Saints Find Potential Franchise QB on Day Two in Latest 7-Round Mock Draft
By Hunter Haas
The New Orleans Saints recently traded away Sean Payton for the No. 29 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (plus a pick swap in 2024). Now, armed with a first-rounder, what will the front office do to get the team back to the postseason? The latest 7-round mock draft will answer that question!
Saints Find Potential Franchise QB on Day Two in Latest 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, No. 29: Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
The Saints could use their freshly-acquired first-rounder to address the quarterback position, but with an early day two pick, New Orleans opts to beef up the trenches instead.
Keion White is a versatile piece on the defensive line. The Georgia Tech star generates consistent pressure when lined up inside and uses his unexpected burst off the snap to blow by slow-footed offensive tackles. He is a much-needed addition to the front seven.
Round 2, No. 40: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Hendon Hooker possesses starter traits as an NFL quarterback. He takes care of the football, displays plenty of arm talent, and can create with his legs when forced out of the pocket. So, why is he available on day two of this mock draft? Injury history and age.
Hooker is coming off a torn ACL, limiting his opportunities to work out for teams during the pre-draft process. On top of that, the Volunteer signal-caller is already 25 years old, making him older than Justin Herbert. For a team like New Orleans with a capable roster around him, Hooker could flourish if he fully recovers.
Round 3, No. 71: Joe Tippmann, OL, Wisconsin
The Saints have dipped into the Wisconsin pool for offensive linemen before, and they do it again with Joe Tippmann. The Badger lineman flexes positional versatility, as he can play center and guard at a high level. Tippmann is underrated as an athlete and will likely turn heads at the NFL Scouting Combine early next month. Another immediate starter added in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Round 4, No. 115: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
DeMarvion Overshown is a tricky projection for NFL teams, as the Texas star began his career as a safety before moving up to the linebacker position. Overshown displays top-tier athleticism and throws his body around with reckless abandon. His tenacity makes up for his relative lack of size, giving the Saints a steal early on day three of this mock draft.
Round 5, No. 148: Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
Chris Olave and Michael Thomas form one of the best wide receiver duos in the league when healthy… the problem is how rarely the latter has been available the past few seasons.
Jayden Reed provides insurance behind the top two on the depth chart while giving the Saints a third receiver for passing downs. Another selling point for Reed is his experience on special teams, giving the Spartan pass catcher a stable floor.
Round 5, No. 167: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
The Saints add another weapon to the fold with Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker. The tight end prospect is a willing blocker and still ascending as a pass catcher. Schoonmaker has the three-down capability as a starter if he can mix in some diversity to his route tree.
Round 7, No. 229: Nic Jones, DB, Ball State
Nic Jones has made the most of his opportunities this offseason, putting his name squarely in discussion for day three of the 2023 NFL Draft. Jones will likely have to work his way up from the bottom of the depth chart due to his lack of experience vs. NFL talent. But I would not count the Ball State star out.
Round 7, No. 260: BJ Thompson, EDGE, Stephen F. Austin
Last year’s Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, played some pivotal snaps for the Niners in 2022. The final selection of this mock draft is pass rusher BJ Thompson, who hopes to have even a fraction of that impact as a rookie.
While it is unfair to assume Thompson can make waves the way Purdy did, he displays the ability to play a situational role as a rookie. The Stephen F. Austin star boasts one of the best spin moves in the class and will look to add more to his toolbox while learning from veteran Cam Jordan.