It’s not been long that the 2023 NFL draft has been in the books, but there is always room for early predictions for the next event — especially when it comes to the doldrums of the offseason.
There is no sure telling what the 2024 NFL draft will hold for the New Orleans Saints (and it will be a while before anyone has a clue as to just what the picture will look like).
Depending on a number of factors, it could be possible that the Saints pick up another signal-caller in next year’s draft. And based on how the chips fall, prospects like Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt — who reasonably has a mid-round grade on him going into 2023 — could be a potential option should he choose to declare. According to some NFL sources, Pratt is being talked about not far behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, largely ranked as the top two quarterbacks in the upcoming draft class.
Pratt was a key piece of the Green Wave’s historic 2022 turnaround from 2-10 to 10-2, making some personal strides of his own as he finished out the year with a 63.6% completion rate, 3,010 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions on 338 passing attempts.
While there are some things to clean up including some aspects surrounding processing and cleaning up footwork, Pratt brings a complete package as a quarterback who is a clean and accurate passer with solid arm strength, has everything one could ask for intangibly speaking and shows the ability to improvise when the pocket collapses and use his legs in tough fashion without being overly reckless.
He expects to shine through even more as a passer this year.
“I think footwork-wise, I’m understanding the offense and being in the offense for two years with Coach Nagle has been a huge bonus,” Pratt told me this offseason. “Being on the same page with him and knowing what he’s looking for. I think better footwork has led to improved accuracy and I’ve been getting the ball out faster and more on time.”
There is no questioning that quarterback has been a point of issue for the team since the departure of future Hall of Fame signal-caller Drew Brees when he made the decision to retire from the NFL.
It’s obvious at this point that Jameis Winston projects as no more than a high-end backup based on the inconsistent body of work he has put up over the course of his NFL career. There’s room for doubt about his future, as reflected not only by the tape, but by the fact the Saints signed him to just a one-year amended deal ahead of the season.
There are question marks surrounding just how much Derek Carr will pan out with a change of scenery. And, regardless, there is no denying that he is in the final years of his career based on age alone.
The Saints spent a late-round draft pick on former Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener, who projects as a player with a high floor and a solid ceiling.
Between all three of these players, how things shake out with their performances this season, who the Saints choose to hold onto, where the Saints finish among the NFL and how Pratt performs on 2023 will all need to be factored in, but there’s plenty of intrigue surrounding the idea of keeping the Uptown quarterback in New Orleans.
