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The Saints Beat: Draft Strategies of NFC South Foes

The latest installment of The Saints Beat looks at New Orleans' NFC South foes' draft strategies, mock drafts, rumors, and more.

Kyle T. Mosley

The Saints Beat: Draft Strategies of NFC South Foes
The Saints Beat: Draft Strategies of NFC South Foes /
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The latest installment of The Saints Beat looks at New Orleans' NFC South foes' draft strategies, mock drafts, rumors, and more.

THE PANTHERS SELECT AT NO. 1?

The Carolina Panthers hopes of resurrection rest in general manager Scott Fitterer's decision with the No. 1 pick. On Tuesday, Bryce Young will visit the Panthers to meet the front office personnel and coaching staff. Young has excellent credentials guiding Alabama to 24 wins out of 27 games as the starter and winning the 2021 Heisman Trophy. The 6-foot quarterback passed for 8,356 yards (65.8%), 80 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

Bryce Young
Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (QB15) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Like his predecessor Tua Tagovailoa, size matters in the Panthers' draft decision. In 2022-23, many believe the Miami quarterback sustained multiple concussions from the punishment of NFL defenders. Could Young be next at 6-0 and 200 pounds?

All signals point to Young as the Carolina pick over Ohio State's C.J. Stroud for now. The pick shouldn't affect New Orleans' draft strategy at No. 29. We'll keep an eye on today's visit with a subsequent report.

The pick will be Bryce Young. He'll soon get acquainted with Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and the New Orleans defense. Don't expect Dennis Allen and DC Joe Woods to call off the dawgs and rattle the young signal-caller.

DE Will McDonald
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa State defensive lineman Will Mcdonald IV (DL38) participates in drills during the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT'S ON THE FALCONS BEAT

General manager Terry Fontenot learned well under the tutelage of Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis. First, he snagged Ryan Nielsen from New Orleans to become the Falcons' defensive coordinator.

Later, he signed former Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata to a 3-year, $35M free-agent deal in March. Atlanta will pair The Big O with veteran Calais Campbell and Grady Garrett in the defensive tackle rotation. One of the most damaging signings away from New Orleans was linebacker Kaden Elliss. Last season, he had seven sacks while subbing for the injured Pete Werner.

Who will Fontenot choose with the No. 8 selection? Most likely, the Falcons will find a cornerback, edge rusher, or offensive lineman to protect QB Ridder. Mock drafts have names like DE Will McDonald (Iowa State), CB Christian Gonzalez (Oregon), OT Paris Johnson (OSU), Peter Skoronski (Northwestern), or DE Tyree Wilson (TX Tech).

Nolan Smith
Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith (4) runs a drill during UGA Pro Day in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. News Joshua L Jones; Credit:© Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

TAMPA BAY NEEDS A QB, RIGHT?

Tom Brady finally retired from the NFL and left a gaping hole for general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles to fill. The Bucs signed recent journeyman quarterback Baker Mayfield to a contract. However, he's "very, very excited" about second-stringer Kyle Trask competing for the starting position.

Tampa Bay selects at No. 19 and should consider reinforcing their offensive and defensive lines. Still, they could use a running back to complement Ronald Jones or seek help picking an edge rusher. The Bucs already visited with Georgia's Nolan Smith and are taking a look at B.J. Ojulari from LSU.

USATSI_18931015_168388561_lowres
Aug 26, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; A detailed view of New Orleans Saints helmets during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

THE 2024 NFL DRAFT ORDER IN THE NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints

  • 1st round pick
  • 2nd round pick (via NO)
  • 4th round pick
  • 5th round pick
  • 6th round pick
  • 6th round pick (less favorable of TEN/PHI)

Atlanta Falcons

  • 1st round pick
  • 2nd round pick
  • 3rd round pick
  • 3rd round pick (via JAX)
  • Calvin Ridley trade: ATL receives JAX 3rd if Ridley is on the 2023 roster, 2nd if he signs an extension
  • 4th round pick
  • 5th round pick
  • 6th round pick
  • 6th round pick (via CLE)

Carolina Panthers

  • 2nd round pick
  • 3rd round pick
  • 4th round pick
  • 5th round pick (via TEN)
  • 5th round pick (via SF)
  • 6th round pick (via ARZ)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • 1st round pick
  • 2nd round pick
  • 3rd round pick
  • 4th round pick
  • 5th round pick
  • 6th round pick
  • 7th round pick

We will have another The Saints Beat report on Thursday. Keep in touch with the Saints News Network.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

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