The clock will soon strike twelve, and we’ll soon be brought back to reality. As of this writing, the 2023 NFL Draft is in four days. In four days, we will see who the Saints will draft and be either happy or angry for who they land.
Last time I did one of these, I did not use a Mock Draft Machine, so I will repeat this process. It might be the same or it might be vastly different. I’ll of course provide a solid summary of why I picked them, but I’ll forgo alternative options if the player I chose is not there. If you want to see the previous:
1st Round - Pick 29
Bryan Bresee - Defensive Tackle - Clemson
I have gone back and forth on Bryan. He is a player that will either be a top IDL in the NFL or he will bounce around that will get hurt left and right. There is no in between. Bresee is a strong player with a really good bull rush. He is pretty good at the run and pass and is starting to regain his explosiveness from the torn ACL he suffered in 2021. The injury history will scare a lot of people and his 2022 is pretty bad. He wasn’t in the right mind with a family passing, kidney infection, torn shoulder in January, it was horrid. He does need to add some moves to his skillset which can happen if he is healthy. He is a solid risk pick at 29 if Saints don’t move up.
2nd Round - Pick 40
Darnell Washington - Tight End - Georgia
Addressing a position of want, Saints are going to want to run a lot of 12 Personal offense. Washington had been projected to go to pick 18 after his RAS, but now he is starting to cool down. This tight end class is great, and you can get a good player within the first two rounds. Washington would get immediate playing time with his blocking ability. He is basically a light tackle that can run and catch. He does need to improve a bit with his receiving ability, but I want him for his blocking. He would be overqualified.
Third Round - Pick 71
Chandler Zavala - Guard - North Carolina State
Get Andrus Peat off my screen! Saints have a dilemma at guard. Cesar Ruiz has his fifth-year option available that Saints have until Tuesday to exercise it. If they don’t, both him and Peat would be free agents in 2024 because Peat redid his deal for it to void after this season. Saints need to address the problem soon. Zavala has that glowing athleticism that allows him to get out in space and can get to the second level with ease. He does need clean up his technique as a pass blocker, but he can be a good guard going forward.
Fourth Round - Pick 115
Isaiah McGuire - Edge Rusher - Missouri
Pretty late for an edge rusher but a nice depth piece and solid competition for a pass rush group that needs better young talent. McGuire checks the boxes Saints want from their edge rushers: long arms; 6’4”, 268; 9.53 RAS, great first step, relentless motor, solid two-year starter production. McGuire would be fun and be a nice addition for that edge rusher group.
Fifth Round - Pick 146
Keondre Coburn - Nose Tackle - Texas
Sometimes, you need that fat guy to eat run gaps. I miss guys like Vince Wilfork, Norman Hand and other big guys eating the interior line. Coburn would be a nice nose guard for the Saints. Would give a nice breather to Saunders every once in a while. I don’t see why you can’t have two nose guards.
Fifth Round - Pick 165
Chris Rodriguez - Running Back - Kentucky
When looking for a runner that can take the pressure off of the Saints when Kamara gets hit with the suspension hammer, it gets very choosy. This is a good running back class and there are enticing options. By the fifth round though, it will be slim pickings. Chris Rodriguez reminds me of Khiry Robinson and Tim Hightower. Effort runner that won’t go down with the first hit. Athleticism is fine and won’t breakout any big runs but should be able to keep those legs churning.
Seventh Round - Pick 227
Aubrey Miller - Linebacker - Jackson State
Linebacker might be better addressing early on, but I really like this kid. Aubrey Miller might be a deep sleeper in this class. Part of that great crew Deion Sanders had in his final year at Jackson State, Miller has the athleticism and instincts to be an eventual starting linebacker, despite being on the smaller side. He will get his chance.
Seventh Round - Pick 257
Hunter Luepke - Fullback - North Dakota State
Saints should go all fun with this pick and get the fullback. I have nothing against Adam Prestince, but this Luepke can be really fun in the seventh. Even if he needs to get stronger.
Any Regrets?
I do wish I attacked slot corner with either the second or third round pick. I really want Cam Smith from South Carolina as he is the ideal corner for the Saints and DA, but it wasn’t so. Jartavius in the third would be fun as well.
Running back might be a move also that needs to be attacked sooner than I did if you want someone faster or with better receiving ability.
Wide receiver is a position that either we swap out tight end for or just get UDFAs. That’s the reality.
Anyway… on to Thursday.