New Orleans Saints Post-Combine 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Can't-Miss Edge Rusher Leads The Way
All off-season many have thought that the need at offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints would be the prevailing factor of their acquisition plans. However, after head coach Dennis Allen gave some positive updates on starting right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, that need may end up being less than expected. The tam should also be interested in giving 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning another shot at left tackle in the new system.
Should the Saints go this route with their bookends on the protection front, it could open things up for them to invest in another bookend on the attacking side. With defensive end Carl Granderson extended and locked in through the 2027 season, New Orleans could look for a running mate opposite him in this year's draft so they are ready for their eventual post-Cameron Jordan era. Better to get that replacement in the building sooner than later, to give them the chance to learn from Jordan before he eventually calls it a career in a few years.
With an eye toward the future for one of the most important and premiere positions in all of football, this seven-round mock draft leads off with a massive swing at edge rusher.
Round 1, Pick 14 - UCLA Defensive End Laiatu Latu
UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) celebrates after intercepting a pass.
Sep 16, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
After measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Latu checks every box for the Saints' prototype at pass rusher. Not only that, he brings along with him a far more polished game than previous first-round investments at the position. The UCLA edge is the most technically sound and productive pass rusher of this class.
With 23.5 sacks and 34 tackles for a loss over his last two at UCLA, Latu has been a consistent and feared wrecking ball across the college football landscape. His 26.2% pass rush win rate ranks atop the entire draft class at the position for defensive ends with at least 100 pass rushing snaps, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
His medicals will be the biggest sticking point for teams and fans alike. But it certainly helps that nothing came to light during him medical checks at the NFL scouting combine. Not to mention he played each and every game with UCLA over the last two seasons. With tons of top-30 visits likely on the way for one of the top pass rushers in this class, it is unlikely that anything concerning will slip past the league. If no red flags arise, Latu to New Orleans could be a home run.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) runs the ball against the Old Dominion Monarch.
Dec 18, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) runs the ball against Old Dominion Monarchs linebacker Koa Naotala (47) during the first quarter at Charlotte 49ers' Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2, Pick 45 - West Kentucky Wide Receiver Malachi Corley
After not participating in the combine, Corley's stock is taking a hit amongst draft analysts. But that is not the case across the league. Scouts love Corley because of his abilities with the ball in his hands and the clear transition he would make to a wide zone offense, which the Saints are set to adopt in 2024.
With 5-foot-11, 215 pounds wide out was one of the best catch-and-run receivers in college football last year and was a consistent producer in an otherwise underwhelming offense. Over the last two years, Corley has reeled in 180 catches for 2,279 receiving yards and 22 receiving touchdowns. In 2023 he led the draft class in screen yards as well, per PFF.
It is expected that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's passing attack will incorporate more of a quick-passing game and as the offensive line to get on the move. Both of which should equate to them reintroducing a more heavily involved screen game in 2024. Which would be a solid fit for Corley.
National tight end Theo Johnson of Penn State (84) runs after a catch during the first half of the 2024 Senior Bowl.
Feb 3, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National tight end Theo Johnson of Penn State (84) runs after a catch during the first half of the 2024 Senior Bowl football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Round 5, Pick 149 - Penn State Tight End Theo Johnson
Any time a tight end measures in at 6-foot-6 and 259 pounds while running 4.58 40-yard dash, eyes are going to open. This is far from the first time Johnson has found his way to one of these Saints mock drafts, but his name should start to pick up some more steam after his impressive Combine performance.
But beyond his testing and measurables, his tape does a ton of justice. A willing and able blocker that runs nice routes (even if not targeted in the Nittany Lions offense), Johnson could be another Dawson Knox at the next level. Knox was also criminally underutilized as a receiver during his Mississippi days, but has carved out a nice role with quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
Johnson may not have gotten a ton of chances at Penn State in the passing game, but it did not keep him from making an impact. The big-bodied tight end reeled in 7 touchdown catches on just 34 receptions.
Maryland Terrapins punt returner Tarheeb Still (12) returns a punt for a touchdown.
Dec 29, 2021; New York, NY, USA; Maryland Terrapins punt returner Tarheeb Still (12) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half during the 2021 Pinstripe Bowl against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Round 5, Pick 167 (expected compensatory pick) - Maryland Cornerback Tarheeb Still
If the Saints want to load up their secondary with another option in the slot, Still could be a good prospect to roll the dice on. His 4.52 40-yard dash time at this year's Combine might not spark a lot of social media conversation, but his ball-skills and ability to play both man and zone coverages well should be.
At 6-foot and 189 pounds, the Terp cornerback could stand to build on his frame a bit, but that comes with the luxury of being behind starting corners like Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor and for now, Marshon Lattimore. Part of the rationalization behind a possible Lattimore trade would be connected to getting Taylor back on the outside, but then who mans the slot? Depending on Still's rate of development, he could be a possible answer.
Still players 364 snaps in the slot in 2022 along with over 400 in 2021. He mostly lined up outside his final year in 2023 before declaring for the draft. If nothing else, Still could be valuable depth at a premiere position as the Saints look to reload their secondary, which could include the re-signing of corner Isaac Yiadom as well.
