We’re closing in on the final stretch to the 2023 NFL draft, which means a new series of mock drafts are dropping all around the league’s orbit. And the latest take is a two-round projection from ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, who has some on-brand picks in mind for the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints need more depth along their defensive line, which McShay made their top priority. But they could also get more dynamic offensively, and there are ample opportunities for accomplishing that in the second round of this projection. Here’s who he has going to New Orleans:
Round 1, Pick 29: DL Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
McShay’s take:
Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle signed elsewhere in free agency, and this Saints defensive line wasn’t exactly a strength even before the subtractions. Last season, New Orleans was last in the NFL in pass rush win rate (28.5%) and 25th in run stop win rate (28.0%). Adebawore can help in both areas. He’s a hybrid edge rusher and 3-technique who proved disruptive last season with five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He has a powerful upper body, and I think he can be an every-down starter in the NFL early in his career. New coordinator Joe Woods could move Adebawore around this defense and let him impact multiple facets of the game.
Round 2, Pick 40: TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
McShay’s take:
If you like tight ends with a lot of traits, Washington is your guy this year. He played behind Brock Bowers at Georgia, but the 6-foot-7, 264-pounder has a massive catch radius and ran a 4.64 in the 40 at the combine. He’s extremely strong and has long arms and huge hands. The Saints brought back Juwan Johnson, but they still need talented targets for Derek Carr — who often connected with a toolsy tight end in Darren Waller in Las Vegas.
