Everyone has an opinion on what the New Orleans Saints should do (or will do) in the 2024 NFL draft, so we surveyed the picks from 10 recent mock drafts to get an idea of which prospects are being linked to the black and gold.
And those opinions are split. Seven different players were suggested in those 10 different projections, but there’s one clear favorite. Here’s what we found:
ESPN
ESPN’s Jordan Reid has the Saints picking Alabama right tackle JC Latham as a clear succession plan for Ryan Ramczyk, whose future in football is in doubt due to a degenerative knee condition.
The Saints have historically shown commitment to the trenches in the early rounds, and considering that Trevor Penning hasn’t lived up to his first-round billing and Ryan Ramczyk battled knee injuries this season, offensive tackle should be a high priority in New Orleans. Latham is a massive 6-foot-5, 350-pound player with power at the point of attack and good quickness. He is a dominant run-blocker, able to take away defenders quickly once he gets his hands on them. If he lands in a scheme that prioritizes downhill running, Latham has the potential to be a reliable starter.
The Athletic
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner has New Orleans picking Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, an outstanding run-after-catch threat who consistently wins on contested targets.
There could be an early run on receivers, meaning Odunze might not be on the board this late. The best of Michael Penix Jr.’s fabulous Washington WR trio, Odunze is a powerful, big-bodied leaper with enough speed and wiggle to play X, Z or slot in the league. He would pair well long-term with Chris Olave.
NBC Sports
NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers has UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu going to the Saints. New Orleans badly needs more production off the edge and he’s the most pro-ready sack artist in the draft.
Latu is one of the best stories of this draft, going from being medically retired to posting back-to-back double digit sack seasons. His pass rush tool box is deep, showing off a variety of moves and refined hands to create a pathway to the quarterback.
FOX Sports
FOX Sports’ Jason McIntyre has has the Saints picking Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, the top interior lineman in the draft. He would be an ideal tag-team partner for Bryan Bresee in the middle of the defense.
The Saints defensive front seven is aging, with stalwarts Cam Jordan and Demario Davis both 34-plus years old by the start of next season.
CBS Sports
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards has Odunze going to the Saints, too. With this likely being the end of the road for Michael Thomas, he can check similar boxes offensively.
It is safe to say that the future of Derek Carr in New Orleans is very much in question, but his contract probably limits the Saints’ options in the short term. Rome Odunze gives them another outlet downfield.
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling has Latham going to New Orleans, too. The Saints have a lot of familiarity with Alabama’s program — their current offensive line coach, Doug Marrone, was Latham’s position coach in 2021.
This offensive line needs a ton of help, and it has to start at tackle, where the Saints could use long-term upgrades on either side. Latham is a massive mauler with surprising athleticism for his size, and the versatility to be an immediate starter at either right or left tackle.
Pro Football Network
Pro Football Network’s Joe Broback has Florida State defensive end Jared Verse going to the Saints, and he would be the best pass rusher the Saints have added in some time. Verse has a clean medical history and outstanding production against quality opponents.
Cameron Jordan gave the Saints a solid career, but it’s time to pass the torch. In his place will be a player who brings a veteran mindset and a great skillset to the New Orleans defensive line.
Jared Verse, at his peak, is a bully who has his way with opposing tackles. The former Albany transfer bet on himself at Florida State, and now he’s a potential first-round pick. He brings good size to the Saints in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, and he is also a great leader who should fit well in the locker room immediately.
Draft Wire
Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy has the Saints picking Latham in his mock draft, too. Latham struggled against other future NFL players in Alabama’s Rose Bowl loss to Michigan and he ended the game with a knee injury, but his larger body of work outweighs all that. Early indications are that his knee issue isn’t serious.
The Saints need multiple players but you can’t pass on a franchise offensive tackle.
For The Win
For The Win’s Christian D’Andrea has the Saints going with an unconventional pick in Alabama outside linebacker Dallas Turner. Weigh-ins will be important for him with the Saints remaining very strict in their athletic thresholds for the position.
Cameron Jordan is 34 years old and coming off his least productive season since his rookie year. Carl Granderson picked up some of the slack, but it’s clear New Orleans needs more help on the edge — particularly young, inexpensive help.
Turner could be a bargain here as a blue chip prospect with all the physical bonafides of a perennial Pro Bowler. He’s got the chops to put up a truly stupid 40 time at the Combine at 245-ish pounds, showcasing both the speed and power needed to be a consistent presence on Sundays. He had 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 14 games for the Crimson Tide last fall.
NBC Sports Chicago
NBC Sports Chicago’s Glynn Morgan has the Saints targeting Newton to help reinforce their defensive line. He’s a playmaker who brings a lot of energy, and he’d be a good fit with Bresee.
Newton clearly stood apart from his peers within the conference by being named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year. Newton displays some alignment versatility but is better suited as a 3-technique defensive lineman whose quickness and leveraged strength win consistently at the point of attack. A tireless defender, Newton’s relentlessness on the field should translate well at the NFL level.
Yardbarker
Yardbarker’s Seth Trachtman has Verse going to New Orleans. He would havee the best combination of athletic upside and proven production among defensive ends the Saints have drafted in years.
Cameron Jordan’s age makes defensive end a major need for the Saints. Verse recorded nine sacks in back-to-back seasons for the Seminoles.
With The First Pick
With The First Pick’s Dustin Mosher has Latu going to the Saints. His medicals will be big but the Saints haven’t been turned off by spotty injury history before.
Latu isn’t a great athlete, but he is a fantastic pass rusher. He has every move imaginable in his arsenal and wins with a relentless motor. And who better to learn from than Cam Jordan? The Saints get their EDGE of the future to pair with one of the greatest players in the history of their franchise.
SB Nation
SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta has a surprising pick: Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. He’s a gifted athlete but it’s tough to see the Saints drafting someone early at such a slow-to-develop position, and they have many more important needs than tight end.
Honestly, Bowers could go as high as 5 in this draft. However, he slides to 14 in New Orleans, who need another legitimate receiving threat outside of Chris Olave.
Mock draft roundup
Latham was the most popular choice for the Saints in this round of mock drafts, and it’s easy to see why: New Orleans didn’t play well enough up front and he gives them an opportunity to keep Derek Carr clean while paving way for the run game. Three different outlets we surveyed linked him to the Saints, more than any other prospect.
However, there were two projections mocking the Saints to pick Latu, Newton, Odunze, and Verse, and one each for Bowers and Turner. It’s clear that the defensive line and receiving corps are seen as areas of need for New Orleans. We’ll see how things develop in the weeks and months ahead.
