2024 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing The Saints' Potential Top 10 Selection

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on Apr 25, 2025

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Assessing the Saints' Current Roster Needs

The Saints have several areas needing attention to compete for a playoff spot in 2024. A top-10 pick offers a chance to address some critical needs.

Defensive Line Depth

The Saints' defensive line needs a significant boost. While they have some talented players, consistent pass rush and overall depth are lacking. A top-ten pick could land a game-changing defensive lineman.

• Lack of consistent pass rush: The team's sack numbers in 2023 (hypothetical example) were below the league average, highlighting a need for more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Aging veterans: Several key defensive linemen are entering the later stages of their careers, requiring the team to invest in younger talent.
• Need for young talent: Injecting young, athletic talent into the defensive line will improve the long-term competitiveness of the unit. This is crucial for sustained success.

Keyword Integration: Saints defensive line draft needs, 2024 NFL Draft defensive line prospects, NFL Draft defensive tackle prospects, NFL Draft edge rusher prospects.

Offensive Line Reinforcement

Protecting the quarterback is paramount for any NFL team's success. The Saints' offensive line, while showing flashes of brilliance, requires upgrades to achieve consistency and reduce sacks.

• Injuries last season: (Hypothetical example) The Saints experienced several injuries along the offensive line in 2023, impacting their overall performance.
• Need for consistency at key positions: The tackle and guard positions, in particular, could use reliable starters who can consistently perform at a high level.
• Improving Run Blocking: Strengthening the run blocking will open up more opportunities for the running game and overall offensive success.

Keyword Integration: Saints offensive line draft needs, NFL Draft offensive line prospects, NFL Draft offensive tackle prospects, NFL Draft offensive guard prospects.

Secondary Improvements

The Saints' secondary, while featuring some talented players, could benefit from adding depth and competition at both cornerback and safety positions.

• Improving coverage skills: The team needs to improve their coverage skills to limit big plays and improve overall defensive efficiency.
• Adding depth and competition: Adding more players to compete for starting roles will create a more competitive environment and elevate the overall play of the secondary.
• Addressing specific weaknesses: (Hypothetical example) A weakness in man coverage could be addressed by drafting a cornerback with exceptional man-to-man skills.

Keyword Integration: Saints secondary draft needs, NFL Draft defensive backs, NFL Draft cornerbacks, NFL Draft safeties.

Top Potential Draft Targets for the Saints

With a potential top-10 pick, the Saints have access to some of the most highly-rated prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

High-Impact Defensive Players

Several elite defensive players are projected to be available in the top 10. The Saints should prioritize a player who can immediately contribute and improve the pass rush.

• Will Anderson Jr. (Hypothetical Example): A highly-rated edge rusher known for his relentless pursuit and pass-rushing ability. (Include link to a scouting report here)
• Jalen Carter (Hypothetical Example): A powerful defensive tackle who excels at both run stopping and generating pressure. (Include link to a scouting report here)

Keyword Integration: Top 10 NFL Draft prospects, 2024 NFL Draft rankings, Saints draft targets, Top defensive prospects 2024 NFL Draft.

Offensive Line Prospects

The Saints could also target a top offensive lineman to solidify their protection of the quarterback and improve the running game.

• Peter Skoronski (Hypothetical Example): A versatile offensive lineman who could play tackle or guard. (Include link to a highlight reel here)
• Paris Johnson Jr. (Hypothetical Example): A powerful tackle prospect with excellent athleticism. (Include link to a scouting report here)

Keyword Integration: Top offensive line draft prospects, Saints offensive line draft targets, Top offensive tackle prospects 2024 NFL Draft, Top offensive guard prospects 2024 NFL Draft.

Analyzing Draft Day Trade Scenarios

The Saints might not stay at their original pick. Trading up or down could significantly alter their draft strategy.

Moving Up or Down in the Draft

Trading up would allow the Saints to select a highly-rated prospect they believe is a perfect fit. Trading down could bring in extra draft picks to improve depth across the roster.

• Moving up: Requires giving up valuable draft capital, but could secure a franchise-altering player.
• Moving down: Acquiring extra picks allows the team to address multiple needs, but risks missing out on a top-tier prospect.
• Current Draft Capital: The Saints' current draft capital (number of picks, round positions) will be a crucial factor in deciding whether to trade.

Keyword Integration: Saints NFL Draft trades, NFL Draft trade scenarios, NFL Draft trade value chart.

Conclusion

The Saints' 2024 NFL Draft selection is paramount. Addressing defensive and offensive line needs, along with improving the secondary, is crucial for the Saints' success. While the final pick is uncertain, analyzing available talent and potential trade scenarios will maximize their top-10 selection. The success of the Saints' 2024 NFL Draft will be key to determining their competitive standing. Stay tuned for updates on our continued analysis of the Saints' Saints' 2024 NFL Draft strategy!