The New Orleans Saints are pretty much an average NFL team at this point. They are not legitimate playoff contenders. They’re also not bottom feeders.

With a tricky NFL salary cap situation, it’s important for long-time general manager Mickey Loomis to hit on a majority of his draft picks.

Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, New Orleans boasts nine picks. However, it does not have one in the second or third rounds. Perhaps, a trade down from the 14th pick to accumulate more assets could be in the cards. As it is, here is our full seven-round Saints mock draft for 2024.

Related: 2024 NFL mock draft

New Orleans Saints draft picks 2024

Here are the New Orleans Saints draft picks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

• First round, 14th overall
• Second round, 45th overall
• Fifth round, 150th overall
• Fifth round, 168th overall
• Fifth round, 170th overall
• Fifth round, 175th pick
• Sixth round, 190th pick
• Sixth round, 199th pick
• Seventh round, 239th pick

New Orleans Saints team needs 2024

• Offensive tackle
• Quarterback
• Guard
• EDGE
• Defensive tackle

Related: Updated New Orleans Saints Super Bowl odds

2024 New Orleans Saints mock draft: Bridging the gap

First round, 14th pick: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

At 34 years old, franchise great Cameron Jordan is not getting any younger. He’s coming off a career-worst performance that saw the eight-time Pro Bowler record just six quarterback hits and two sacks in 17 games. While the Saints still do have 2023 sack leader Carl Granderson for the long run, picking up a young pass rusher should be in the cards.

Latu would be a great fit in this defense. After an injury-plagued tenure at Washington, he stood out big time during his two-year run with the UCLA Bruins. That included racking up 34 tackles for loss and 24 sacks. He’s seen as a pro-ready EDGE pass rusher and someone who could morph into a potential Pro Bowler at the NFL level. Acquiring that at 14 would be a boon.

Related: Laiatu Latu scouting report for 2024 NFL Draft

Second round, 45th pick: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

At least one recent report suggests that Nix could be the one quarterback prospect among the group of potential first-round picks to fall to Day 2. If that is indeed the case, selecting him for the future would make a ton of sense for New Orleans.

Derek Carr is coming off his first season with the team. He didn’t look like the future starter at this position. New Orleans can also get out of his contract following the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Mickey Loomis is not a general manager that’s concerned about his job. That’s the type of decision maker who goes in a direction like this.

Fifth round, 150th pick: Tahj Washington, WR, USC

Wide receiver is somewhat of an issue for the Saints after they moved on from the injury-plagued Michael Thomas. Chris Olave does his thing as a WR1 for New Orleans. Rashid Shaheed has turned into a decent receiver. But he’s not necessarily starter quality. The signing of Cedrick Wilson Jr. was more of a depth move. In short, these Saints need more help at wide receiver for Derek Carr.

Nabbing the 5-foot-11 Washington in the fifth round would be an absolute steal. The former USC star recorded 59 receptions for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns a season ago. He also averaged a robust 18 yards per catch. His ability to take the top off the defense would loom large for Carr and Co.

Related: Find out where the New Orleans Saints land in our latest NFL power rankings

New Orleans Saints 7-round mock draft 2024

• First round, 14th overall: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
• Second round, 45th overall: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
• Fifth round, 150th overall: Tahj Washington, wide receiver, USC
• Fifth round, 168th overall: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri
• Fifth round, 170th overall: Javion Cohen, G, Miami (F)
• Fifth round, 175th pick: Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College
• Sixth round, 190th pick: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
• Sixth round, 199th pick: Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
• Seventh round, 239th pick: Jackson Mitchell, LB, UConn