Bonus: Still also has experience as a punt returner.
National linebacker Cedric Gray of North Carolina (33) works in coverage during practice for the National team.
Jan 31, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National linebacker Cedric Gray of North Carolina (33) works in coverage during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Round 5, Pick 169 (expected compensatory pick) - North Carolina Linebacker Cedric Gray
It is becoming increasingly difficult to find the big-bodied, imposing linebackers in the NFL draft these days. But at 6-foot-1 and 234 pounds, Gray is among the closest you can find at this point in the draft. He has good range, operates well as a downhill player and eludes blockers well.
As an all-around linebacker he has 5 career interceptions, 13 career passes defended, 29 career tackles for a loss, and 8.5 career sacks. He notched a handful of those sacks in 2023. Gray does a little bit of everything and that is a good style of player to have on a linebacker core that severely lacks depth with backer Nephi Sewell not expected to be read for camp.
North Dakota State offensive lineman Jalen Sundell (OL66) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine.
Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota State offensive lineman Jalen Sundell (OL66) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Round 5, Pick 174 (expected compensatory pick) - North Dakota State Offensive Lineman Jalen Sundell
There are not a ton of linemen out there with tackle, guard and center versatility. But Sundell is that guy. The 6-foot-5, 301 pound lineman has done it all while allowing just two career sacks and 18 career pressures, per PFF.
The only downside is that North Dakota runs a predominantly man or gap run scheme. With the incoming wide zone system, the Saints will run their fair share of gap runs, but there will be an undeniable emphasis on the zone run. Sundell would have to show that he has the athleticism to match his versatility in order to find the field.
Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Marcus Harris (50) breaks through the line during the A-Day spring practice.
Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Marcus Harris (50) breaks through the line during the A-Day spring practice at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 9, 2022.
Round 6, Pick 192 (via Philadelphia Eagles) - Auburn Defensive Tackle Marcus Harris
This interior playmaker may have small size (6-foot-2, 286 pounds), but he is very disruptive. His best fit will likely be as a penetrating 3-tech, starting in a rotation. That makes New Orleans a pretty solid fit for him defensively.
It is not very often you can snag a defensive tackle this late in the draft that has 11 career sacks and 31 career tackles for a loss. But thankfully for New Orleans in this scenario, the defensive tackle position has a lot of late talent in this year's selection process.
Air Force Falcons safety Trey Taylor (7) celebrates a sack of Army Black Knights quarterback Jemel Jones (7).
Nov 5, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Air Force Falcons safety Trey Taylor (7) celebrates a sack of Army Black Knights quarterback Jemel Jones (7) during the second half at the Commanders Classic at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Round 6, Pick 200 - Air Force Safety Trey Taylor
Taylor's is a name you might not hear very often during the draft process, but teams know all about him already. He received no Combine invite, which is surprising considering he was the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award winner. The award is given to the best defensive back in the country at the end of each college football season. Taylor was the first Air Force player to receive the honor, the second to ever receive an end-of-year position recognition.
He was, however, invited to and participated in the East-West Shrine game wherein he measure at 6-foot and 213 pounds. Solid size for a safety. Especially one that is an impressive blend of coverage and box safety. The cousin of Ed Reed and former running back put together a particularly impressive 2023 season.
He allowed a lone touchdown while finding pay dirt himself, added 3 interceptions and a 50.9 passer rating when targeted on 393 coverage snaps, per PFF. He also finished third on his squad with 74 total tackles, after leading the team in tackle with 69 in a nice 2022 season.
With starting safety Marcus Maye expected to become a free agent at the new league year, a young safety that is versatile and can tackle reliably would be a great get at this point in the draft.
Round 7, Pick 237 (via DEN) - Toledo Linebacker Dallas Gant
Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Andrew Peasley (6) is hit and tackled by Toledo Rockets linebacker Dallas Gant (19).
Dec 30, 2023; Tucson, AZ, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Andrew Peasley (6) is hit and tackled by Toledo Rockets linebacker Dallas Gant (19) during the second half in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Note: The NFL has not yet announced whether this pick, which would be acquired via the Saints trading kicker Wil Lutz to the Denver Broncos last offseason, will be the Broncos’ original seventh-round selection or the one the received from the San Francisco 49ers for defensive end Randy Gregory. The original pick is expected to land at 230 overall, while the San Francisco selection is projected to 237 overall. For this mock, we will use the latter.
Doubling up at linebacker is not popular thing for Saints mock drafts. Often mocks will double up at edge rusher, offensive tackle or wide receiver. For this one, a different direction was chosen because Gant is too good to pass up at this spot.
The Toledo linebacker, much like Gray who was selected earlier, is a proven all-around player. The 6-foot-2, 224 pound linebacker was a starter in the East-West Shrine game and checks a big Saints draft box as a former Ohio State Buckeye. He transferred to Toledo ahead of the 2022 season.
He has a nice impact in his two years with the Rockets where he totaled 7 passes defended, 13.5 tackles for a loss and added a sack, interception and three forced fumbles. He could stand to bulk up a bit, but his instincts and downhill play could start him off as a contributing special teamer with room for that role to grow.
