New Orleans Saints Mock Draft Roundup 4.0
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we will update our New Orleans Saints Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New Orleans Saints from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Saints:
SI - Kevin Hanson (2/17)
18. Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
A wide receiver--such as Drake London, Jameson Williams or Chris Olave--would make sense here, but the Saints opt for a long-term upgrade at quarterback instead. Not only is Jameis Winston a free agent, but the Saints lack salary-cap flexibility. Corral has a quick release, and his dual-threat skill set allows him to escape pressure to extend plays or be a weapon on designed runs.
Yahoo! Sports - Eric Edholm (2/17)
18. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
They might need a tackle if Terron Armstead leaves via free agency, but wide receiver must be addressed, too. Wilson could be a strong YAC performer and an immediate starter -- especially if Michael Thomas isn't in the picture.
Draft Wire - Luke Easterling (2/17)
18. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Dennis Allen taking over for Sean Payton keeps some continuity for the Saints, but there's still a huge question mark at quarterback. Howell might not have lived up to his lofty preseason hype, but he's got starter-quality tools, and could end up being a solid value here.
ESPN - Todd McShay (2/16)
18. Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
Despite a big contract, Taysom Hill isn't the Saints' answer at quarterback. Will they re-sign Jameis Winston? Could they find a way to make a big improvement via trade? New coach Dennis Allen will exhaust all options under center, though the team's perpetual salary-cap concerns could limit them. New Orleans tied Carolina for a league-low 58.1% completion percentage in 2021, and their 187.4 passing yards per game were last in the NFL. Corral has a live arm, will lead receivers into extra yardage and can tuck-and-run when necessary. He's tough in the pocket, but that has brought on some durability concerns that will need to be evaluated. Corral hurt his ankle in Ole Miss' bowl game.
Fox Sports - Rob Rang (2/16)
18. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Whether it be Taysom Hill, Jameis Winston or someone else taking snaps at quarterback, the Saints need to add some juice at receiver. Wilson might just be the most polished receiver in this class.
His body control and sticky hands would make him the perfect complement to another former Buckeye, Michael Thomas, whose healthy return would be a big help to the Saints' offensive production.
USA Today - Nate Davis (2/15)
18. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Not to be prematurely unfair, but let's be prematurely unfair. He has some Drew Brees-like traits given his poise, accuracy, quick release and production ... plus an average arm. Pickett can also make more plays with his legs than Brees and could stabilize the position with veterans Jameis Winston and Trevor Siemian likely moving on.
The Ringer - Danny Kelly (2/15)
18. Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
Sean Payton's retirement could bring the end of the Taysom Hill experiment at quarterback, and Jameis Winston is slated to be a free agent. The team needs a long-term solution at the position and Corral has the tools to develop into a dual-threat playmaker. Drop him into an offense that expects to get a fully healthy Michael Thomas back onto the field, and Corral could hit the ground running.
The Draft Scout - Matt Miller (2/14)
18. Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
We could definitely see the Saints be active in the veteran quarterback market, but while they're starting over with a new head coach (Dennis Allen) we could also see a rookie quarterback come into the fold. Matt Corral is undersized (6'1", 205 lbs) but has a live arm and very good agility. A big NFL Scouting Combine performance could rocket him into top 20 contention.
NFL.com - Chad Reuter (2/14)
TRADE - 15. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Cross is an athletic and technically sound pass protector who should be picked earlier than 15th overall. However, we've seen some talented tackles fall into the middle of the first round in the past. If the Saints are unable to re-sign pending free agent Terron Armstead, Cross is a natural fit for them at left tackle.
PFF - Mike Renner (2/14)
18. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Ridder pairs the ability to start right away with some serious developmental tools, as well. His ability to work quickly within an offense will fit in nicely, given that it is precisely how the Saints have operated over the past decade and a half.
MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups
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