NEWSLETTER
The New Orleans Saints haven’t been shy about their desire for long-term success. With a veteran core still performing at a high level and a shrewd GM in Mickey Loomis at the helm, the 2024 NFL Draft presented an opportunity to solidify their position as contenders. Did the Saints succeed at finding complementary pieces to their existing roster, and did they address all their top NFL Draft priorities? Let’s dissect their draft class, give it a grade, and see if they’ve charted a course for sustained success in the competitive NFC South.
New Orleans Saints NFL Draft Grade: A
The New Orleans Saints’ 2024 NFL Draft strategy was all about calculated decision-making and building for the future without neglecting the present. With a well-rounded roster led by a veteran core already in place, GM Mickey Loomis didn’t have any glaring holes to fill. However, that didn’t mean they missed out on adding valuable talent that complements their established strengths.
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| Draft Pick | Selection |
|---|---|
| Rd 1 – pick 14 | Taliese Fuaga, T – Oregon State |
| Rd 2 – pick 41 | Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB – Alabama |
| Rd 5 – Pick 150 | Spencer Rattler, QB – South Carolina |
| Rd 5 – pick 170 | Bub Means, WR – Pittsburgh |
| Rd 5 – pick 175 | Jaylan Ford, LB – Texas |
| Rd 6 – pick 199 | Khristian Boyd, DT – Northern Iowa |
| Rd 7 – pick 239 | Josiah Ezirim, T – Eastern Kentucky |
Getting Nasty Up Front
Despite having just two picks over the first four rounds, New Orleans made the most of them. The Saints drafted who many argued was the 2nd best tackle available in Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State. Then with their second-round pick, grabbed cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama. Fuaga will be an immediate starter at one of the Saints’ tackle positions with McKinstry not only having a cool first name, but a talent most thought worthy of a first-round selection.
Dominating the 5th Round
The Saints utilized their three fifth-round picks with mastery. Spencer Rattler was once one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks and was touted as a potential first-round pick. His collegiate career, which included transferring from OU to South Carolina left much to be desired, but the talent is still there. With Derek Carr under contract for an additional 3+ years, Rattler has plenty of time to learn and grow professionally.
Their next two selections in the round also present room for growth without the immediate need for contribution. Bub Means is a skilled receiver that went underappreciated at Pitt and Jaylan Ford offers great depth at the second level defensively. None of these selections will make or break the Saints’ season or future so their additions can only be positive.
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NFL Draft Success
Despite having just two picks over the first 149 in the draft, the Saints improved where they needed to and solidified important spots for the future. New Orleans didn’t need much in the NFL Draft but they still came out better than most teams. They crushed their first two picks and its this reason we gave them an A.
