The Saints Beat: 2023 Draft Grades, Analysis, Trades

New Orleans Saints 2023 draft grades from NFL draft analysts.
The Saints Beat: 2023 Draft Grades, Analysis, Trades
The Saints Beat: 2023 Draft Grades, Analysis, Trades /
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The New Orleans Saints have completed the 2023 NFL Draft with seven picks in the first six rounds.   Mickey Loomis was an aggressive trader once again to select OL Nick Saldiveri, QB Jake Haener, and WR A.T. Perry. 

Here are the New Orleans Saints draft grades from NFL draft analysts from across the sports landscape.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: 2023 DRAFT CLASS GRADES

Grade: B

  • Round 1: No. 29 (from San Francisco, Miami, and Denver): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
  • Round 2: No. 40: Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
  • Round 3: No. 71: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
  • Round 4: No. 103 (from Chicago), Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion
  • Round 4: No. 127 (from Jacksonville), Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
  • Round 5: No. 146 (from Pittsburgh and Denver), Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota
  • Round 6: No. 195: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest

Saints Beat Analysis

The New Orleans Saints management, including Mickey Loomis, Jeff Ireland, and the team's scouts, have done an impressive job identifying the team's needs and choosing players who could make an immediate impact in 2023. Even though QB Jake Haener, OL Nick Saldiveri, and S Jordan Howden may not see much playing time this upcoming season, their performances during rookie camp, mini-camps, OTAs, and training camp will be closely monitored.

The first two draft picks — DT Bryan Bresee and Isaiah DE Foskey — have the makings of becoming stalwarts for the team's defense and within the New Orleans community for many a year. Both individuals possess high energy, a great work ethic, charisma, and a strong character that the Who Dat Nation will fall in love with during camps. Foskey visited his friend's hospitalized grandfather just thirty minutes after being drafted by the Saints. During the previous season at Clemson, Bresee found inspiration in supporting his sister, who lost her fight with brain cancer.

Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas have uncertain statuses at the beginning of the season. Thus, this presents an opportunity for running back Kendre Miller (RD. 3) and wide receiver A.T. Perry (RD. 6) to shine in their training camps and gain more playing time with Dennis Allen and Pete Carmichael. — Kyle T. Mosley.

SAINTS DRAFT PICKS GRADES

Kyle T. Mosley, Saints News Network

ROUND 1, NO. 29: BRYAN BRESEE, DT - CLEMSON

Bryan Bresee looks on ahead of Clemson's matchup with Wake Forest.
Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) wams up before the game with Wake Forest at Truist Field in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Saturday, September 24, 2022. Ncaa Football Clemson At Wake Forest

GRADE: A-

ROUND 2, NO. 40: ISAIAH FOSKEY, DE - NOTRE DAME

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Nov 19, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey (7) acknowledges the crowd after a sack in the second quarter against the Boston College Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

GRADE: B+

ROUND 3, NO. 71: KENDRE MILLER, RB - TCU

USATSI_19508496_168388561_lowres
Nov 26, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Kendre Miller (33) carries the ball as Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Tayvonn Kyle (13) pursues on the play during first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

GRADE: B+

ROUND 4, NO. 103: NICK SALDIVERI, DT - OLD DOMINION

USATSI_19080536_168388561_lowres
Sep 10, 2022; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri (64) blocks East Carolina Pirates linebacker Jeremy Lewis (11) during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

GRADE: C+

ROUND 4, NO. 127: JAKE HAENER, QB - FRESNO STATE

Jake Haener (9) throws a pass against the Wyoming Cowboys
Nov 25, 2022; Fresno, California, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener (9) throws a pass against the Wyoming Cowboys in the third quarter at Valley Children's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

GRADE: B+

ROUND 5, NO. 146: JORDAN HOWDEN, SAFETY - MINNESOTA

SAINTS SAFETY JORDAN HOWDEN
Nov 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Jordan Howden (23) reacts to a stop against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

GRADE: B-

ROUND 6, NO. 195: A.T. PERRY, WR - WAKE FOREST

A.T. PERRY
Nov 13, 2021; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver A.T. Perry (9) makes a touchdown reception against North Carolina State Wolfpack safety Tanner Ingle (10) during the first half at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports

GRADE: B


NFL ANALYSTS ON THE SAINTS PICKS

  • SI.com: B
  • Ric Serritella: C
  • NFL.com: B+
  • PFF: B-
  • Fox Sports: C+
  • Mel Kiper: B-
  • NBC Sports: B
  • CBS Sports (Prisco): B
  • Draft Kings: B
  • Sporting News: B
  • Walter Football: B

2023 SAINTS DRAFT-DAY TRANSACTIONS

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snt 2
snt 3

Complete 2023 New Orleans Saints draft profiles, analysis, and rookie class previews from John Hendrix, Bob Rose, and Ross Jackson can be located at SAINTS NEWS NETWORK.


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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY