USA Today already has Saints taking a QB in 2023

Could the New Orleans Saints draft a quarterback in 2023? Plenty of NFL pundits certainly think so.

The Saints re-signed Jameis Winston to a two-year contract, but that doesn’t mean they’re not keeping their eyes open for a good value QB prospect.

NOLA gave away much of their draft capital for 2023 but still have a few valuable picks.

USA Today’s Luke Easterling took a look at how the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft could play out and had NOLA taking a QB at 45th overall, naming Miami Hurricanes’ Tyler Van Dyke as the potential draftee.

John Sigler at Saintwire elaborated:

"Van Dyke, an underclassman, impressed by throwing 25 touchdown passes against just 6 interceptions in nine games last year, relieving D’Eriq King after the starter went down with a season-ending injury. He’s shown enough anticipation and accurate ball placement that suggests he can compete at a pro level, though another year leading the Hurricanes should do well for his development."

NOLA Saints take QB Tyler Van Dyke in 2023 NFL mock draft

In Easterling’s mock, Van Dyke is the sixth quarterback to be taken within the first two rounds and admittedly pales in comparison to his competition.

It should be noted that Van Dyke’s coach, Mario Cristobal, has sent promising quarterbacks to the NFL, most notably Justin Herbert. While it’s much too early to make the comparison between Van Dyke and Herbert, it’s still something to keep tabs on.

For now, NOLA is laser-focused on seeing what Jameis Winston can do in its new-look passing attack with Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Jarvis Landry.

If Winston doesn’t perform up to par this season, Van Dyke — along with other 2023 QB prospects — will certainly appear on the Saints’ radar.