The 2023 NFL draft is in the books, and New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has to be feeling great about the rookie class he and his team hauled in. They’ve welcomed seven new players to New Orleans, with more to follow as undrafted free agents.
After staying put through the first three rounds of selections, the Saints traded up twice in the fourth round — while holding onto some of their picks in the later rounds. They came away with two impactful defensive linemen, a dynamic running back, and improved depth along the offensive line and in the defensive secondary. To say nothing of their new developmental quarterback.
Here’s a quick look at the Saints’ entire 2023 rookie draft class:
DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Pick: First round, 29th overall
Relative Athletic Score: 9.61 (Link to full RAS card)
Breakdown: Bresee is a gifted athlete who is ready to play immediately, though he’s had bad luck with a couple of injuries and challenging health situations. He needs to continue developing his game as a pass rusher but he’s strong enough against the pass and the run to make a positive impact right away.
Fit: Likely Day 1 starter next to Khalen Saunders at nose tackle, rotating with Nathan Shepherd to keep both players fresh.
DE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
Pick: Second round, 40th overall
Relative Athletic Score: 9.61 (Link to full RAS card)
Breakdown: Foskey is still developing as a pass rusher, which is impressive seeing as he broke Notre Dame’s career sacks record. He finishes plays strong and is committed to his craft. He’s every inch the athlete Marcus Davenport was but he’s significantly more pro-ready. He’s big on accountability and spends a lot of time in the film room, and was voted a team captain in 2022.
Fit: Foskey should rotate into games at the right end spot with Carl Granderson and Payton Turner, but he’s athletic enough to play all over the defensive line.
RB Kendre Miller, TCU
Pick: Third round, 71st overall
Relative Athletic Score: N/A (Did not work out due to injury)
Breakdown: Miller was highly efficient early in his college career before he broke out last season, and he enters the NFL with fresh legs and low mileage. He needs to develop as a blocker and receiver but he’s strong enough already as a runner to play right away. He is still recovering from a knee injury but expects to fully participate in training camp.
Fit: Assuming Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams are both healthy and available, Miller may struggle for regular touches but he’s played well in a timeshare before.
OL Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion
Pick: Fourth round, 103rd overall
Relative Athletic Score: 9.47 (Link to full RAS card)
Breakdown: Saldiveri started almost every game at right tackle for Old Dominion over the last three years, though he projects best at guard in the NFL. He has impressive movement skills and vision for blocking on the move but his subpar length could make pass protection out on the edge a challenging assignment. He was named a team captain last year.
Fit: Saldiveri will likely be moved inside to guard, where he’ll push backups Calvin Throckmorton and Lewis Kidd. In the long run he could develop into a starter.
QB Jake Haener, Fresno State
Pick: Fourth round, 127th overall
Relative Athletic Score: N/A (Did not work out due to injury)
Breakdown: One of the most decorated and beloved passers in Fresno State history, Haener plays with a ton of confidence and throws a very accurate football. He’s seen it all at the college level and doesn’t make many mistakes. He was voted a team captain in all three of his years at Fresno State.
Fit: Haener will be the third quarterback on the depth chart but he has the tools to develop into a spot-starter. He can play.
DB Jordan Howden, Minnesota
Pick: Fifth round, 146th overall
Relative Athletic Score: 8.88 (Link to full RAS card)
Breakdown: Howden is a former walk-on who competed for snaps on special teams before he earned opportunities (and a scholarship) for his defensive versatility. He was mainly deployed in the slot in college but moved all over Minnesota’s secondary. He plays mistake-free football with just two penalties and few missed tackles on over 3,000 career snaps.
Fit: At worst Howden will be a core special teamer for the Saints, but his experience and skill in guarding the slot could help him push Bradley Roby to start in the nickel.
WR A.T. Perry
Pick: Sixth round, 195th overall
Relative Athletic Score: 9.62 (Link to full RAS card)
Breakdown: Talk about a productive player; Perry set a school record with 28 touchdown receptions the last two years, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons along the way. He doesn’t have elite speed but he’s a very well-rounded athlete and he’s landing in a great spot to continue developing.
Fit: Perry will be competing with Tre’Quan Smith and Bryan Edwards for a roster spot at the bottom of the depth chart, though he has great chances of hanging around as an understudy for Michael Thomas.
