JACKSON: Saints focus on offense in Kellen Moore-inspired mock draft

(Photo courtesy of @FletcherWDSU on X)

By Ross Jackson

An in-person interview has been completed with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for the New Orleans Saints’s open head coaching position. With that in the books, we wanted to follow up with another coach-themed mock draft. 

Last week, we covered possible mock drafts for three coaching candidates, Anthony Weaver, Joe Brady, and Mike McCarthy. With Moore up next, a focus on offensive talent and particularly a game-breaking running back is easy to apply.

As a reminder, here are the rules to our coach-themed mock drafts:

• Each mock will cover four rounds.
• The mock drafts are designed to reflect the impact of the head coach change only, without accounting for hypothetical coaching staff additions.
• Prospects cannot be drafted more than once across the mock drafts, providing greater insight on a more expansive list of prospects.
• A potential free agent linked to each coach is included to explore how free agency could influence draft needs.

Free agent addition – WR Joshua Palmer

Palmer and Moore weren’t together in Philadelphia, but the two were a solid pairing in 2023, when with the Los Angeles Chargers. Palmer’s raw stats were better in 2022 than 2023, but he also appeared in six fewer games in the latter. A deeper dive shows that Palmer’s usage under Moore made him more efficient and put him in better situations.

During his lone season with Moore, Palmer had better per game averages in yards per reception, receiving yards per game, and yards before the catch. He also saw sizable leaps in yards after the catch per reception, yards per route run, and average depth of target. That shows that Palmer was used more efficiently and was delivered the ball in space while being used more downfield.

Palmer’s rookie contract ends with Los Angeles this offseason and with a new regime that didn’t draft him in place, he could be on the move. Pairing back up with the offensive mind that put him in the best position to succeed could be a solid plan as he seeks a second deal. Spotrac estimates his market value at around $4.3 million per year, but that number could likely come down.

Round 1, Pick 9 – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

The Boise State alum head coach drafts the Boise State alum running back that’s an absolute game changer. Running backs in the first round will always be hotly contested, but Jeanty isn’t just a running back, he’s a playmaker the style of which can take over a football game. He’s exactly the kind of talent, regardless of position, the Saints could desperately use on offense.

Jeanty ran for 2,601 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns in 2024. He also added a receiving touchdown last year, after catching 43 passes for 569 receiving yards back in 2023. Yes, he did it in the Mountain West conference and now a Power Four school, but every year we see running backs translate from the lower levels of college football competition and shine in the league. Jeanty is unlikely to be an exception with his incredible production and lack of wear and tear-—only 376 carries before 2024.

Round 2, Pick 40 – EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

It’s time for the Saints to update their pass rushing mold and start utilizing more athleticism and speed off the edge. The 6-foot-2, 247 pound Ezeiruaku is indicative of that. He would be a stand-up edge rusher that has also flashed in the run game with great speed and discipline. He already possesses a variety of pass-rushing moves and techniques, making him a more refined prospect who could provide an immediate impact if New Orleans decides to adjust its pass-rusher prototype under new defensive leadership. Ezeiruaku piled on 16.5 sacks in 2024 and forced three fumbles in the process.

Moore may be an offensive mind, but he knows that value of defenders that threaten with speed. In Dallas, he watched Micah Parsons wreak havoc on opposing passers, followed by Khalil Mack with the Chargers, and then former Saint Zack Baun with the Eagles. While there’s no guarantee that Ezeiruaku pans out to those players’ levels, not investing is the best way to not find out.

Round 3, Pick 71 – DT T.J. Sanders, South Carolina

With four sacks last season and tremendous play in the run game, Sanders could help bolster the Saints’ defensive interior. New Orleans finished No. 31 in the NFL last year against the run and they will have to invest more in their defensive line this offseason in order to improve that.

At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, Sanders could bulk up a bit at the next level, making him an even more extensive threat in both areas of the game. The tackle’s stock is all over the place right now, which will settle over the draft process. The prototype he provides is what an option the Saints should be chasing.

Round 3, Pick 93 – TE Gunnar Helm, Texas

Helm is an all-around tight end that towers over his competition at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds. A disciplined route runner with reliable hands-—only two drops on 73 targets in 2024-—Helm would provide a real middle-of-the-field threat for New Orleans. He is also a solid pass protector and run blocker, making him a talented player that could be on the field for any down and situation.

Round 4, Pick 111 – CB Mello Dotson, Kansas

Dotson, who has recorded nine interceptions over the past two years, is projected to come off the board early on Day 3. In this simulation, the Saints were fortunate to secure him. The 5-foot-11, 190 pound corner has a ball hawking mentality that’s matched by his willingness to play physical in the run game. He has scheme versatility playing well in both man and zone and has a ton of experience playing on the perimeter, which would allow cornerback Alontae Taylor to move inside and out based on matchup, down, and distance.

Round 4, Pick 130 – OL Luke Kandra, Cincinnati

At 6-foot-4 and 323 pounds, Kandra checks the NFL size box without much hassle. Pro Football Focus did not notch a single sack against him in 2024 and credited him with just one hit allowed on the quarterback. He excels both while on the move and in straight dropback situations, which is a key to third-down protection. Kandra also has a lot of experience blocking multiple concepts in gap and zone.