3 worst-case scenarios for New Orleans Saints in first round of 2023 NFL Draft

Following some big changes this offseason, the New Orleans Saints are ready to round out their depth chart in the 2023 NFL Draft. They added a new quarterback in Derek Carr but lost several other players, especially on the defensive line.

They clearly hope to find replacements in the upcoming draft while also hoping to improve their overall depth. They're also crossing their fingers that they can avoid these three worst-case scenarios.

Saints bad scenario No. 3: No quality TE in Round 1 or Round 2

Right now, one of the biggest needs for New Orleans is at tight end. Of course, it's not their only need, but they could use a solid pass-catching tight end — and there will be plenty of those available.

In Round 1, Dalton Kincaid from Utah, Michael Mayer from Notre Dame and maybe Darnell Washington from Georgia could all be taken. In Round 2, Tucker Kraft from South Dakota State and Sam LaPorta might hear their names called.

For New Orleans, any of these players would be great additions. The problem is, they could also be gone before the Saints are on the clock.

If so, it becomes a double-edged sword. This class is loaded at the position, so they could still find decent players. But they also don't want to reach and grab a fourth-round tight end in the second round simply because they missed out on the others.

Need-based drafting is always tough and while those needs have to be weighed in, the Saints don't want to be controlled by them.