The NFL Draft is here, and with the Saints sitting at No. 9, the possibilities are wide open. Quarterback? Tackle? Best player available?
We asked the 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge team who they think the Saints should draft (not what they think will happen, but what should happen).
Here’s what they said.
Jacob Hester, Co-Host, Off the Bench: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State. His diverse abilities could allow him to step into the all-purpose role once played by Taysom Hill (major knee injury). Warren’s talent as a pass catcher, ball carrier, and even a part-time thrower makes him a compelling addition to New Orleans offensive arsenal.
T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: The Saints need to draft Jaxson Dart at 9. Word on the street is they believe that Dart is their QB1. More words on the street say that the Giants ALSO have Dart as their QB1. If you don’t take Dart at 9, then you won’t have the ability to get him again. Plus, Jaxson Dart is a massive Star Wars fan and I can’t imagine a bigger green flag for a quarterback than styling his eye black after Anakin Skywalker’s face scar.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: I think it should be someone like Mason Graham, instant impact player. But with all the smoke around Jaxson Dart, just take him at 9 if you like him this much. Trying to trade back into the first round is a risk. Have some conviction, decide on a guy and take him. If you like Dart enough to trade back into the first round, then you like him enough to take him at 9.
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: If Michigan’s Mason Graham is there, I take him. He’s the best interior defensive lineman in this draft. If he’s gone, Georgia lineback Jalon Walker, a hybrid who could greatly help the Saints pass rush, would be my next choice. If both are gone, Penn St TE Tyler Warren would be a unique weapon for the Kellen Moore offense.
Jimmy Ott, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: Mykel Williams, fits one of many needs. Faith, hope, and Mickey.
Hunt Palmer, Host, Hunt Palmer Show: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan. With Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo gone, corner is now a question mark on the roster. Johnson is long and physical and could be a day one starter on the outside.
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: If Mason Graham from Michigan is on the board, he should be the pick. When the Saints were contenders from 2017-2020, they went a record 55 games without allowing a 100 yard rusher. Last season, New Orleans was 31st in run defense. Graham will help shore up the middle of a leaky defense.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: The Saints have taken an OL or DL in the first round of every draft since 2014. The need at tackle is huge, especially after not picking up Trevor Penning’s fifth year option. Obviously there’s the quarterback talk heating up now that Jaxson Dart has seen his odds at nine overall surge, but New Orleans could trade back in to the first round for Dart. If you love him and believe he’s your franchise, take him at nine. I’m not sure they believe that. The pick for me is best available offensive tackle or defensive tackle Mason Graham if he’s still there.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: Michigan DT Mason Graham. Graham is the most complete defensive lineman in this draft and could very well be off the board when the Saints pick. New Orleans needs help at basically every position so they should just take the highest rated player on their board at 9 and consider that a win.
