off-season the Saints were doing well selecting brothers of great players, they try it again here with the younger brother of Jaguars RB Travis Etienne.
Round 6, Pick 184:
• Player: Luke Lachey
• Position: TE
• College: Iowa
• PFF Big Board Rank: #176
• Grade: A
Luke Lachey is a high-upside tight end with the size, athleticism, and blocking ability to be a three-down contributor. Known for his reliable hands and route-running, Lachey is an excellent pick in the sixth round, providing great value and addressing a need for the Saints. If the Saints entire tight end room is back including Tayson Luke may have a problem breaking through, but when you’re as bad as the Saints were last year you can’t turn away talent and Luke has talent.
Round 6, Pick 203:
• Player: Clay Webb
• Position: G
• College: Jacksonville State
• PFF Big Board Rank: #202
• Grade: B
Clay Webb is a powerful interior lineman with a strong anchor and mauling ability in the run game. While his pass protection technique needs refinement, Webb brings depth and a developmental option to the Saints’ offensive line. The Saints have critical needs at Guard and it is undeniable, so they may address G earlier in the draft. Here with the ripple effect of the Will Campbell pick they select Webb late, in case Penning doesn’t translate well at Guard.
Round 7, Pick 252:
• Player: Drew Kendall
• Position: C
• College: Boston College
• PFF Big Board Rank: #232
• Grade: B-
Drew Kendall is a smart, technical center with good leverage and movement skills. While his strength and size may limit him initially, Kendall could develop into a reliable backup or eventual starter in the Saints’ offensive line.
Round 7, Pick 255:
• Player: Nazir Stackhouse
• Position: DI
• College: Georgia
• PFF Big Board Rank: #255
• Grade: B+
Nazir Stackhouse is a stout run defender with great leverage and strength at the point of attack. While his pass-rush ability is limited, Stackhouse’s ability to clog running lanes and control the interior makes him a valuable late-round addition. The Saints D-Line needs are vast as well, the pick is not enough to address them, but it adds another piece to help with a very leaky run defense.
Conclusion
While the Saints’ 2024 season SUCKED, this mock draft presents an excellent opportunity to turn things around. From foundational pieces like Will Campbell and JT Tuimoloau to high-upside developmental prospects such as Jalen Milroe and Luke Lachey, this draft class addresses key needs across the roster. With an overall draft grade of B+, this mock draft gives Saints fans a reason to hope for brighter days ahead. If nothing else this would be an exciting draft class and one that fans would love to watch play out. If Carr is gone, a battle between Rattler and Milroe will be a fun watch.
