It shouldn't surprise anyone that the mock draft universe is pretty much in agreement: The Saints need a tackle -- and badly.
In a survey of 40 mock drafts culled from NFLMockDraftDatabase.com, a whopping 85% of them (34 total) had the Saints selecting an offensive tackle in the first round, though three were done through trades.
But among that group there was also a clear favorite: Olu Fashanu. The Penn State product, lauded for his pass protection ability, was the selection at No. 14 in 18 different mock drafts, with no one else garnering more than seven selections. Here's how the picks broke down by player:
- Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State: 18
- Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State: 7
- Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington: 5
- Jared Verse, DE, Florida State: 2
- JC Latham, OT, Alabama: 1
- Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU: 1
- Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia: 1
- Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois: 1
- *Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame: 1
- *Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma: 1
- *Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia: 1
Here's how the first-round picks broke down by position:
- OL: 34
- DL: 3
- WR: 1
- TE 1
Now, mock drafts don't mean a ton, and the Saints could certainly opt to get aggressive and trade or throw caution to the winds and skip the OT route, but it is telling of how the landscape at large views the Saints roster and their glaring need at offensive tackle. Whether it's Fashanu or anyone else, the status of Ryan Ramczyk's knee and the uncertainty with Trevor Penning's ability are major potential problems that must be addressed.
At No. 45, which xx of the surveyed mocks included as well, the defensive side of the ball was a popular target. Florida State DT Braden Fiske was the most popular selection, appearing in three different mock, with Texas DT T'Vondre Sweat the next highest with two. Of the 13 mocks, 10 opted for a defensive player at No. 45.
The Saints currently just own two picks in the first four round (14 and 45), but they own 7 picks between the 5th and 7th rounds. Scroll below to see more from each of the mock drafts surveyed.
MOCK DRAFT ROUNDUP
THE ATHLETIC (Bruce Feldman)
14. Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Why: "Nabbing Fuaga here should make the Saints giddy. Their O-line needs to upgrade at tackle, and the 6-foot-6, 324-pounder is too good and too nasty to pass up."
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33RD TEAM (Ian Valentino)
14. Saints: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Why: "The New Orleans Saints are stuck with Derek Carr's contract, so making the best of the situation around him is the only real option. Brian Thomas Jr. is a risky prospect because he's primarily a go-route threat, but he's so effective and explosive it's worthwhile to roll the dice. He's the right guy to take pressure off Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara."
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33RD TEAM (Marcus Mosher)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "The New Orleans Saints have a big need at both tackle spots. RT Ryan Ramczyk's future is unknown, and Trevor Penning looks like a miss. Olumuyiwa Fashanu would be a home-run selection at No. 14. There is a good chance Fashanu winds up a top-10 selection, but he falls a bit in this mock as two right tackles go ahead of him."
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33RD TEAM (Diante Lee)
14. Saints: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
Why: "Fit: This is an easy fit for the New Orleans Saints, who need a succession plan for Cam Jordan's eventual retirement. Jared Verse wasn’t as flashy a pass rusher as I wanted to see this season, but he’s a monster as an edge-setter in the run game and a high-motor pocket pusher in the passing game. This is more of a high-floor pick for New Orleans, but this franchise needs consistent production from guys on rookie contracts to finally pivot this roster."
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NFL DOT COM (Lance Zierlein)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "The Saints could be choosing between offensive tackle and pass rusher in this spot. 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning hasn't proven he has a handle on the starting left tackle role, so the Saints opt for the Penn State pass protector."
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NFL DOT COM (Maurice Jones-Drew
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "Filling a huge need for the Saints, Fashanu is an athletic and explosive blocker who can solidify the left tackle spot for the next decade."
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NFL DOT COM (Adam Rank)
14. Saints: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Why: "What are we doing here, New Orleans? It seems like this team needs a lot of work, but you're not a complete disaster. 2022 first-round OT Trevor Penning has not been great, so it might be time to readdress the blind side with a stellar athlete like Fautanu. Maybe Penning can swing over to right tackle if Ryan Ramczyk's body continues to fail him. But protecting Derek Carr needs to be the priority here."
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NFL DOT COM (Rhett Lewis)
14. Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Why: "Ryan Ramczyk's knee injury brings the offensive line issues into sharper focus this offseason. Latham is an experienced and talented tackle with the ability to maul in the run game while providing a steady hand in pass protection. He starts on Day 1."
