Bauer’s Saints Mock Draft 1.0

On this article, I’ll be going over my first mock NFL Draft for the New Orleans Saints. That includes no trades, we are going to welcoming 10 new members to the staff.

Spherical One
Choose #9

James Pearce Jr., edge defender, Tennessee.

Photograph by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures

The Saints’ defensive position is in want of some enchancment. Based on the SEC’s web site, James Pearce Jr. was first-team All-SEC in 2024, with 25 tackles and eight sacks in 13 video games performed. He’ll undoubtedly assist out on the sting.

Spherical Two
Choose #40

Jack Bech, Broad Receiver, TCU

Photograph by Don Juan Moore/Getty Pictures

Jack Bech is the contested large receiver that the Saints want. The Senior Bowl MVP had 62 receptions on 91 targets, 1,034 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. Bech is just the fifth receiver in TCU historical past to have 1,000 yards receiving in a season, in accordance with the varsity’s web site. He was additionally named second-team All-Massive 12 in 2024.

Spherical Three
Choose #71

Tyler Booker, Guard, Alabama

Photograph by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Pictures

It’s not simply the defensive position that wants bettering. With the entire offensive line’s accidents final season, it’s clear that they want depth to enhance subsequent season. Tyler Booker, a left guard out of Alabama, shall be a key a part of that course of. In his three years with the Crimson Tide, he’s solely allowed two sacks. Per Bama’s web site, Booker was named first-team All-American in 2024.

Choose #93

Mason Taylor, tight finish, LSU

Photograph by Gus Stark/LSU/College Pictures by way of Getty Pictures

The tight finish room has been missing for a couple of seasons at this level, and final yr, it was obvious that it wants a recent face. Mason Taylor, who was named third-team All-SEC in 2024, might be that wanted newcomer. Final season, in accordance with PFF, he had 55 receptions of 79 targets, 546 yards, and two touchdowns. Taylor additionally had a powerful Senior Bowl.

Spherical 4
Choose #110

JJ Pegues, defensive inside, Ole Miss

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Extra assist for the defensive position, however this time on its inside. JJ Pegues recorded 4 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, and 20 tackles in 13 video games for Ole Miss in 2024, incomes third-team All-SEC honors. He was additionally given the Chucky Mullins Braveness Award, which honors the late namesake, who was paralyzed after finishing a sort out in Ole Miss’ 1989 homecoming sport. Pegues was additionally given an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Choose #129

Jack Kiser, linebacker, Notre Dame

Photograph by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Pictures

He may be one of many older gamers within the draft, however linebacker Jack Kiser can pack a punch. He’s spent six seasons with Notre Dame and have become their all-time chief in video games performed final season. On the Senior Bowl, he was voted the very best linebacker in follow on the American staff.

Spherical Six
Choose #184

Tahj Brooks, working again, Texas Tech

Photograph by John E. Moore III/Getty Pictures

With Alvin Kamara getting into his ninth season and Kendre Miller’s well being considerations, the Saints might use one other working again. Tahj Brooks, out of Texas Tech, could be an incredible addition to the RB room. Based on PFF, he appeared in 11 video games final season, totaling 1,512 dashing yards for 17 touchdowns and 199 receiving yards for one landing reception. In 2024, Brooks was additionally named second-team All-Massive 12, first-team tutorial All-American, and was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

One thing very satisfying about watching Tahj Brooks slice by defenses with out elevating his pulse. A kind of gamers whose 4-6 yard runs are thrilling pic.twitter.com/UnIvXIbhwO

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 26, 2024

Choose #205

Miles Frazier, guard, LSU

Photograph by Gus Stark/LSU/College Pictures by way of Getty Pictures

Extra assistance on the offensive inside is required, and Miles Frazier, who performs left guard, could be a welcome addition. Per PFF, in 2024, he fell simply 98 snaps in need of 1,000 complete snaps performed, and he additionally noticed a goose egg within the sacks allowed class. On the Senior Bowl, Frazier was additionally named the inside offensive lineman of the week for the American staff.

Each 1-1 rep from LSU OL Miles Frazier right now. Hell of a session for an athlete that failed to permit a sack in 544 cross professional snaps this fall. pic.twitter.com/UILRyh3RC7

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 29, 2025

Spherical Seven
Choose #252

Zakhari Franklin, large receiver, Illinois

Photograph by Keith Gillett/IconSportswire

Including extra depth to the large receiver room, Zakhari Franklin from Illinois could be worthwhile in that position. On the finish of his school profession, Franklin was one yard away from turning into the primary large receiver since 2017 to achieve 4,000 profession receiving yards. In 2024, he notched 55 receptions for 660 yards and 4 touchdowns, in accordance with PFF.

Choose #255

Seth Henigan, quarterback, Memphis

Photograph by Sam Hodde/Getty Pictures

Will Derek Carr keep one other yr in New Orleans, or will the Saints chew the bullet and launch him, taking over a $51 million cap hit? It’s unclear what might occur for the time being, however simply in case, I’ve them drafting Seth Henigan, a QB from Memphis, to again up Spencer Rattler (the most definitely starter within the state of affairs that Carr will get reduce). He was named third-team All-ACC and was additionally invited to the Senior Bowl. Based on ESPN, in 2024, Henigan had 309 completions on 477 makes an attempt, 3,502 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Moreover, after 4 years at Memphis, he’s the varsity’s main passer when it comes to yards and touchdowns.