Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: A-
Day 3 grade: B

Analysis: New Orleans took a step forward in the NFC South race this weekend. Fuaga and the Saints seemed like a perfect pairing, with the nasty lineman fitting the team's mold and filling a big need. They traded up in Round 2 for McKinstry, a potential first-round value at a position where you can never have enough talent.

Rattler will learn how to lead a team and take advantage of his physical gifts from a consummate professional in Derek Carr. He should compete against Jake Haener for the backup spot. Means is a tough receiver with athleticism and could fight for a roster spot. Ford's a pounder inside and I love Boyd's value in the sixth round. He can stuff run plays and get in the face of quarterbacks more often than you'd think.

Top needs entering the draft: Linebacker, wide receiver, edge defender, offensive tackle

The Saints entered this draft with problems at both tackle spots. Trevor Penning, a first-rounder in 2022, has struggled badly at left tackle, while veteran Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a knee injury that has his NFL future in jeopardy. Their line as a whole ranked 28th in pass block win rate in 2023 (51.3%). I wanted to see them come away with a pro-ready lineman who could compete for one of those spots. That's exactly what they got in Taliese Fuaga (14), a nasty blocker in the run game with great feet as a pass-protector. He was my top-ranked tackle on the board when New Orleans got on the clock.

Fuaga spent his college career at right tackle, but I wouldn't be shocked if he got a chance on the left side to see if he could make the conversion. The fact is New Orleans got better on Day 1. On Day 2, it traded up a few spots to snag Kool-Aid McKinstry (41), a really talented cornerback who doesn't have elite speed. He's physical in press coverage. He's going to be a good pro.

The Saints didn't have third- or fourth-round selections, but their fifth-rounder was one of the most interesting picks on Day 3. There's a scenario in which Spencer Rattler (150) is their starting quarterback in a few years. He has the arm talent and accuracy to develop behind Derek Carr. Fun fact, via ESPN Stats & Info: There were 137 picks made between quarterbacks being drafted (Bo Nix at No. 12 and Rattler at No. 150), the longest span between QBs being selected in the common draft era (since 1967). I listed Bub Means (170) as my favorite wide receiver before the draft; he was a Round 5 steal. I also like defensive tackle Khristian Boyd (199).

I gave New Orleans a low grade a year ago, but I don't see much wrong with its haul this time. GM Mickey Loomis did a fine job this weekend.

Only one running back was selected in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft (Carolina took Texas' Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall) and that vacuum could be filled next spring with several quality options. Gordon was the Big 12's Offensive Player of the Year and the Doak Walker Award winner as the nation's top back, leading the country with 1,732 rushing yards and finishing second with 21 rushing touchdowns.

Defensive end was one position the Saints didn't address in the 2024 draft, and they need to find an heir apparent to Cameron Jordan, who will be 35 years old this season. Carter is moving from middle linebacker into an edge rusher role this year, and he could thrive there thanks to his length and suddenness. Despite limited edge rush opportunities, Carter had 22 pressures and 4.5 sacks last season. His skill set leads to Micah Parsons flashbacks for Penn State fans, and he could make a big impact for New Orleans.