As the New Orleans Saints head into the upcoming NFL Draft, the focus for the team is clear: solidify key positions that will ensure long-term success, elevate the overall team performance, and bring the team closer to playoff contention. While the Saints have certainly made strides in recent seasons, their roster still has holes that need to be addressed. After a mixed 2023 season, New Orleans is looking to build a stronger foundation, particularly in two key areas: the offensive line and defensive backfield. Here’s a deep dive into why these two positions should be at the top of their draft board.
### Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback and Establishing the Run
The offensive line is arguably the most critical need for the Saints as they look to build a more balanced and efficient offense in 2024. Despite the presence of veteran players like Ryan Ramczyk and the addition of new faces in recent years, the Saints’ offensive line showed vulnerabilities in 2023. The team struggled to protect the quarterback consistently, ranking toward the bottom of the league in sacks allowed and quarterback pressures. At the same time, the Saints’ running game, which historically has been one of the team’s strengths, became one-dimensional and less productive. With a veteran quarterback in Derek Carr leading the offense in 2024, establishing a stable and reliable offensive line is crucial for both his performance and the development of the offense as a whole.
#### 1. Pass Protection
Quarterback play in the NFL is heavily influenced by the level of protection provided by the offensive line. The Saints’ pass protection was inconsistent in 2023, with the team allowing 45 sacks—an alarming figure for a team that prides itself on having a stable, veteran presence behind center. Injuries also played a role in the instability of the line, with players like Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz missing significant time. With Carr’s reputation for being a pocket passer who thrives with clean lanes, the Saints cannot afford to allow the same issues to persist in 2024.
In the draft, the Saints need to prioritize offensive linemen who can step in and immediately contribute. Whether it’s a high-upside tackle, guard, or center, the team needs depth and competition across the line. A standout first-round talent could help solidify the left tackle spot, which has been inconsistent in recent years. Drafting a top-tier lineman to either start immediately or add depth behind Ramczyk and James Hurst could be a pivotal move.
#### 2. Run Game and Physicality
The Saints’ running game took a noticeable dip last season, ranking 24th in the league in rushing yards per game. Alvin Kamara, while still a dynamic playmaker, is not the same explosive back that he was early in his career. While Kamara is more of a receiving threat than a traditional bruiser, the Saints need a dominant offensive line that can create consistent holes in the run game.
A strong draft pick along the interior of the offensive line could elevate the team’s ability to control the line of scrimmage, paving the way for Kamara and whoever else they bring in at running back. A draft pick that can push the pile, drive defenders off the ball, and open up lanes for their playmakers would go a long way toward restoring balance to the Saints’ offense.
### Defensive Backfield: Strengthening the Secondary
While the Saints have an impressive front seven that is capable of generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, their secondary has been inconsistent in recent seasons. As the NFL continues to evolve toward a pass-heavy league, it is becoming increasingly important to have a secondary that can lock down opposing receivers and cover a range of offensive schemes.
In 2023, New Orleans allowed 240.4 passing yards per game, ranking 16th in the league. Although the team boasts playmakers like Marshon Lattimore, the defensive backfield still has some glaring weaknesses, particularly in depth and playmaking ability. Adding talent to the secondary through the draft will not only improve the pass defense but also allow defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to be more aggressive with his game plan, knowing his corners and safeties can hold their own in coverage.
#### 1. Cornerback Depth
Marshon Lattimore remains one of the league’s top cornerbacks, but injuries have kept him from playing a full season in recent years. Behind him, the depth at cornerback remains a concern. Paulson Adebo has shown promise, but his inconsistency was evident at times in 2023. The Saints need a cornerback who can step in as a starter if necessary, but also provide quality depth behind Lattimore and Adebo.
In this year’s draft, the Saints could look to add a cornerback who can make an immediate impact. Whether that’s a first-round prospect with elite athleticism or a more developmental player with upside in later rounds, this pick will be vital in securing the secondary’s long-term future. Cornerbacks with the ability to press at the line of scrimmage and cover both deep and short routes would complement Lattimore’s style of play and help the Saints’ defense in a league that is increasingly reliant on the passing game.
#### 2. Safety Help
While the Saints’ safety duo of Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye brings veteran leadership to the defense, the team could use an infusion of youth and talent at this position. The safety group has been solid but not spectacular, and as the league continues to evolve with faster, more athletic quarterbacks and dynamic passing offenses, the Saints would benefit from having more playmaking ability in the secondary.
Drafting a safety who can cover a lot of ground, read the quarterback’s eyes, and come up with big plays in key moments would help the defense as a whole. Whether it’s a rangy free safety who can create turnovers or a strong safety with an ability to come down and impact the run game, the Saints should look to strengthen the safety position to ensure they can compete with the best offenses in the NFC.
### Conclusion: A Balanced Approach for the Future
Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints must prioritize two key positions: the offensive line and the defensive backfield. With Derek Carr at quarterback, protecting him and establishing a reliable running game will be paramount to the offense’s success. At the same time, bolstering the secondary will ensure that the Saints can compete with the explosive passing offenses that dominate the NFL today.
By addressing these two areas through strategic draft selections, the Saints can set themselves up for future success. With a balanced roster that can both protect the quarterback and defend against the pass, New Orleans will be in a better position to make a deep playoff run and, eventually, contend for another Super Bowl title. As the draft approaches, these positions will be the foundation upon which the team can build its next great era.