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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

John Sigler

50 potential draft targets for the New Orleans Saints in 2023

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Bowl season is in full swing and 2023 NFL draft prospects are beginning to announce their intentions, and while the New Orleans Saints aren’t going to enjoy the benefits of a high draft pick after their disappointing season they’ll still be active on draft day. It’s always good to keep up with which draft prospects may be on their radar even if New Orleans won’t be on the clock until

To get an idea of which prospects could be in play when the Saints are expected to be on the board early in the second round, I surveyed five different mock drafts from around the NFL media landscape — taking down the players projected from Nos. 25 to 40 overall. There are always players expected to go late in the first round who slip back a bit and others who go sooner than expected, so this gives us an idea of maybe-realistic options.

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Of course that’s going to change when teams begin evaluating the upcoming draft class in earnest. College all-star events like the Senior Bowl and Shrine Game will do a lot to expose coaches and decision-makers to players, as will the NFL Scouting Combine and workouts on the pro day circuit. For now we’re just building a list of names to know to look out for in the months ahead, and trying to get an idea of where the strength of this draft class lies.

And of the 50 prospects listed in those various mock drafts, an overwhelming majority play cornerback or defensive end (8 each). There’s smaller groups of offensive tackles (6), defensive tackles (5), and interior offensive linemen (5) in the mix, too, as well as linebackers and safeties (4 each). It’s looking like slim pickings at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver (3 each), and a single tight end got mentioned in our draft range.

So it’s shaping up for a draft class running deep in the trenches and secondary, with limited options at high-priority spots for New Orleans like quarterback and running back. Maybe this is another year where the Saints zig when everyone else zags, unless they’re looking to build on a strength like their offensive line or cornerbacks room. It’s good to see so many talented defensive linemen in the running given how poorly New Orleans’ front four have played this year, though. Maybe that’s where they go.

Anyway, here’s what you’re here for. Run through the list of all 50 prospects who made the cut: