Saints 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: New Orleans trades up for a quarterback
Here is what the 2024 NFL Draft could look like if the New Orleans Saints traded up to select their quarterback of the future.
When the New Orleans Saints had the luxury of having Drew Brees at quarterback, they never did worry about what would happen after he retired. Now the Saints should learn from that and find their plan for after Derek Carr moves on. Trading up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select a quarterback such as Jayden Daniels could be a move that would benefit them for years to come.
New Orleans currently has the No. 14 pick, but will need to get into the top 10 to take a quarterback. So, in this mock draft, I traded with the Tennessee Titans to jump up to pick No. 7, sending pick No. 14, two fifth-round picks, and some future picks to Tennessee.
Let's take a look at the draft class the Saints could put together after a trade like that.
Round 1 Pick 7: Jayden Daniels- Quarterback, LSU
In the first round at pick No. 7, I have the Saints selecting Jayden Daniels. Daniels wouldn’t have to play in year one. He could sit behind Derek Carr and develop while learning the system. Once the Saints move on from Derek Carr, they could put in Daniels and have an amazing starter.
Jayden Daniels’ best attribute is his elite ability to improvise on the run. He possesses great mobility and uses it to extend plays and make something out of nothing. His legs are able to change the game. In total, Daniels rushed for 1,134 yards this past season at LSU.
Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy Winner, had an outstanding year. He totaled 40 touchdowns this past season and just four interceptions, as he does a good job of limiting his turnovers, while still making explosive plays.
The biggest concern about Jayden Daniels is that he does take a good amount of hits. He will have to get smarter about the hits he does end up taking as he has a slender frame. Preventing injury will be key to Daniels success while in the NFL.
Trading up to pick Jayden Daniels is something that the Saints should seriously consider doing in the NFL draft. If they address other positions of need in free agency, then getting your quarterback of the future would be a great idea.