• Round 1, Pick 9: T Joe Alt, Notre Dame — Alt has been a starter at left tackle since his true freshman season. At 6-foot-8, 320 pounds, he does not lack size for the position. He earned a 91.0 overall grade and a 92.2 pass-blocking grade this season.
• Round 2, Pick 47: Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas — At 6-foot-7 and 280 pounds, Jackson can hold his own from a 4i alignment to a wide 9. His explosiveness at his size is impressive, and you could see him form more pass-rush plans as the 2023 season went on.
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Though the New Orleans Saints are still in the hunt for the NFC South title and a playoff spot, their season has not gone to plan. They are sitting at 5-7 ahead of Week 14, and plenty of players on the roster are not performing up to par.
With many potential changes on the horizon, here’s a five-round 2024 New Orleans Saints mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 9: T Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Trevor Penning has not lived up to the billing of a first-round pick. He was benched earlier this year, and the Saints have had to shift the line around to make up for his poor performances. They have the right side locked down with Ryan Ramczyk, but they likely need a new starter at left tackle.
Alt has been a starter at left tackle since his true freshman season. At 6-foot-8, 320 pounds, he does not lack size for the position. He earned a 91.0 overall grade and a 92.2 pass-blocking grade this season.
His foot speed and coordination are much better than expected for a player of his size. He can be a plug-and-play left tackle, which you cannot say often with rookies.
Round 2, Pick 47: Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas
The Saints’ coaching staff might not look too familiar after this season, so the draft tendencies may change. However, the uniquely built Jackson should be high on their board regardless of who makes the picks.
At 6-foot-7 and 280 pounds, Jackson can hold his own from a 4i to a wide 9 alignment. His explosiveness at his size is impressive, and you could see him form more pass-rush plans as the 2023 season went on.
With potential needs on the interior and edge, Jackson would be a fit for New Orleans.
Round 4, Pick 136: RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
Laube is one of the more intriguing FCS players in this upcoming draft cycle. At 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds, he has been a starter as a multi-purpose back for the last two seasons. He recorded over 1,200 yards on the ground in 2022, averaging 0.30 missed tackles forced per attempt (anything over 0.3 is good).
However, it’s his versatility as a receiving back that makes him so alluring. He recorded 295 receiving yards in a single game this season and saw 88 total targets as a focal point of New Hampshire's passing attack.
Alvin Kamara’s contract makes him cuttable after this year, as his cap hit will shoot up for 2024. If Kamara leaves, Laube could be a good receiving back to pair with Jamaal Williams.
Round 5, Pick 146: DI Justin Rogers, Auburn
The Saints could absolutely double-dip on the defensive line, and Rogers would be another nice piece for them to grab.
The 6-foot-3, 346-pounder played both offensive and defensive line in high school and was the No. 1 rated player from the state of Michigan in his recruiting class. He has a fire-hydrant build with a thicker midsection and shorter arms and legs, but he uses that build to his advantage as a run defender with natural leverage, good core strength and a powerful lower body.
He won't be a consistent late-down difference-maker as a pass-rusher, but he could certainly find a role as a depth DT/NT.
Round 5, Pick 170: LB Michael Barrett, Michigan
When you look at the Wolverines defense, Barrett stands alone at the top of PFF’s grading list. He has earned a 90.5 overall grade and a 93.5 pass-rush grade this year, thanks to his work as a blitzer. He’s a quick and strong linebacker prospect who would be a solid role player in the NFL.
Round 5, Pick 176: T Brandon Coleman, TCU
Coleman was the pick here due to his versatility and experience as a three-year starter for the Horned Frogs. Likely a reserve offensive lineman at the next level, he has starting experience at left guard and left tackle, with his highest grade (68.6) coming at left guard.
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