As the 2024 NFL Draft countdown begins, we’re kicking off our series of New Orleans Saints mock draft explorations, each designed to examine different scenarios and strategic improvements for the team. With the official draft night set for April 25, we aim to dissect various areas where the Saints can bolster their roster for the upcoming season and beyond. In this inaugural mock draft, we delve into a strategic move by the Saints that sees them executing a trade-down in the first round. Despite moving a few spots down, the team successfully secures their primary target, showcasing a calculated approach to maximizing draft capital while filling crucial needs. This mock draft emphasizes reinforcing the offensive line, which is vital for the Saints’ long-term success and stability.
17. Via Jacksonville: JC Latham: OT, Alabama
In an astute move during the 2024 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints decided to trade down, yet still managed to secure a player they had set their sights on, offensive tackle JC Latham from the University of Alabama. The transaction saw the Saints moving from the 14th pick to the 17th, courtesy of a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which also netted them an additional second-round selection. This maneuver underscores the Saints’ savvy approach to draft day, maximizing their value while landing top talent.
The acquisition of Latham is significant for New Orleans, aiming to bolster an offensive line that consistently struggled to protect their quarterback last season. The Saints’ offensive front was outmatched in several vital matchups, highlighting a clear need for fresh, impactful talent. Latham, regarded as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft, is expected to bring a new level of strength and skill to the Saints’ offensive line.
JC Latham’s selection, however, does more than strengthen the Saints’ protection scheme; it introduces a new layer of competition, particularly for Trevor Penning, the team’s first-round pick from 2022. Despite the high hopes of his draft selection, Penning has struggled to live up to expectations, failing to deliver the high-level performance the Saints were banking on when they traded up to secure him out of Northern Iowa.
By choosing Latham, the Saints address a critical need and signal a commitment to fostering a competitive environment on their offensive line. This move could light a fire under Penning, motivating him to elevate his game while ensuring the team has a plan in place should he fail to make the anticipated progress.
With Latham on board, the Saints are poised to improve their offensive line’s performance significantly. His addition through a calculated draft trade underscores the team’s strategic roster-building approach, focusing on immediate needs and long-term development. As the Saints continue to shape their squad for the 2024 season, the selection of JC Latham will undoubtedly be viewed as a critical moment in their off-season strategy.
45. Tyler Guyton, OT: Oklahoma
Continuing their mission to fortify the offensive line, the New Orleans Saints made another significant investment in the future of their front line by selecting offensive tackle Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma as their second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This deliberate move to draft Guyton at 45th overall is a clear strategy by the Saints to inject young, promising talent into their offensive line, ensuring the immediate enhancement and the long-term stability of one of the team’s most crucial units.
The decision to focus on the offensive line for the second time in this draft underscores the Saints’ commitment to building a formidable front that can dominate the trenches. Coming off an impressive collegiate career, Guyton is considered a valuable addition, providing quality depth and versatility to the Saints’ offensive line. His selection is particularly strategic, considering the uncertainty surrounding the future of guard Andrus Peat with the team.
Peat, who had been shuffled around the Saints’ line due to varying production levels, found his stride upon returning to his natural position at left tackle. This shift stabilized the line and significantly enhanced quarterback Derek Carr’s ability to operate within the pocket, leading to a more dynamic and effective Saints offense. However, Peat’s resurgence at left tackle presents a financial difficulty for the Saints. His stellar performance in this position may have effectively priced him out of New Orleans’ reach, given the team’s salary cap considerations.
Enter Tyler Guyton, whose selection could be pivotal for the Saints. Should the team find itself unable to retain Peat due to salary cap constraints, Guyton offers a promising alternative. With the potential to step in and contribute significantly, Guyton’s addition through the draft could mitigate the impact of Peat’s departure, ensuring the Saints’ offensive line remains robust and competitive.
In drafting Guyton, the Saints address an immediate need for depth and versatility and strategically prepare for various scenarios that could unfold with their existing personnel. As the Saints continue to shape their roster for the 2024 season, the selection of Tyler Guyton, alongside first-round pick JC Latham, signals a clear focus on protecting their quarterback and enhancing their offensive firepower through a strong, reliable offensive line.
48. Via Jacksonville: Troy Franklin: WR, Oregon
With the 48th overall pick—a selection acquired in the trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars—the Saints opted to inject more dynamism into their receiving corps by selecting Troy Franklin, the standout wide receiver from Oregon.
This selection is a clear statement from the Saints’ front office: while confident in the potential of their current receiver trio of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and A.T. Perry, the team is committed to adding depth and explosiveness to their offensive options. Franklin’s collegiate career, marked by his electrifying playmaking ability, underscores the Saints’ strategy to diversify their aerial attack and challenge defenses across the NFL.
Franklin’s final season with the Ducks was nothing short of spectacular, as he racked up 81 receptions for 1,383 yards and found the end zone 14 times. His knack for making big plays and stretching the field vertically adds a new dimension to the Saints’ offense, potentially offering quarterback Derek Carr another lethal target in high-stakes situations.
The Saints’ decision to select Franklin with the 48th pick reflects their belief in the value of having multiple weapons capable of imposing stress on opposing defenses. In today’s NFL, where offensive firepower often dictates the pace and outcome of games, adding a talent like Franklin could be the move that elevates the Saints’ passing game to new heights.
Building Blocks for the Future
The Saints have laid down a marker by focusing on the offensive line and the receiving corps in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. They are building for the future with a balanced approach, fortifying their quarterback’s protection while equipping him with an array of explosive playmakers. Franklin’s addition to the roster signifies the Saints’ commitment to offensive versatility and their relentless pursuit of keeping defensive coordinators guessing.
As the Saints look ahead to the upcoming season, the integration of Troy Franklin into an already promising group of receivers could be the catalyst that ignites their offense. With this draft strategy, the Saints are planning for immediate success and crafting a team that could dominate the league for years.
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