Canal Street Chronicles
Will Kellen Moore look to address QB in Round 1?
With the New Orleans Saints zeroing in on a head coach, it has been rumored that top candidate Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is not thrilled with the Saints’ quarterback room. So, in my mock draft 2.0, and first full seven-round mock, I will be exploring the idea of New Orleans selecting a first-round quarterback for the first time in over 50 years.
Every mock I do comprises multiple mock draft simulations to help guide where players are valued and likely to be taken. While I do all the scouting, there are likely to be blurred lines in players values and it can look a lot different in April when the draft takes place.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart finished his college career on a high note having his best season yet as a senior. Dart threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns with just six interceptions. As a passer, the 6’2 quarterback is poised in the pocket and isn't afraid to set his feet and take a hit. Dart also possesses the ability to run the ball and at 225 pounds is a fearless runner at that. While Dart is currently a projected late first-rounder or early second-rounder, the Saints can look to grab the promising quarterback if Kellen Moore ends up being their next head coach.
Outside of the aging Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints lack stability at safety. Will Harris and Jordan Howden battled for the position in training camp resulting in Harris winning the job but injuries and inconsistent play keep New Orleans in the market for a safety. Notre Dame's Xavier Watts provides the talent to steal the job. Watts has a nose for the ball accumulating 10 interceptions over his final two seasons and has the versatility to play all around the field. No matter, if it’s single high, two high, or in the box, the 6’0 205 with great arm length, has all the chips to take over at safety.
LSU tight end Mason Taylor has shown massive development and growth over his three seasons in Baton Rouge. As a pass catcher, Taylor has accumulated over 1,200 yards and six touchdowns as a Tiger. While the athletic tight end needs improvement as a blocker, his 6’5 frame provides the tools to develop in that area. The Saints have been trying to find an answer at tight end and adding Taylor, who can run the full route tree and take snaps in the slot, will help their hypothetical rookie QB.
New Orleans thought they found their successor to veteran running back Alvin Kamara when they drafted Kendre Miller out of TCU in the third round of the 2023 draft. Miller’s career has been overshadowed by an inability to stay on the field and his clock is running...
