New Orleans Saints 7-round Mock Draft: Surprise selection has Derek Carr looking over his shoulder
The Saints get their version of McCaffrey
. 168. player. 15. LaDarius Henderson. LaDarius Henderson. . OG, Michigan. . LaDarius Henderson
The Saints reach here with the selection of Michigan’s Ladarius Henderson.
With good size, the 6-foot-4, 309-pound Henderson is a developmental type of offensive lineman who could find his way on to the 53-man roster but would mostly be a practice squad player through his first season in the NFL. The size and run-blocking ability is intriguing here, but whether Henderson will be a steal in the draft depends on his ability to limit mental mistakes and strengthen his ability to use his lower-body strength to anchor the bull rush.
. . 170. . WR, Rice. . Luke McCaffrey. Luke McCaffrey. 15.
With a stud like Chris Olave as the No. 1 receiver, the Saints don’t have a desperate need at wide receiver, but they won’t be able to pass up on Luke McCaffery with the No. 170 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The son of Ed McCaffrey and brother of Christian McCaffrey, the former Rice wide receiver is destined to have success in the NFL right? Projected as a fourth-round pick in a deep wide receiver class, the First-team All-American Athletic Conference receiver racked up a team leading 71 receptions for 992 yards. A QB turned receiver, McCaffrey is still growing into the position and might just flourish in the Saints offense.
Xavier Thomas. EDGE, Clemson. . 175. Xavier Thomas. . . . . 15
The Saints address their needs at EDGE by selecting Xavier Thomas with the No. 175 overall pick in the draft.
At 6-foot-2, 244 pounds, the Clemson EDGE defender has a high motor and great speed to get around blockers around the edge. He had just 3 sacks in 12 games with Clemson in his final season, but his quickness off the edge is what attacks the Saints to Thomas who can learn behind a players like Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson and Chase Young.