2023 NFL draft grades: Saints pick QB Jake Haener at No. 127 overall
The New Orleans Saints trade up again in the fourth round to select quarterback Jake Haener out of Fresno State at No. 127 overall, sending a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars to move up 100 slots from their seventh rounder at No. 227.
In terms of play style, Haener gets a lot of Drew Brees comparisons. He’s a very smart, accurate quarterback. He projects to be a great backup in the NFL, but lacks some of the physical traits to really expect to grow into a starter in today’s NFL.
He was impressive at Fresno State, breaking a lot of Derek Carr’s records along the way. He posted a very impressive 68 to 18 touchdown to interception rate. He overcomes the lack of arm strength with his anticipation at times, but is still limited.
This is a much better pick than Ian Book in the fourth, but still isn’t someone you expect to see the field much any time soon.
Grade: C+
