Saints 4-round mock draft: NOLA gains draft capital, still lands top talent

The New Orleans Saints need to get the most that they can out of their draft picks, especially with how little spending money they have this offseason.

With that said, it wasn’t a hard decision for them in this mock draft — which was conducted on Pro Football Network — to accept a trade that came in from the Eagles, who were slotted in one spot behind New Orleans.

Philadelphia was desperate enough to move up one spot that they offered up their 2023 third-round pick on a silver platter. Who’s going to say no to that?

With no true must-have still on the board, NOLA jumped at that deal and only moved back one spot, gained a future third-round selection, and was still able to select a talented player at a position of need.

Let’s jump in, shall we?

Round 1: Pick 19 – Charles Cross, OT (Mississippi State)

With the Saints potentially losing Terron Armstead over the offseason, New Orleans needs to be on the lookout for a left tackle to replace him. That’s easier said than done, of course, but Charles Cross is someone who could check that box.

Cross has been the Bulldogs’ starting left tackle over the past two seasons and would have the experience necessary to step into Armstead’s spot if the Saints do indeed lose him. If NOLA is able to keep Armstead, then spending a first-round pick on an offensive tackle wouldn’t be the route to go.

Most fans would probably be okay with this pick should Armstead sign elsewhere, however. Cross could give New Orleans their starting left tackle for the next five years, at the very least.