Only one running back was selected in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft (Carolina took Texas' Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall) and that vacuum could be filled next spring with several quality options. Gordon was the Big 12's Offensive Player of the Year and the Doak Walker Award winner as the nation's top back, leading the country with 1,732 rushing yards and finishing second with 21 rushing touchdowns.
Defensive end was one position the Saints didn't address in the 2024 draft, and they need to find an heir apparent to Cameron Jordan, who will be 35 years old this season. Carter is moving from middle linebacker into an edge rusher role this year, and he could thrive there thanks to his length and suddenness. Despite limited edge rush opportunities, Carter had 22 pressures and 4.5 sacks last season. His skill set leads to Micah Parsons flashbacks for Penn State fans, and he could make a big impact for New Orleans.
Landing Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round was one of the better picks on Day 2 of the draft, but the Saints could still trade Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore after June 1, when the cap hit would significantly decrease. Hunter is likely to spend most of his NFL career at cornerback, but he's such a dynamic weapon on offense, I could see a team manufacturing a number of touches each game for him.
Cornerback or wide receiver? Hunter is at his most dangerous with the ball in his hands, so there is a good chance we see him drafted for offense. He routinely turns short catches into long gains.
The Saints were the second-worst team in the league this past season in yards after the catch per reception (4.5 yards). Burden would help fix that immediately. His 725 yards after the catch were the third most among FBS receivers this past season. While many after-the-catch receivers get unfairly compared to Deebo Samuel, Burden may deserve it.
Kelvin Banks Jr. is viewed as the top offensive tackle in this class and allowed only a handful of pressures last year. Banks has fantastic size and excels as a pass blocker. If he can improve his power in the run game, he could end up being a top-six selection in next year's draft.
Coming back to Columbus could help the massively talented 6-4, 270-pound defensive lineman find more consistency after he posted one of last season's most dominant defensive performances against Penn State (two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and fumble recovery and one touchdown). Chase Young is only signed in New Orleans for one season, meaning he'll either disappoint or price his way out of the Saints' spending range. And a replacement eventually will be needed for franchise great Cameron Jordan, who turns 35 in July.
Ward would've likely been a top-100 pick had he declared for the 2024 draft; a strong showing for the U could catapult him into the Round 1 conversation.
