NFL Mock Draft Simulator 2.0: Odds of Saints' First-Round Prospects 'Available' and 'Taken'
ESPN has a draft simulator analyzing the odds of being "available" or "taken" for each draft-eligible prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Draft Day Predictor (DDP) gave the SNN writers the odds and predictions for their favorite picks for the Saints' first-round draft choice. Amid the mock drafts, predictions, and best-fit scenarios given this offseason for the New Orleans Saints, this simulation tool gave us the "Chance of Availability" and "Chance of Being Taken" by the respective teams.
The New Orleans Saints Draft Needs: DE, DT, OL, DB, QB, WR
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) celebrates the victory against the Southern California Trojans in the PAC-12 Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
John Hendrix selects...
TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah; 6-4 and 246 pounds
Kincaid has a greater chance of being selected at No. 18 (Lions), No. 24 (Jaguars), and No. 28 (Bengals) before New Orleans at No. 29.
New Orleans has a 25% chance of Kincaid being available at No. 29.
Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mazi Smith (58) speaks during Vrbo Fiesta Bowl media day at Camelback Inn in Scottsdale on Dec. 29, 2022. Ncaa Football Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Media Day
Bob Rose selects...
DT Mazi Smith - Michigan; 6-3 and 323 pounds
The Big Blue's mammoth defensive tackle could join his former college teammate Cesar Ruiz in the Big Easy. According to the DDP, Smith has a 33% chance of being selected at No. 29. The Steelers at No. 32 and Rams at No. 36 have higher projections of drafting him.
New Orleans has a 98% chance of Smith being available at No. 29.
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson Ncaa Football Syracuse At Clemson; Credit:© Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWOR
Ross Jackson selects...
DT Byran Bresee - Clemson; 6-6 and 298 pounds
The probability of New Orleans drafting Bresee is second to the Bills' selection at No. 27. The Cowboys at No. 26 and Eagles at No. 30 are the next two likely landing spots for the Clemson defensive tackle.
New Orleans has a 67% chance of Breese being available at No. 29.
Kyle T. Mosley selects...
QB Hendon Hooker - Tennessee; 6-3 and 217 pounds
New Orleans needs a future QB. Since Derek Carr is in the building, Hooker could sit and learn for a few seasons while becoming a valuable asset or the eventual starter. The DDP projects Hooker becoming a Minnesota Viking at No. 23. The Cardinals at No. 34, Colts at No. 35, and Ravens at No. 22 fare higher than the Saints with a 25% chance of taking the Volunteer.
New Orleans has a 58% chance of Hooker being available at No. 29.
In the ESPN Draft Predictor Mock for New Orleans, the best available at No. 29 were:
- QB Will Levis,
- TE Michael Mayer,
- WR Quentin Johnston,
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs,
- TE Darnell Washington,
- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah,
- OLB Keion White, QB Hendon Hooker,
- C/G Joe Tippman,
- WR Jalin Hyatt,
- DT Mazi Smith
If I had to choose:
Hooker or Smith would be my choice for the Saints. However, Mickey Loomis and Dennis Allen will drive this bus on April 27. DE Anudike-Uzomah or C/G Joe Tippman would fulfill the New Orleans drafting approach as in prior drafts - but so would DT Bryan Bresee.
Or, could one of the two best tight ends remaining to finish the position's first-round drought since the team selected Irv Smith as the No. 20 overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft?
Who would you choose for the 2023 NFL Draft?
WWMD - What Would Mickey Do?
We shall see.
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