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CBS SPORTS (Ryan Wilson)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "Somehow Fashanu is still on the board. Trevor Penning hasn't worked out at left tackle, and Fashanu is too good to pass up in the middle of Round 1."
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CBS SPORTS (Chris Trapasso)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "Fashanu's slide stops here, and the Saints simply go best-player-available with this selection."
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CBS SPORTS (Tom Fornelli)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "I'm constantly caught in an internal dialogue about Olu Fashanu. I have concerns about Fashanu returning to school last season and not improving as a run-blocker. At the same time, he's still very young, and perhaps he needs to get on an NFL roster to learn how to be better at it. Either way, he's immediately one of the 10 best pass blockers at left tackle in the league."
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CBS SPORTS (Pete Prisco)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "They need to get a left tackle, and Olu Fashanu is a pure pass protector. He will step in and start right away. You can never go wrong drafting an offensive lineman in a league where there is an issue on a lot of lines."
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CBS SPORTS (Josh Edwards)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "Trevor Penning has not grasped the left tackle position with control, and now there are reports about the structural integrity of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk's knee. I cannot imagine that a franchise who consistently invests in the offensive line will feel comfortable going into next season with its current offensive line."
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CBS SPORTS (Bryan DeArdo)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "The Saints get an offensive lineman who didn't allow a sack in 365 pass-blocking snaps in 2023."
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CBS SPORTS (Erik Galko)
14. Saints: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Why: "The Saints may prefer to add an offensive tackle to push Trevor Penning inside, but in this scenario, adding Troy Fautanu as the best lineman available makes the most sense. Both he and Penning may be better suited at guard, but both have awesome talent and if one can be a capable left tackle, the Saints can reestablish a strong offensive line."
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CBS SPORTS (Garrett Podell)
14. Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Why: "New Orleans whiffed on 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning. Left tackle Andrus Peat is also a free agent. New Orleans plugs in a mountain-like blocker in Taliese Fuaga, who is 6-foot-6 and 334 pounds. He is a menace as a run blocker, and he has plenty of upside as a pass blocker. That's the kind of trench menace Derek Carr needs to have cleaner pockets."
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THE SPORTING NEWS (Tyler Forness)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "With the future of Ryan Ramczyk in doubt and Trevor Penning not working out on the left side, tackle is the position of utmost importance for the Saints. Fashanu can step in on the left side and the Saints could potentially salvage Penning on the right with his physical demeanor."
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USA TODAY (Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "There's not much of a point in doubling down on Derek Carr and Co. without enhancing the resources up front, as there are serious concerns at both tackle spots. While Fashanu is somewhat of a work in progress, he's still more polished and promising than struggling left tackle Trevor Penning was as a first-rounder in 2022."
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USA TODAY (Nate Davis)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "Given the performance, or lack thereof, thus far by former first-round LT Trevor Penning plus the knee issues and cost associated with RT Ryan Ramczyk, the Nittany Lions’ 2023 All-American makes too much sense – particularly given the amount of abuse (physical and otherwise) taken by QB Derek Carr in 2023."
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SAINTS WIRE (John Sigler)
14. Saints: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Why: "The best pass rushers and wideouts and left tackles are all available. A team aware of its meager draft capital and multitude of needs would trade down to get more picks and let the board come to them. But the Saints are always going to move boldly with Mickey Loomis steering the ship, and this time he’s staying put and drafting an offensive lineman. If Trevor Penning totally bombs at left tackle, Troy Fautanu can replace him."
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CANAL STREET CHRONICLES (Molly Bauer)
14. Saints: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Why: "Yes, I know that the New Orleans Saints need an offensive lineman. Yes, I know that they could also use a defensive end, but Brock Bowers is just too tempting. It’s not like the Saints couldn’t use him either, as they are in need of a new contested catch guy and young tight end."
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YAHOO! SPORTS (Charles McDonald & Nate Tice)
14. Saints: Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Why: "New Orleans could go in a lot of directions here, but it currently doesn't have any long-term investments along its defensive interior. This is about the right range for Newton and he would be a nice cog who can rush the passer from the interior."
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SPORTSNAUT (Andrew Buller-Russ)
14. Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Why: "Versatility is the name of the game, especially along the offensive line, where the New Orleans Saints have battled inconsistency for several seasons. Taliese Fuaga checks multiple boxes in that he plays with a mean streak, bringing physicality to the trenches while being able to play tackle or guard."
