We are just under seven hours from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints have roster holes they must fill.
How will they do it? Only time will tell. In the meantime, mock drafts will have to do as the time dwindles before Caleb Williams’ name is called to begin the selection process around the NFL.
Behold, the perfect mock draft scenario for the Saints below.
Round 1, Pick 14: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Chalk, chalk, chalk. Fashanu has been the player mocked to the Saints the most over the past month. For good reason – he is one of the top OT prospects in the class and would start immediately for them.
The need on the OL for New Orleans is among the biggest roster needs in the entire NFL. Fashanu would be a great addition in front of Derek Carr.
Fashanu projects as a first round tackle and top 10-15 pick thanks to his tangible traits that include tremendous length and athleticism. He has some technique issues, but given his age and relative experience, the right coaching staff can mold him into being the Pro Bowl talent that his potential suggests. — Rob Gregson
Round 2, Pick 45: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
Gritty. That’s Roman Wilson in a nutshell. The Saints need more of that at the wideout position after the departure of Michael Thomas. Wilson slides in nicely to accompany Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and A.T. Perry at WR.
Michigan WR Roman Wilson could see his name called sooner than expected. He’s a sure-handed WR with under 4.4 speed who can line up anywhere while posting a 20% target share in 2023. pic.twitter.com/d32VU8KsCk
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) April 21, 2024
Wilson is not a big body receiver, but he is a willing run blocker and is dynamic with the ball in his hands. After adding some size in veteran WRs, the Saints get another smooth mover to give them WR depth.
Round 4, Pick 108 (trade up): Javon Foster, OT, Missouri
Cue the Kylo Ren “more” GIF. Add as much offensive line as possible, new Orleans. Foster is a good mover at 6’6 and 313 pounds. He’s also much more NFL-ready than other prospects going in this range.
Who’s someone from your favorite college you want the #Bears to draft?
I have my eyes on Mizzou OT Javon Foster in Rounds 3-4. Big body, physical OT who’s an extremely sound technician. No Borom PTSD to worry about here. pic.twitter.com/TP3C3pPDIY
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 17, 2024
The Saints need capable bodies with so many questions surrounding their OL. Foster would be a smart add here if they can get into the fourth round with a trade.
Round 5, Pick 170: Beau Brade, S, Maryland
Round 5, Pick 175: Jaylen Harrell, EDGE, Michigan
Round 6, Pick 190: Keith Randolph Jr., IDL, Illinois
Round 6, Pick 199: Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
Round 7, Pick 239: Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, Toronto Argonauts
The Saints address many positions of need and also keep 2025 NFL Draft capital intact with this scenario.
Will any of these picks occur? Maybe not. If they do, just remember who was first.