The 2023 NFL Draft is just a few days away, and the New Orleans Saints are poised to make waves on Thursday night. The team can bolster their roster with eight draft picks or leverage their choices to move up in the draft. Saints Discussions has already released several mock drafts to prepare for the upcoming draft, including three-round, four-round, five-round, and two seven-round mock drafts. Today, we present our final seven-round mock draft as we wrap up our coverage of the 2023 draft. Based on the current optics, here is how we believe the Black and Gold will navigate the draft.
1ST RD: Bryan Breese (DT) Clemson
Photo courtesy of USA Today.
The Saints saw a considerable decline in their rush defense in the 2022 season, a far cry from their previous dominance of not allowing a 100-yard rusher. However, they can regain their former status by injecting new talent into their defensive front. One potential game-changer is Clemson standout Bryan Breese, who has the intangibles to bring a new era of strength and skill to the Saints’ d-line.
2ND RD: Keion White (DE) Georgia Tech
The Saints are taking a proactive approach to their defensive line by adding young talent, with their second-round pick going to Georgia Tech’s Keion White. At 33 years old, Cam Jordan’s age makes it more important to develop the team’s next great pass rusher. While White may start as a rotational player, the Saints will look to groom him into their top asset on the defensive front.
3RD RD: Luke Musgrave (TE) Oregon State
Looking to enhance their passing offense, the Saints opt for Oregon State’s talented tight end, Luke Musgrave, in the third round. Musgrave’s addition to the field, alongside fellow tight end Juwan Johnson, promises to bring a unique dimension to the Saints’ offense that fans have not seen in years. With his versatile skill set and potential for big plays, Musgrave could be a valuable asset in opening up the Saints’ passing game and adding depth to their offensive strategy.
4TH RD: Tyjae Spears (RB) Tulane
Photo courtesy of Parker Waters/Crescent City Sports.
It was inevitable that buzz would build around Tulane’s standout running back, Tyjae Spears, following his impressive performance with the Green Wave last season. The Ponchatoula, Louisiana native ran for an impressive 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns, catching the eye of NFL scouts and fans alike. With the possibility of a suspension looming for Alvin Kamara, adding Spears to the Saints’ running back roster, alongside newcomer Jamaal Williams, could create a formidable duo that only gets better as the season progresses. With his natural talent and proven track record, Spears has the potential to make a significant impact on the Saints’ offense in the upcoming season.
5TH RD: Jay Ward (SAFETY) LSU
The Saints should prioritize filling the safety position in the 2023 draft, and they make a smart move with their first of two fifth-round picks by selecting local talent, LSU’s Jay Ward. Ward brings versatility to the Saints’ defensive backfield, having played both corner and safety during his time in Baton Rouge. The Saints highly covet this ability to excel in multiple positions when evaluating prospects. With his skill set and potential for growth, Ward could be a valuable addition to the Saints’ defense and help solidify their secondary in the upcoming season.
5th RD: Michael Wilson (WR) Standford
The selection of Stanford’s Michael Wilson in the fifth round of our final mock draft continues the trend of projecting the Saints to pick a wide receiver. While the team may also explore signing a free agent to bolster their receiving corps, adding Wilson makes sense to ensure additional depth and skill at the position. Michael Thomas’s injury history only underscores the need for more reliable options on offense. Wilson’s versatility is a significant asset to the Saints. He is adept at contested catch situations and blocking assignments and has experience in punt return coverage as a jammer and returner. His skill set and potential make him an excellent addition to the Saints’ roster and could help bolster their offense if the opportunity presents itself.
7th RD: Stetson Bennett (QB) Georgia
Photo courtesy of John Bazemore/AP.
A quarterback is not a massive need for the team right now because of signing Derek Carr and restructuring the contract of backup Jameis Winston. However, selecting a quarterback with picks in the later draft rounds does not always hurt. Two-time national championship-winning QB Stetson Bennett has demonstrated the intangibles needed to lead an NFL franchise. The coaching staff can groom him as a future starter, trade asset, or viable backup quarterback option.
7th RD: Jaylon Thomas (OT) SMU
With their final pick in the 2023 mock draft, the Saints select offensive tackle Jaylon Thomas out of SMU. Thomas’s selection provides much-needed depth on the offensive line and adds developmental talent to the team’s roster. In case of injuries to starters, Thomas can step in and contribute immediately. Alternatively, he can continue to develop and transition into a full-time starter.
Show Your Support
Support the great work of the Strike 7 Sports Saints Discussions Section by buying licensed NFL fan gear. Items ranged from Saints hats, jerseys, t-shirts, socks, etc. We would greatly appreciate it if you would buy these items from the text link listed below. The revenue generated from today’s offer goes into the funding of the Strike 7 Sports platform. Click on the link below if you are interested.
New Orleans Saints Fan Gear Offers at Fanatics.com
