The Saints Beat: 2023 Draft Grades, Analysis, Trades

The New Orleans Saints have completed the 2023 NFL Draft with seven picks in the first six rounds.   Mickey Loomis was an aggressive trader once again to select OL Nick Saldiveri, QB Jake Haener, and WR A.T. Perry. 

Here are the New Orleans Saints draft grades from NFL draft analysts from across the sports landscape.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: 2023 DRAFT CLASS GRADES

Grade: B

• Round 1: No. 29 (from San Francisco, Miami, and Denver): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
• Round 2: No. 40: Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
• Round 3: No. 71: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
• Round 4: No. 103 (from Chicago), Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion
• Round 4: No. 127 (from Jacksonville), Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
• Round 5: No. 146 (from Pittsburgh and Denver), Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota
• Round 6: No. 195: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest

Saints Beat Analysis

The New Orleans Saints management, including Mickey Loomis, Jeff Ireland, and the team's scouts, have done an impressive job identifying the team's needs and choosing players who could make an immediate impact in 2023. Even though QB Jake Haener, OL Nick Saldiveri, and S Jordan Howden may not see much playing time this upcoming season, their performances during rookie camp, mini-camps, OTAs, and training camp will be closely monitored.

The first two draft picks — DT Bryan Bresee and Isaiah DE Foskey — have the makings of becoming stalwarts for the team's defense and within the New Orleans community for many a year. Both individuals possess high energy, a great work ethic, charisma, and a strong character that the Who Dat Nation will fall in love with during camps. Foskey visited his friend's hospitalized grandfather just thirty minutes after being drafted by the Saints. During the previous season at Clemson, Bresee found inspiration in supporting his sister, who lost her fight with brain cancer.

Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas have uncertain statuses at the beginning of the season. Thus, this presents an opportunity for running back Kendre Miller (RD. 3) and wide receiver A.T. Perry (RD. 6) to shine in their training camps and gain more playing time with Dennis Allen and Pete Carmichael. — Kyle T. Mosley.

SAINTS DRAFT PICKS GRADES

Kyle T. Mosley, Saints News Network