This would sure be popular in Louisiana: ESPN’s Jordan Reid shared his latest 2024 NFL mock draft on Wednesday, which has the New Orleans Saints selecting LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers in the first round. Reid used ESPN’s Football Power Index tool to project the final draft order based off each team’s remaining schedule, which has the Saints slotted in at No. 15.
Nabers leads the nation with 981 receiving yards off of 56 receptions, including 9 touchdown catches. He’s been a highly effective deep threat in the LSU offense while catching 13 of his 20 receptions on targets at 20-plus yards downfield, and that’s an area the New Orleans offense could improve. They’ve taken a lot of shots downfield without enough success.
But does it matter who the receivers are with Derek Carr throwing at them? The 150-game veteran hasn’t looked the part in his first seven starts with New Orleans, routinely missing open receivers and too often checking the ball down well short of the sticks. His 43.2% success rate (defined at Pro Football Reference as a play which gains at least 40% of yards required on first down, 60% on second down, and 100% on third or fourth down) ranks 20th among the league’s 32 starting quarterbacks.
Carr is at fault for many of the offense’s struggles this season, and his contract structure means he’ll be on the roster until 2025 at least. Changing the weapons won’t change him, though the appeal of adding Nabers to a receiving corps of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and maybe Michael Thomas (should he re-sign in 2024) is obvious.
Here’s what Reid had to say about Nabers’ fit in New Orleans:
The Saints have a decision to make with Michael Thomas in the offseason. But even if they keep him, they must continue to find offensive playmakers for Derek Carr. New Orleans ranks 28th in yards per play this season (4.6).
Nabers has been one of the most explosive players in the country this season, with an FBS-leading 981 receiving yards. His game complements the downfield ability of Chris Olave, plus he has the versatility to threaten defenses from either the slot or the outside.
Additionally, Reid identified the offensive and defensive lines as additional team needs for the Saints. Some prospects to monitor in those groups who went off the board around New Orleans’ pick in this mock draft include Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and Houston left tackle Patrick Paul, plus defensive ends Bralen Trice (Washington) and Laiatu Latu (UCLA). Any of them could help the team.
