Saints Mock Draft 2.0

Saints News Network's Bob Rose gives his final mock draft of the 2023 offseason for New Orleans.

It's Christmas in April for NFL teams and fans when the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, as 31 picks will be made in Round 1. Rounds 2 and 3 will take place on Friday evening, then rounds 5-7 wrap up the event on Saturday afternoon. 

The New Orleans Saints will be taking part in the 57th draft in franchise history. After trading former coach Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos, New Orleans now holds the 29th overall selection of the first round. 

The Saints currently own eight picks, which include one in the second, third, and fourth rounds, two in the fifth, and two in the seventh. Given the team’s trade history, it's highly unlikely that they'll remain in all of those spots. Rather than predict trades, I kept New Orleans at their original draft positions for this mock.

Here is my second 2023 mock draft for the New Orleans Saints. 

Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith (58) pressures Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14). Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

1st Round (29th Overall)

Mazi Smith 

• DT - Michigan 

New Orleans ranked a lowly 24th against the run a year ago. Many of those struggles can be attributed to an abysmal performance by the defensive tackles. The Saints signed DTs Nate Shepherd and Khalen Saunders in free agency, but I expect they'll add even more bulk with an early draft pick. 

It was tempting to go with Clemson's Bryan Bresee or Calijah Kancey from Pitt here. Both would be fine additions. I believe that the Saints ultimately go with a more refined run defender.

Smith possesses a rare combination of size (6'3" 323-Lbs.), strength, and athletic ability. He's able to play nose tackle in a 3-4 front or create interior havoc in a 4-man front. Unable to be moved off point by either single or multiple blockers, he creates an absolute wall in the middle.

A space-eater along the interior, Smith clogs inside rushing lanes just due to his size and power. He also has quick feet to fluidly slide laterally to cut off options for opposing backs. His tremendous upper body strength also pulls blockers off balance for teammates to make plays.

Smith showed little as a pass rusher in college. However, he's flashed the ability to develop and has a powerful forklift move that pushes blockers back and collapses pass pockets. He also has a potentially lethal swim move if refined with improved quickness at the snap. 

(Previous Mock = DE - Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame)

Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) rushes the passer against TCU Horned Frogs offensive tackle Obinna Eze (55). Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY

2nd Round (#40 Overall)

Felix Anudike-Uzomah

• DE - Kansas State 

New Orleans had 48 sacks in 2022, but ranked near the bottom of the league in hurries and pressures. Disappointing 2018 first-round pick Marcus Davenport is gone, 2021 first-rounder Payton Turner has shown nothing in two years, and All-Pro DE Cam Jordan is entering his 13th season. 

Over the last two years with the Wildcats, Anudike-Uzomah had 19.5 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, 8 forced fumbles, and was the 2022 Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Undersized at 6'3" and 255-Lbs., he'll have to play with better power and technique at the point of attack. 

A lengthy athlete with the frame to add bulk, Anudike-Uzomah is extremely explosive off the edge. He has a non-stop motor and plays with equal intensity against the run. As a pass rusher, Uzomah has a variety of moves and terrific bend around the edge. 

Anudike-Uzomah doesn't have the size the Saints usually prefer in their defensive ends. He's also a playmaker with underrated strength and the athleticism to chase down mobile quarterbacks, a New Orleans weakness for several years. 

(Previous Mock = WR - Cedric Tillman, Tennessee)

Wake Forest Demon Deacons receiver A.T. Perry (9) catches a pass in front of Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (20). Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Round (#71 Overall)

A.T. Perry 

• WR - Wake Forest 

Michael Thomas has missed 40 of the last 50 games. New Orleans could add a bigger playmaker at wideout as insurance and to complement 2022 dynamic rookies Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. 

Perry had 152 receptions for 2,389 yards and 26 touchdowns the last two seasons for the Demon Deacons. He combines a big frame (6'4", 200-Lbs.) with terrific speed, leaping ability, and sure hands. He'll have to add some strength to combat bigger NFL corners, but doesn't shy away from physical play. 

Accustomed to a high volume of targets, Perry is used to working against double-teams and bracketed coverage. He still showed the ability to be a consistent playmaker at all three levels of a defense. 

Perry's ability to run a full route tree and natural receiving skills should make him an immediate contributor and gives him the upside of at least a Number 2 receiver. With the recent injury history of Thomas and potentially being a free agent at year's end, Perry would give the Saints another much-needed weapon in the intermediate zones. 

(Previous Mock = DT - Siaki Ika, Baylor)

Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta (84) runs after a catch as Ohio State linebacker Steele Chambers (22) and Ohio State cornerback JK Johnson (4) give chase. Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

4th Round (#115 Overall)

Sam LaPorta 

• TE - Iowa 

Juwan Johnson had a strong year at tight end for the Saints in 2022, catching 42 passes for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns. However, Johnson is a converted wideout who isn't a great in-line blocker and 2020 third-round choice Adam Trautman has been a disappointment. 

Iowa's all-time leader in receptions by a tight end, LaPorta had 111 catches and 1,327 yards the last two years in the conservative Hawkeyes attack. He also showcased tremendous athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 40 time (4.59), 10-yard split (1.59), 3-cone drill (6.91), and broad jump (10'3") was in the top percentile of participating tight ends.

