By Ross Jackson
Now that the New Orleans Saints have their new head coach, Kellen Moore, free agency and the draft will be next. In this seven round mock draft, I focused on building offensive talent with Moore in mind, as well as a possible defensive coordinator hire that has been consistently connected to the hire.
The early goings are all about finding playmakers and impact players that contribute immediately and develop into even greater difference-makers.
Round 1, Pick 9 – Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
If you ask me, the Saints should be less concerned with the best player available in this year’s first round and, instead, be more concerned about the best playmaker available, instead. Investing in the interior offensive line with a top-10 pick doesn’t make much sense, but with prospects like Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and running back Ashton Jeanty all potentially available at No. 9, long-term staples and playmakers should be under consideration.
A 2,601-yard Heisman Trophy finalist in an offense that just won a Super Bowl behind its backfield is a match made in heaven.
Round 2, Pick 40 – Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor
Moore had a big-bodied receiver in Philadelphia with A.J. Brown, so getting someone that can play above the rim would be huge for his offense in New Orleans. Ayomanor, a disciplined route-runner with reliable hands and great size (6-foot-2, 209 pounds), would be a valuable complement to wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
Round 3, Pick 71 – Texas DT Alfred Collins
At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, the Longhorns nose tackle is exactly what the Saints need. Either lined up next to defensive tackle Bryan Bresee or anchoring the line in a three-man front, Collins would give New Orleans a run-plugger to change the numbers in the middle of the trenches, opening one-on-one opportunities for the edge rushers on the outside.
Round 3, Pick 93 – Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart
The leader in SEC passing yards could become the team’s quarterback of the future. He’ll have to compete with young passers like Spencer Rattler in the process, but his blend of mobility and good decision-making could be Jalen Hurts-esque, if properly developed. The two passers are of comparable size and with a solid run game to support, Dart could find success with Moore.
Many media reports have billed Dart as a potential first-rounder. However, several scouts see otherwise. If the Rebels signal caller is available in Day 2 or early Day 3, he could be worth a roll of the dice.
Round 4, Pick 110 – LSU TE Mason Taylor
Getting Moore a young, all-around tight end to learn from established Saint Foster Moreau should be a bit of a priority this offseason. At 6-foot-5 and around 250 pounds, Taylor can block, run routes, and catch. He shined in the Senior Bowl and should be firmly on the map for Moore and New Orleans.
Round 4, Pick 129 – UCLA EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo
If Moore hires former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator, Oladejo is a pick that would make sense. A stand-up, speed edge rusher would complement Staley’s defense very well. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Oladejo is comparable to the 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher Leonard Floyd, who had 10.5 sacks under Staley’s Los Angeles Rams 3-4 scheme when Staley was the defensive coordinator.
Round 6, Pick 184 – Oregon OL Ajani Cornelius
At 6-foot-5, Cornelius could stay at tackle or move inside. During his time with the Ducks he got experience in both gap and zone run schemes. An excellent developmental offensive lineman to check out late. Ideally, New Orleans addresses its starting left guard spot with a loaded free agent class at the position.
Round 6, Pick 205 – Clemson S R.J. Mickens
Defensive depth is a necessity for the Saints and Mickens is a solid safety to add to the mix. He covers well and can get downhill. He’s a secure tackler with experience playing deep, in the box, and in the slot.
Round 7, Pick 252 – South Carolina State LB Aaron Smith
Smith would immediately contribute as a special teams core member while looking to develop into a defensive contributor. The HBCU alum measured in well at the East-West Shrine Bowl and stood out with his performance. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, he fits the bill as a modern-day middle linebacker. But with good burst and speed could be used downhill to defend the run and rush the passer. That downhill acumen is what makes him a solid special teams option, as well.
Round 7, Pick 255 – Oregon CB Jabbar Muhammad
A Saints defensive player once told me that Muhammad will make a good corner in the league. At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, he’ll have to add some weight in order to do so. But if game truly recognizes game, an early pro co-sign makes sense as a seventh-round flyer. Muhammad forced a 46.8% completion percentage and 72.4 passer rating when targeted in 2024.
