Saints 2023 NFL Draft Guide: When do pick and who will they select?
The New Orleans Saints have 8 picks in the 2023 draft.
The 2023 NFL Draft is slated to start on Thursday, and the New Orleans Saints will be picking 29th in the first round.
The second and third rounds will take place on Friday, and rounds 4-7 are on Saturday.
Saints 2023 Draft Picks
Here are the 8 picks the Saints have in this year's draft:
- Round 1, Pick 29 (from DEN via MIA and SF)
- Round 2, Pick 40
- Round 3, Pick 71
- Round 4, Pick 115
- Round 5, Pick 146
- Round 5, Pick 165 (from Philadelphia)
- Round 7, Pick 227
- Round 7, Pick 257
Offseason Signings
The Saints made a few splashes through free agency, signing their new starting quarterback Derek Carr and running back Jamaal Williams. They also revamped their defensive line signing Khalen Sanders and Nathan Shepard.
New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis told the Associated Press that free agency went well enough that the Saints could draft the best available player, regardless of position.
“We all say we want to draft the best player — and we do,” Loomis said. “But more often than not, you get to your spot where you’re picking … and then you say, ‘Ah, this is the position we need.’”
Potential Picks
Here are a few players that mock drafts have the Saints selecting with their first-round pick:
Murphy is a defensive end out of Clemson. NFL.com projects that he will become a good starter within two years. During his time in Death Valley, Murphy was named a Freshman All-American and received multiple All-ACC nods. Last season he led the Tigers with 6.5 sacks.
Another former Clemson Tiger defensive lineman has been linked to the Saints - Bryan Bresee. NFL.com projects that Bresee will eventually become an above-average starter. He tore his ACL in 2021 and played in only 26 games as a Tiger. Last season he had 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 10 games.
Washington is a massive tight end out of Georgia that can improve a team's run and passing game. NFL.com projects that he'll eventually become an above-average starter. Washington won two national championships at Georgia and was named second-team All-SEC in 2022.
Kancey is an undersized defensive tackle at 6 foot 1 and about 280 pounds. NFL.com projects he will eventually be an above-average starter. During his time at Pittsburgh, Kancey received All-American and All-ACC honors. Last season he won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award and led the Panthers with 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 11 games.
Mayer left Notre Dame as the school's all-time leader for catches, yards, and touchdowns for tight ends. NFL.com projects he will become a good starter within two years. Last season Mayer caught 67 passes for 809 yards and 9 touchdowns and won the John Mackey Award (nation's top tight end).
Adebawore is a defensive lineman who played at Northwestern. NFL.com projects he will be a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter. In his last season as a Wildcat, Adebawore had 5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles in 12 games.
Van Ness is another former Big Ten pass rusher. He recorded 13 sacks in two seasons at Iowa. NFL.com projects he will become a good starter within two years. Despite never starting a game, he was named a Freshman All-American and All-Big Ten last season.
Hooker was a favorite to win the Heisman before suffering a season-ending ACL injury last season. NFL.com projects that the 25-year-old quarterback will eventually become an average starter. In 11 starts, Hooker threw for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also rushed for over 400 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Sportsbook Odds
Lastly, if you're looking to place a bet on what position the player the Saints pick, here are the odds:
- Defensive lineman -105
- Offensive lineman +340
- Quarterback +700
- Tight End +700
- Wide Receiver +1400
- Cornerback +1400
- Linebacker +2500
- Running Back +2500
- Safety +4000
- Defensive Lineman -120
- Offensive Lineman +300
- Wide Receiver +600
- Tight End +700
- Quarterback +1000
- Cornerback +1200
- Running Back +2000
- Linebacker +1200
- Safety +3300
- Offensive Lineman +180
- Tight End +650
- Wide Receiver +800
- Quarterback +800
- Cornerback +1200
- Running Back +1800
- Linebacker +2500
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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