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PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "It’s unclear how much longer standout right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will continue to play as he faces a setback from his knee injury. With Trevor Penning looking questionable at best through two years, the Saints could look to add another first-round tackle here. While Olu Fashanu isn’t the strongest run blocker, you’d be hard-pressed to find too many tackles as promising as him in pass protection. His 84.4 grade on true pass sets since 2022 ranked in the 93rd percentile among FBS tackles."
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FOX SPORTS (Nick Wright)
14. Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
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FANTASY PROS (Kent Weyrauch)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "With Ryan Ramczyk’s medical status up in the air, the cap-strapped Saints will probably want to solidify their offensive line. Trevor Penning has failed to be reliable in both play and availability. Olumuyiwa Fashanu allowed zero sacks at Penn State and had an amazing 3.5% pressure rate in true pass sets, per PFF."
MULTI-ROUND
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NOLA DOT COM (Luke Johnson)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "Fashanu checks every box for the Saints. He is big (6-foot-6, 312 pounds), long (82¾-inch wingspan), athletic (9.59 Relative Athletic Score), experienced (18 college starts at left tackle), accomplished (2023 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year) and he was a team leader (2023 Penn State captain). Literally, everything the Saints look for in one tidy package."
45. Saints: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
Why: "He is pretty similar to the receivers the Saints already have, as he’s roughly the same size as Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. ... I loved the idea of putting those three on the field together and forcing defenses to try to account for the Saints’ perimeter speed. They would be right up there with the Miami Dolphins in terms of explosiveness at the receiver position."
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TANKATHON
14. Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
45. Saints: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
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WWL/AUDACY (Steve Geller)
*9. Saints: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Why: "The plan is here simple, the Saints have a need at tackle and they fork over some assets to go up and get the top one on the board. He's got the pedigree, elite athleticism and profile to be a Day 1 starter at left tackle, and those things are tough to find."
45. Saints: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Why: "The Saints have some need at the position with the departure of Malcolm Roach, and Fiske's elite athletic profile will feature nicely in a rotation with Brian Bresee, last year's first-round pick, and veterans Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd. Bresee showed well as a rookie, and there will be hope that he'll take a big leap into Year 2. If the Saints can develop Fiske alongside him, that position could be set nicely for years to come."
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WWL/AUDACY (Jeff Nowak)
*24. Saints: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Why: "This is a draft class loaded with, in my opinion, eight first-round talents at offensive tackle. Now, No. 1 is a long way from No. 8 in terms of upside, but there's a pretty significant dropoff after No. 8. With my trade down I had to white-knuckle my way through seven of those names going off the board, but in the end I landed the final one in Tyler Guyton, who I just happen to have ranked higher than the pair that went ahead of him. It wasn't a fun experience, but I do think this worked out for the best."
45. Saints: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Why: "Beef up on the interior of the DL whenever you can, and you'll have a lot more fun days out there. That's what this pick is about, and it helps that Fiske was able to open eyes to his elite athleticism. He'd form a monster pairing with Brian Bresee for the next several years. No defensive-minded head coach would ever complain about that."
*87. Saints: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State
Why: "With this pick I'd throw down Johnny Wilson as a lottery ticket with a ton of upside. It's not difficult to see why. At 6-6, 231 pounds -- what CB is matching up with that guy? The only real question is whether he's actually a tight end at the NFL level, just look at how Juwan Johnson was converted. But I think his traits do profile at WR, and I'd love to see him go out there and compete with A.T. Perry for that big-body role."
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FANTASY PROS (Mike Fanelli)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "The Saints are almost forced into taking an offensive tackle with their first-round pick. Trevor Penning hasn’t worked out as a former first-round pick. Meanwhile, Ryan Ramczyk‘s career is in jeopardy because of knee injuries."
45. Saints: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Why: "Chris Olave is one of the more underrated players in the NFL. However, the Saints should add to their receiving core as Rashid Shaheed isn’t an ideal No. 2 wide receiver."
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SPORTSKEEDA (Tony Pauline)
14. Saints: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Why: "Fautanu is flying up draft board, and the Saints need at least one, possibly two offensive tackles."
45. Saints: T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
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BLEACHER REPORT
14. Saints: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Why: "Washington's Troy Fautanu can fit in just about any situation, because he's athletic and talented enough to play anywhere along the offensive line. ... Fautanu initially projects as the Saints' left guard but could bump outside depending on how the team's tackle situation develops."
