The New Orleans Saints head into the 2024 NFL Draft with a clear focus: shore up the offensive line and bolster the pass rush. This 2024 NFL Mock Draft focuses on the New Orleans Saints biggest needs/ With limited draft capital this year, they’ll need to make the most of their two picks. Let’s see how they might address their needs in this 3-round mock draft.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
The New Orl🅰⛎eans Saints are in a tough position with their offensive line and need some help on the defense as well
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Round 1, Pick 14: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The Saints’ offensive line has been a revolving door in recent seasons, and protecting Derek Carr is paramount to their success. With the 14th pick, they land a potential franchise left tackle in Troy Fautanu from Washington. Fautanu possesses the size and athleticism coveted at the position, standing at 6’7″ and 325 pounds with impressive footwork and agility.
Fautanu excels in pass protection, anchoring the blindside with a powerful punch and strong technique. He uses his long arms to effectively shut down edge rushers and create a clean pocket for Winston. Additionally, his athleticism allows hi💜m to mirror pass rushers and handle speed to the outside.
While Fautanu is a dominant run blocker, there’s room for improvement. He can occasionally overset in run plays, leading to missed assignments and cut-backs. However, his raw power and willingness to finish blocks project well at the NFL level. The Saints believe their coaching staff can refine his technique and unlock his full potential as a run blocker.
Selecting Fautanu provides a significant upgrade at left tackle, giving Ca🐬rr the protꦑection he needs to thrive. This not only improves the passing offense but also allows them to establish a more balanced attack with a reliable running game.
Round 2, Pick 45: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
The Saints’ pass rush has been inconsistent in recent years. They need a young, explosive edge rusher to complement Chase Young and Carl Granderson and create a more disruptive front seven. Enter Chris Braswell, a dynamic pass-rushing specialist from Alabama.
Braswell is a relentless force off the edge, possessing a combination of speed, power, and bend. He has a quick first step that allows him to beat tackles to the outside corner and collapse the pocket. Braswell utilizes a variety of pass-rushing moves, including a devastating spin move and a powerful bull rush, keeping quarterbacks on their toes. His relentless motor ensures he’s constantly putting pressure on the passer throughout the play.
While Braswell excels as a pure pass rusher, his run defense can be inconsistent. He can struggle to set the edge against the run and can be occasionally overpowered by bigger offensive linemen. Nevertheless, his abiܫlity to generate pressure on quarterbacks makes him a valuable asset.
Braswell’s raw talent and coachability will allow him to develop into a well-rounded pass rusher. Pairing him with Chase Young could create a formidable young duo that terrorizes opposing quarterbacks for years to come.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Overall Outlook
This mock draft addresses the Saints’ two most pressing needs: offensive line and pass rush. Selecting Troy Fautanu solidifies the left tackle position, providing Derek Carr with the protection he needs to succeed. Drafting Chris Braswell adds a dynamic edge rusher who can generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks.
While the Saints have limited draft capiꦏtal, this strategy allows them to make significant improvements on both sides of the ball. Fautanu and Braswell are high-upside prospects who can become impactful starters early in their careers. With a young core now boasting better protection and a more disruptive pass rush, the Saints are well-positioned to take a step for🌺ward and contend for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC South.
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