Look into the future with our way-too-early 2023 Saints mock draft
Alexa, play Sicko Mode.
Yes we are just days past the 2022 NFL draft ending, but for sickos like me, that just means it’s time to start paying attention to the class of 2023. Based off of my knowledge to the players to this point of the career, and how the New Orleans Saints like to scout prospects, here are some names to look for come this time next year.
Most of these guys will be high character leaders, multi-sport athletes, with impressive combine drills results ahead of them. The usual guys that you see the Saints target in the draft.
I didn’t assign a pick number to any of these rounds, as we can’t predict that much yet, but they are guys I expect to be available around the vicinity of where the Saints should be drafting. Ideally the later portions of these rounds with the Saints hopefully reaching the playoffs.
We do need to keep in mind, however, that if Sean Payton comes out of retirement and wants to coach again somewhere the Saints will indeed receive draft capital from whatever team he chooses. This will be at least a first round draft pick and potentially more. But that isn’t guaranteed, so we’re just keeping it on the back burner for now.
Here is your first Saints 2023 mock draft:
Round 2: IOL Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
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A New Orleans native, Sedrick Van Pran plays fast, aggressive, and hard. He was a multi-sport high school athlete and now steps up as a team leader for a Georgia team that is looking to repeat as national champions. He has mainly played as a center, but it is not unlike the Saints to want to move him to guard, but he should fit there more than their last experiment Cesar Ruiz.
Round 3: TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa
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LaPorta is a classic Iowa tight end that could be used way more than he is as a pass catcher. He had his breakout season last year with 53 receptions for 670 receiving yards, but LaPorta only has four touchdowns in his career. He has all the tools a modern NFL tight end needs and possesses great receiving potential.
Round 4: LB Mike Jones Jr., LSU
AP Photo/Michael Wyke
Who?
Mike Jones transferred to LSU after establishing a role for himself on Clemson’s defense. He then dealt with the mess of the 2021 LSU season, but is primed for a breakout year as a leader for the first year under Brian Kelly. He has been one of the most consistent tacklers during spring practices, and has looked great in covering both tight ends and wide receivers.
Round 5: WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan
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Bell suffered an injury early on in Michigan’s season in 2021, but is looking to finally be ready to make his mark on the Wolverines after coming in as a highly rated recruit. It would be interesting to see how another Wolverine would fit in with an entire locker room of Buckeyes. Bell has had great flashes of potential when healthy, but hasn’t put up any gaudy numbers to this point of his career.
Round 7: RB Kavosiey Smoke, Kentucky
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Other than having an absolutely elite name, Smoke fits the Saints mold for a running back very well. Multi-sport athlete who is a veteran on his team with a shared backfield. He has averaged fewer than 100 carries per year, partially due to injury, but is effective when called upon.
Bonus Ohio State Player to watch for: DL Zach Harrison
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
There could be a lot of shakeup next season for the Saints on the defensive line, with Cameron Jordan aging, both David Onyemata and Marcus Davenport on contract years, the Saints could need to look to the draft for more help. Zach Harrison is a versatile defensive lineman that is big enough to play either inside or out at the next level, depending on the personnel package.
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