Who should Senior Bowl viewers cheer for the Saints? These are five goals.

FILE – On November 11, 2023, in Pasadena, California, defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, left, presses quarterback Trenton Bourguet of Arizona State during the second half of an NCAA college football game. The Morris Trophy winners were honored on Thursday, January 18, 2024, for the last time under the current system. This marked the end of another little chapter in the Pac-12 legacy that disintegrated under the pressure of conference realignment. Troy Fautanu of Washington, an offensive tackle, and Latu of UCLA were the recipients.(AP Photo/File: Ryan Sun)AP

The NFL Draft is just three months away, and the Senior Bowl is already underway. The largest pre-draft gathering outside of the NFL Combine is taking place in Mobile, Alabama, and all 32 clubs’ coaches and scouts are there to get a closer look at potential prospects.

The New Orleans Saints own the 14th pick after going 9-8 and missing the playoffs for a third straight season. It also has the Denver Broncos’ second- and fifth-round picks and their own sixth- and seventh-rounders.

This past season, the former quarterback for Auburn and Oregon was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and three interceptions. In Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft on NFL Network, Bo Nix was also chosen by the Saints.

 

 

In his piece, Jeremiah declared, “I’m a big fan of Nix’s game.” “I believe that his five years of experience will help him when he advances to the next level. In New Orleans, he could easily step right in and contribute. I don’t think Derek Carr is the Saints’ best option.

Getting rid of Carr isn’t too easy, though. He has three years left on his deal with a $52 million dead cap in 2024, meaning that’s how much would go against New Orleans’ salary cap if he were released. Carr had an impressive end to the season, but the Saints’ offense underwhelmed in 2023. Even the thought of a new quarterback is enough to keep your eyes peeled in Nix’s direction during the Senior Bowl.

BYU’s left tackle Kingsley Suamataia could move up draft boards over the next couple of months, which means there’s a chance the Saints would have to take him 14th. Solidifying that position would be worth it for a New Orleans team that drafted 2022 first-round left tackle Trevor Penning, who has since been benched.

The Saints were one of the NFL’s worst running teams this season, and Suamataia could come in immediately and make an impact. Even though he just turned 21 years old, Suamataia would be an immediate upgrade at the most important position on the offensive line for New Orleans.

Guyton Tyler, Oklahoma Overtime

Because of his size and skill set, Tyler Guyton is one of the most talked-about names in this year’s Senior Bowl. The 328-pound, 6-foot-7 right tackle made one start in his collegiate career. He was the blind side blocker for left-handed quarterback Dillon Gabriel this season, giving up just 12 pressures and no sacks.

Just like Suamataia, Guyton would be an immediate benefit to the Saints’ offensive line. He didn’t start any games at left tackle last season but shouldn’t have too much trouble shifting over since he’d still be the blind-side blocker.

The former high school defensive tackle could climb up to the mid-first round where the Saints would most likely have to take him 14th or trade down a couple picks. He and former All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk would make a daunting pair on the outside of New Orleans’ offensive line.

Because of how valuable elite edge rushers are, UCLA’s Laiatu Latu has the potential to go in the top-10 of the draft. He’s currently projected to go a little lower than that because of a past neck injury where doctors advised him to never play football again. He then transferred from Washington to UCLA and was cleared to play in 2022. He had 10.5 sacks that season and 13 sacks in 2023. He also led the nation in pressures and pressure percentage in both seasons.

The Saints badly need someone who can get to the quarterback. Their two sacks per game last season was the fourth-worst in the league. The unanimous All-American might not fall to 14, but if he does New Orleans could fill one of their biggest team needs.

GWR Ladd McConkey of Georgia

Michael Thomas has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Saints on several occasions, making his future with the team unclear. The only other productive wide receivers for the Saints this season besides Thomas are Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, two players that stretch the field for New Orleans. A.T. Perry, a rookie, showed promise, but he might not be the best choice for New Orleans’ second or third receiver.

During the first practice at the Senior Bowl, McConkey has already shown himself to be very remarkable, winning all of his one-on-one matches. Due to injuries, he only participated in eight games this season, but in those eight games, he recorded 30 receptions for 478 yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. Assessors are impressed by his route-running ability, and he has a ceiling that might make him a fantastic backup option for the Saints behind Olave.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk