New Orleans Saints Capitalize On Shocking Draft Tumble For Best Edge Rusher In Raider Nation Radio Mock Draft

Thanks to a run on quarterbacks and some surprising selections at edge rusher, the New Orleans Saints land a future cornerstone for their defense.

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Each year, Raider Nation Radio organizes a mock draft with beat reporters and insiders from each NFL team. This year, yours truly of Saints News Network was involved. With all of the top quarterbacks and wide receivers off the board, it was hard to make a surprising or unforeseen pick. Or so I thought. 

Thanks to a surprise selection at pick No. 11 overall by the Minnesota Vikings (there were no trades in this exercise) who selected Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson, another by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall and six quarterbacks flying off the books in the first 12 selections, several prime prospects remained on the board. 

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Here are the selections ahead of the Saints’ pick at No. 14:

• 1.1 - Chicago Bears: USC QB Caleb Williams
• 1.2 - Washington Commanders: LSU QB Jayden Daniels 
• 1.3 - New England Patriots - North Carolina QB Drake Maye
• 1.4 - Arizona Cardinals: Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
• 1.5 - Los Angeles Chargers: LSU WR Malik Nabers 
• 1.6 - New York Giants: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy 
• 1.7 - Tennessee Titans: Notre Dame OT Joe Alt 
• 1.8 - Atlanta Falcons: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu 
• 1.9 - Chicago Bears: Washington WR Rome Odunze
• 1.10 - New York Jets - Georgia TE Brock Bowers
• 1.11 - Minnesota Vikings - Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson
• 1.12 - Denver Broncos - Washington QB Michael Penix, Jr.
• 1.13 - Las Vegas Raiders: Alabama OL JC Latham

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The trio of picks to be heavily considered here were Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, Washington lineman Troy Fautanu and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. Under most circumstances, Fashanu is the easy pick here. Fautanu being the obvious selection if the Nittany Lion had already been taken. 

However, the fall for Turner is inexplicable and thus too great a temptation to pass up. Turner ended up being the selection. 

Yes, the Saints need work on their offensive line. But they also need help in the pass rush area as well. Without a doubt, tackle is a far deeper position in this year’s class than defensive end. Passing up on Turner to draft a tackle just for the sake of the position would be irresponsible. Especially with the No. 45 selection in tow which could net talented offensive linemen like BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia, Houston’s Patrick Paul and even Kiran Admegadjie out of Yale. 

Not to mention that if the fall for Fashanu or Fautanu were to continue, or for Oregon State lineman Taliese Fuaga for that matter, that could also warrant an aggressive trade up back into round 1. Which would then give New Orleans a pair of cost-controlled players at premium positions with fifth-year options included. 

What Turner could bring to the Saints’ defense is undeniable. Speed, disruption and versatility are his calling cards. He can pressure from anywhere, keep pace with outside and stretch runs and help to mitigate the ever-growing challenge of limiting mobile quarterbacks. His 4.46 speed is remarkable at the position and could go a long way to adding a much-needed fearful element to the team’s defense. 

Sure, New Orleans invested a bonus-heavy deal in free agent pass rusher Chase Young, but Turner would still have plenty of opportunity to see the field in a constantly rotating line. In addition, the Saints would have a growing spot for Turner as a long-term cornerstone in their defense beyond 2024. 

After this selection, it would be a priority to land an offensive lineman at the next round. However, if another talent falls that is too good to pass on, securing another option later in the draft such as Missouri tackle Javon Foster keeps the team on the track of fortifying their protection while remaining amenable to taking top talent lift on the board. 

You can keep up with the rest of the Raider Nation Radio ultimate mock draft on the station’s website.