Saints Will Pick a Defensive Lineman in the First Round of the 2023 NFL Draft

New Orleans needs to shore up its run defense, and oddsmakers say the 29th pick will address that.

The Saints are expected to take a defensive lineman (-120) with their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, according to SI Sportsbook. New Orleans owns the 29th pick, and has eight picks in total this year.

The Saints selected a defensive end, Jordan Jackson, in Round 6 of last year’s draft but he was released before the season began. Previous to that, the Saints had not drafted defensive tackles since 2016 (Sheldon Rankins and David Onyemata). The Saints also lost edge-rusher Marcus Davenport, who signed this offseason with the Vikings.

New defensive line coach Todd Grantham will be looking to improve a defensive unit that allowed 130.5 rushing yards per game last season -- the ninth-worst mark in the league.

What Position will the Saints take first in the 2023 NFL Draft

Defensive Lineman -120

Offensive Lineman +300

Wide Receiver +600

Tight End +700

Quarterback +1000

Cornerback +1200

Running Back +2000

Linebacker +2000

Safety +3300

Odds via SI Sportsbook

Ken Ruinard-Imagn Content Services, LLC

According to SI, , drafting a defensive lineman seems like the natural choice for the Saints, and bettors will need to invest $120 for a $100 payout. It’s decent value for what seems like a slam-dunk pick, with most early mock drafts placing players such as defensive end Myles Murphy or defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, both out of Clemson, in New Orleans. In Conor Orr’s most recent mock draft ,the Saints opt for defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore out of Northwestern. All of these defensive players could be available at pick 29 according to our Big Board.

After taking wide receiver Chris Olave in Round 1 of last year’s draft and with receiver Michael Thomas and tight end Juwan Johnson still in town, the Saints don’t necessarily need another pass-catcher, but odds for wideout (+600) and tight end (+700) do have enticing payouts. It’s possible the Saints will choose to surround new quarterback Derek Carr with even more weapons, and bettors could see a nice return if the Saints choose to shore up their offense early instead.

At a 10-to-1 payout, bettors may also consider taking the chance a passer will be the first position called upon for the Saints. However, despite the tempting payout, bettors should bear in mind the last time the Saints took a quarterback in Round 1 was Archie Manning in 1971. He is also the only quarterback the Saints have ever drafted in the first round.

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