Besson’s Mock Draft 2.0: Saints go QB round 1

With the New Orleans Saints zeroing in on a head coach, it has been rumored that top candidate Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is not thrilled with the Saints’ quarterback room. So, in my mock draft 2.0, and first full seven-round mock, I will be exploring the idea of New Orleans selecting a first-round quarterback for the first time in over 50 years.

Every mock I do comprises multiple mock draft simulations to help guide where players are valued and likely to be taken. While I do all the scouting, there are likely to be blurred lines in players values and it can look a lot different in April when the draft takes place.

1.09 QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

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Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart finished his college career on a high note having his best season yet as a senior. Dart threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns with just six interceptions. As a passer, the 6’2 quarterback is poised in the pocket and isn’t afraid to set his feet and take a hit. Dart also possesses the ability to run the ball and at 225 pounds is a fearless runner at that. While Dart is currently a projected late first-rounder or early second-rounder, the Saints can look to grab the promising quarterback if Kellen Moore ends up being their next head coach.

2.40 S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

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Outside of the aging Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints lack stability at safety. Will Harris and Jordan Howden battled for the position in training camp resulting in Harris winning the job but injuries and inconsistent play keep New Orleans in the market for a safety. Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts provides the talent to steal the job. Watts has a nose for the ball accumulating 10 interceptions over his final two seasons and has the versatility to play all around the field. No matter, if it’s single high, two high, or in the box, the 6’0 205 with great arm length, has all the chips to take over at safety.

3.71 TE Mason Taylor, LSU

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LSU tight end Mason Taylor has shown massive development and growth over his three seasons in Baton Rouge. As a pass catcher, Taylor has accumulated over 1,200 yards and six touchdowns as a Tiger. While the athletic tight end needs improvement as a blocker, his 6’5 frame provides the tools to develop in that area. The Saints have been trying to find an answer at tight end and adding Taylor, who can run the full route tree and take snaps in the slot, will help their hypothetical rookie QB.

3.93 RB DJ Giddens, Kansas State

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New Orleans thought they found their successor to veteran running back Alvin Kamara when they drafted Kendre Miller out of TCU in the third round of the 2023 draft. Miller’s career has been overshadowed by an inability to stay on the field and his clock is running out. In this mock, the Saints take a chance at another third-round back. DJ Giddens is a shifty runner, which makes tackling him in the open field a difficult task. If a defender can get their hand on Giddens, his pro-level balance and fearlessness as a runner makes it harder to take him down.

4. 111 OG Luke Kandra, Cincinatti

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Cincinnati right guard Luke Kandra fits a mold the Saints have been drafting their linemen around. Big and athletic. Kandra forces his way into the second level and can hold blocks opening up lanes for runners. While he has hand problems in pass protection, the emphasis on a running game in today’s NFL makes the 6’4 guard a promising prospect.

4.130 LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

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Linebacker Danny Stutsman doesn’t possess the high-level speed most new-generation linebacker prospects have. But Stutsman is a highly intelligent linebacker who processes the field faster than any linebacker in the draft. His high-level processing helps the 6’5 linebacker get in the backfield and recognize play fakes quickly. Adding Stutsman to the defense will almost certainly bulk up the lackluster run defense in New Orleans.

6.186 EDGE Johnny Walker, Missouri

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It was revealed that free agent defensive end Chase Young would be open to returning to New Orleans. Young was the best pass rusher for the Saints last season and was among the league’s top in QB pressures. While the Saints would be incentivized to bring Young back, maybe they opt to take a shot on a late gem in Missouri’s Johnny Walker. Walker is a smaller prospect than the typical defensive draftee in New Orleans, but with Dennis Allen no longer being a part of the team, maybe they try a different route with a pass rusher. Walker recorded 9.5 sacks during his final season with the Tigers and stood out in the Shrine Bowl.

7.249 OT Drew Shelton, Penn State

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With the development of Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning, New Orleans is no longer required to attack the tackle position in the draft. Penn State’s Drew Shelton has a high upside with good size at 6’5 305 pounds. The junior has yet to officially declare for the draft, but if he does, the Saints grabbing the promising tackle out of Penn State would only beef up the trenches.

7.254 LB Tyreem Powell, Rutgers

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For the final pick of the draft for New Orleans, I have the Saints selecting Rutgers’ Tyreem Powell. Powell is the opposite type of linebacker than Stutsman and serves more as an athletic ace that could be used as a pass rusher and in coverage. Powell’s combination of size and athleticism makes him a prime candidate for the Saints’ special teams.

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