Here’s a good look at how the New Orleans Saints could address some of their top needs in the 2024 NFL draft. Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy shared a two-round mock draft after the Super Bowl now that the draft order has officially been set. And while the Saints are likelier to check high-priority items off their to-do list in March free agency than wait until April’s draft, their picks here would make a lot of fans happy.
To start out, Popejoy has the Saints picking Florida State defensive end Jared Verse with their first-round pick at No. 14 overall. An accomplished pass rusher from a blue blood program, Verse is someone already hot on our radar. He would bring much-needed speed, agility, and overall athleticism off the edge that the Saints have been lacking. Carl Granderson is their only reliable pass rusher at defensive end.
As for the second round, at No. 45 overall: Popejoy likes the Saints to select Houston left tackle Patrick Paul. He was someone we highlighted as a standout at Senior Bowl practices, where he competed against top-flight competition from around the country. While Paul is a similar high-end athlete like Trevor Penning, he has a ton of experience while playing at a higher level of difficulty and should find more success early on in the NFL.
