The New Orleans Saints had a successful 2024 NFL Draft. Their roster will have noteworthy differences from last year, alongside a new offensive staff.

Which players will be affected the most by the rookies?

3 Winners & Losers from the Saints’ 2024 NFL Draft class

Winners

Alvin Kamara – The Saints added the top run blocker in the draft class in Taliese Fuaga. He may play tackle or guard, but regardless, Kamara got a great addition in front of him. Alongside Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller, the Saints should have a much improved rushing attack under new Oc Klint Kubiak in 2024.

Jordan Howden – New Orleans did not draft a safety. Accordingly, Howden will probably hold his projected starting spot alongside Tyrann Mathieu. Howden played well in his rookie year, actually earning a starting spot over Marcus Maye in 2023. The Saints added Will Harris after the draft as a veteran DB, but Howden should still play more defensive snaps than him. He will get his chance for Dennis Allen.

Rashid Shaheed – The need for Shaheed’s speed continues. New Orleans did not take a wideout till the 5th round, so Shaheed continues to be a projected starter with Chris Olave. Plus, Kool-Aid McKinstry provides special teams value, so Shaheed will not have to take every return for the Saints. If they’re both back there, Shaheed won’t get all the attention, or McKinstry will make the opponent play.

Losers

Khalen Saunders – Khristian Boyd was one of the top nose tackles in this year’s class. New Orleans grabbed him on day three, but he will still provide some competition for Saunders. The veteran will certainly start the season for New Orleans, but don’t doubt Boyd’s impact sometime in 2024.

Equanimeous St. Brown – St. Brown was already on the roster bubble as a recent veteran free agent addition. With the selection of Bub Means, it is hard to see St. Brown getting a roster spot over the rookie. They are both big body targets, but Means will be the cheaper, younger option for the Saints.

Cameron Jordan – Jordan outwardly rooted for the Saints to take a defensive lineman early in the draft. They did not. Instead, they opted to attack the offensive line and secondary on the first two days. He may not be happy, but they also didn’t add competition for him to get reps.