LaPorta is one of the more refined receiving tight ends in the draft. He's equally effective lined out wide or coming off the line and has the speed to make him a mismatch against linebackers. His precise route breaks gives him an extra degree of separation and he has an excellent understanding of zone concepts. 

LaPorta's technique as a blocker gives him a big upside for improvement in that area. Until then, his sure hands and ability to threaten defenses as a receiver adds another facet to the Saints offense. 

(Previous Mock = LB - Dorian Williams, Tulane)

TCU Horned Frogs running back Kendre Miller (33) tries to break past Michigan Wolverines Makari Paige (7) during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-Arizona Republic

5th Round (#146 Overall)

Kendre Miller 

• RB - TCU

New Orleans has ranked towards the bottom of league in average per carry the last two years. Alvin Kamara, one of the NFL's most dynamic weapons, has been used inside more often in space because of the team’s lack of a complementary backfield weapon. This problem was lessened by the addition of free-agent RB Jamaal Williams, but Kamara will still miss at least six games in 2023 because of a disciplinary suspension. 

Miller, Chase Brown of Illinois, Pitt's Israel Abanikanda, Zach Charbonnet of UCLA, Tulane's Tyjae Spears, and Georgia's Kenny McIntosh are among a deep draft class that will come off the board between mid-Day 2 and early Day 3.

After 1,011 combined rushing yards in 2020 and 2021, Miller exploded for 1,399 yards on the ground, and FBS-best 7.5 per carry, and 17 touchdowns with the Horned Frogs last year. He doesn't have elite speed, but is fast enough to get to the edge against NFL defenses. 

Miller is a decisive north-south runner with excellent natural instincts and sharp cutting ability. Lacks experience as a receiver, but could still be a dangerous weapon on screens because of his open field elusiveness. Miller has all the traits to be a complementary back in any situation with the skills to grow into a bigger role.

(Previous Mock = RB - Chase Brown, Illinois)

Old Dominion Monarchs offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri (64) blocks East Carolina Pirates linebacker Jeremy Lewis (11). Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

5th Round (#165 Overall)

Nick Saldiveri 

• G - Old Dominion 

The Saints offensive line has been riddled with injuries the last two years. They also come into 2023 with the fragile Andrus Peat in the last year of his contract and having yet to pick up the fifth-year option on Cesar Ruiz. 

An outstanding pass blocker, Saldiveri has great body control and balance while showing the foot agility to counter athletic rushers.  His pad level stays square in lateral movement to give him a leverage advantage in pass protection or when pulling on outside plays.

Saldiveri will have to improve his core strength and hand placement as a run blocker.  However, he's a fine technician and will be able to add bulk onto his 6'6" and 318-Lb. frame without sacrificing agility. 

New Orleans has had a lot of success with mid-round offensive linemen from smaller schools. Terron Armstead (3rd round, Arkansas Pine-Bluff), Jermon Bushrod (4th, Towson), and Jahri Evans (4th, Bloomsburg) are just a few examples. 

(Previous Mock = TE - Will Mallory, Miami Fl.)

Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (1) scores a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

7th Round (#257 Overall)

Rakim Jarrett 

• WR - Maryland 

Jarrett looked like a promising prospect in 2021 when he led the Terrapins with 62 receptions for 829 yards and five touchdowns. He regressed last season, catching 40 passes for 471 yards and three touchdowns. 

More quick than fast, Jarrett may have a hard time getting separation against athletic corners.  He could also have issues against a physical press with his 6-foot and 192-Lb. frame as an outside receiver. His route tree and precision will also have to show vast improvements. 

Jarrett looks like he could be an immediate contributor as a slot receiver. He's extremely elusive in open space and has no problems working the middle of the field. He'll also be a weapon on jet sweeps and has the football IQ to expand his route tree. 

The Saints have had great success with wideouts and running backs as late-round selections or undrafted signings. Rashid Shaheed followed steals such as Deonte Harty, Lance Moore, Marques Colston, Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, and Khiry Robinson.

(Previous Mock = QB - Max Duggan, TCU)

Duke Blue Devils linebacker Shaka Heyward (42) tackles Georgia Tech running back Dontae Smith (4). Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports at Wallace Wade Stadium

7th Round (#257 Overall)

Shaka Heyward 

LB - Duke

Don't be surprised if the Saints address this position earlier. Demario Davis is 34 and entering his 12th season. Kaden Elliss departed as a free agent, leaving no proven depth behind Davis and Pete Werner. 

Over four years with the Blue Devils, Heyward had 31.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, and 4 interceptions. He's a downhill player with good straight line speed (4.53 40, 1.54 10-yard split) but slower lateral movement. 

Heyward struggles in coverage duties, but has the athleticism to improve. Like Elliss, his best attributes are when he's asked to just flow straight towards the ball. He looks like an early down or situational player with the upside to develop with good coaching. 

(Previous Mock = RB - Jaleel McLaughlin, Youngstown State)

After the success of Brock Purdy last year, don't be surprised if the Saints draft a developmental quarterback in the seventh round. Max Duggan (TCU), Stetson Bennett (Georgia), Tanner McKee (Stanford), and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA) are some intriguing options that could be available. 

The more likely scenario is that New Orleans targets players like Jarrett and Heyward that would contribute on special teams and compete to add depth at positions of need. 

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