The NFL Draft has concluded, and although it is too early to assess the performance of each team’s draft picks, analysts are already evaluating them. The New Orleans Saints selected seven players in the 2024 draft, beginning with the 14th overall pick in the first round.ESPN’s Matt Miller evaluated the top 100 picks of the draft based on skill, value, and fit, while NFL.com’s Chad Reuter highlighted his favorite selections from each round.
Among the Saints’ draft class, OT Taliese Fuaga, chosen in the first round at 14th overall, received recognition in both assessments.Taliese Fuaga, an offensive tackle from Oregon State, was a crucial selection for the Saints who had a pressing need at the position.
Fuaga is seen as a potential starter at right tackle, especially with uncertainty surrounding Ryan Ramczyk’s availability for the upcoming season. Additionally, there is flexibility for Fuaga to transition to left tackle if Trevor Penning, the Saints’ 2022 first-round pick, does not meet expectations.
Matt Miller ranked Fuaga as the 24th best pick in the draft.According to Miller, the Saints’ need for an offensive tackle was glaring, and Fuaga’s combination of power at right tackle and agility in zone-blocking schemes made him a top prospect within the top 15 picks. The selection of Fuaga was praised for aligning with the team’s requirements, the player’s value, and his fit within the Saints’ system.
Chad Reuter expressed optimism about the New Orleans Saints’ selection of Spencer Rattler in the fifth round, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of adding such a talented player to their roster. With Derek Carr already on the team, Rattler is not pressured to immediately become the primary quarterback, giving him the opportunity to develop and adapt to the professional game gradually. Reuter views this as a low-risk, high-reward move by the Saints.
Matt Miller also praised the decision to pick Rattler, stating that even if he had been chosen in the third round, it would have been a noteworthy selection. However, securing him in the fifth round elevated the pick’s ranking further. Miller was impressed by Rattler’s resilience in facing challenges at Oklahoma and South Carolina, noting his strong arm, mobility, and fearlessness in the pocket.
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