New Orleans Saints: What if Patrick Queen isn’t available at No. 24?

One of the New Orleans Saints top draft targets, Patrick Queen, could be off the court before No. 24. If so, what should the team do with the pick?

The New Orleans Saints have no second-round pick, so they need to make their first-round pick count. That said, the good amount of analysts predict the Saints to nab star LSU linebacker Patrick Queen, but what if Queen if off the board?

Well, they’ll then have a few options.

The first is to look at quarterback. Jordan Love, a player they’re reportedly interested in, could still be available. A top-5 quarterback in a draft with several potential star signal-callers, Love would be a terrific addition, but he doesn’t necessarily make the team better this season.

The next option would be to look for a player to replace Tre’Quan Smith. Smith, in his first few seasons since being a third-round draft pick, has disappointed. That’s one reason the team brought in Emmanuel Sanders to give Brees a second reliable option.

Players like Justin Jefferson will likely be off the board already, but the depth in this receiving class is unparalleled to other drafts. There is just so much potential. Players like Tee Higgins or Jalen Reagor could fall to New Orleans.

However, as Canal Street Chronicles’ Ellias Williams noted, it’s unlikely they draft a receiver under 6-foot, meaning Arizona State start Brandon Aiyuk may be out of the picture. While that may be the case, a wide receiver, if Queen is off the board. is a very viable option.

The next and final option we’ll present is another linebacker. Kenneth Murray, the star from Oklahoma, has been dropping in recent mock drafts but could present himself as a solid option as the bulk of the Saints’ linebacking corp is set to his the free agency market next offseason.

If the team keeps their pick and Queen is off the board, Love, Murray and an over 6-foot receiver are all potential options for the NFC South-reigning Saints.