45. Saints: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
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THE ATHLETIC (Nick Baumgardner)
*22. Saints: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Why: "One of the freakiest athletes in this draft, Mims is a house on wheels and could blossom into a dominant presence on either side of the line. He only started eight games in college, though, and missed time last year with an injury."
45. Saints: Kris Jenkins Jr., DT, Michigan
*50. Saints: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
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THE DRAFT NETWORK (Damian Parson)
14. Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Why: "The Saints have issues at both left and right tackle at this moment. Taliese Fuaga is a true RT but this gives them an immediate starter with Ryan Ramczyk nursing an injury and no timetable for his return. Fuaga brings a level of physicality this offensive line needs."
45. Saints:
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NFL DOT COM (Chad Reuter)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "Trevor Penning's rough go at left tackle last year and Ryan Ramczyk's knee issues make it likely the Saints will select an OT in the first round. Fashanu played exclusively on the left side with Penn State, only lining up on the right side on special teams."
45. Saints: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
150. Saints: Myles Harden, CB, South Dakota
168. Saints: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
170. Saints: Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson
175. Saints: Nathaniel Watson, LB, Miss. State
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WALTER FOOTBALL
14. Saints: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
Why: "The Saints wanted Myles Murphy in the 2023 NFL Draft, so they could draft a talented edge rusher to help the mediocre pass rush. And speaking of the pass rush, the Saints don’t have a left tackle to defend against it because Trevor Penning has been a major bust. They may take the best edge rusher or tackle available."
45. Saints: Johnny Dixon, CB, Penn State
Why: "The Saints struggled at cornerback across from Marshon Lattimore, so the position could be addressed soon."
150. Saints: Gabriel Murphy, DE, UCLA
Why: "The Saints signed Chase Young, but that was just a 1-year deal. Gabriel Murphy was very productive at UCLA. Some would say that Laiatu Latu had a hand in that, but Murphy looked great in the East-West Shrine practices."
168. Saints: Curtis Jacobs, OLB, Penn State
Why: "The Saints could stand to have better linebacker depth and perhaps a new starter in a couple of years. Curtis Jacobs is a talented blitzing linebacker, but needs to improve his coverage."
170. Saints: Marcus Harris, DT, Auburn
Why: "The Saints aren’t very deep on the defensive line, so a mid-round pick could be used on this area. Marcus Harris was a productive pass rusher for Auburn, but he has some limitations for the NFL."
175. Saints: Beau Brade, S, Maryland
Why: "The Saints re-signed Tyrann Mathieu, but he’s not going to be playing on a high level much longer. Beau Brade is a smaller strong safety candidate."
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THE SPORTING NEWS (Vinnie Iyer)
14. Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Why: "The Saints have been battling some injury and ineffectiveness issues at both tackles, and Fashanu gives them another option over disappointing Trevor Penning on the left side opposite recovering Ryan Ramczyk."
45. Saints: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, texas A&M
Why: "Ageless Demario Davis needs someone with playmaking skills around him, especially on the strong side. With Payton Wilson's dynamic coverage off the board, the Saints should be fine targeting the well-rounded Cooper."
150. Saints: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
168. Saints: Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa
170. Saints: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
175. Saints: Dylan McMahon, G, NC State
190. Saints: Logan Lee, DT, Iowa
199. Saints: Kamal Hadden, CB, Tennessee
239. Saints: Gavin Hardison, QB, UTEP
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DRAFTTEK
14. Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Why: "It is highly possible that Ryan Ramczyk will not be ready for the start of the season. Former RD1 selection Trevor Penning looks like a bust. Plus, Andrus Peat has yet to be re-signed. This line needs immediate help! Taliese Fuaga has the skills to become an immediate starter on either the side of the bookends. His agility is surprising for his size. Fuaga did not give up a sack in 2 seasons as a starter for the Oregon State Beavers. As a run blocker, he is a force that can clear lanes for RBs. Fuaga offers both a short-term solution for Ramczyk and a long-term solution for a Saints O-line that was often a liability in 2023."
45. Saints: T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
Why: "The Saints have struggled with inconsistent run defense and mobile QBs. T'Vondre Sweat caught the attention of Saints DL coach Todd Grantham during the Texas pro day."
150. Saints: Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
168. Saints: Tory Taylor, P, Iowa
170. Saints: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
175. Saints: Trevor Keegan, G, Michigan
190. Saints: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
199. Saints: Daijahn Anthony, S, Ole Miss
239. Saints: M.J. Devonshire, CB, Pitt