5 bold predictions for the New Orleans Saints in the 2023 NFL Draft

Saints bold prediction No. 1: Trade up for a defensive end

In addition to seeing Marcus Davenport leave, New Orleans also lost Kaden Elliss, a linebacker who had seven sacks in 2022. He was second to Cameron Jordan who had 8.5 in 2022. This season, they'll be banking on Payton Turner developing into a full-time starter — something Davenport really never did — but they also know Jordan isn't getting any younger.

That's why it makes sense for them to not only look for a replacement but to get aggressive as they do so.

This year, the class has some real talent but it's not very deep. That's why they can't sit at No. 29 and hope someone with starting ability falls to them. Instead, they need to do what they love doing, which is starting to make some phone calls and jump up the board a little.

The good news is, they don't have to get into the top 10, or even the top 15 to find a starter. Instead, they can try and get into the 19-22 range and look for someone such as Myles Murphy from Clemson or Nolan Smith. Either could provide a spark off the edge but there are other options as well. In the end, they just need someone who can replace Jordan before he can't get it done any longer.

Potential picks: Myles Murphy (Clemson), Nolan Smith (Georgia), B.J. Ojulari (LSU), Lukas Van Ness (Iowa)