Let’s go ahead and get it out of the way: the first-round 2023 NFL draft pick the New Orleans Saints traded to the Philadelphia Eagles will fall at No. 10 overall, which isn’t great. The Saints are probably going to get a first rounder back after trading Sean Payton’s coaching rights, but that’s not a sure thing. So when will they go on the clock in April?
Right now, the Saints are slated to make their first pick in the second round at No. 41 overall. Because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their first rounder for tampering violations last year, there are only 31 picks in the 2023 first round rather than 32. That puts the Saints at No. 41 in the next frame.
But the Saints have a history of trading their picks around. They’re always eager to move up the board and target specific prospects, so it shouldn’t shock anyone if they move up from No. 41.
New Orleans also has a strong history of drafting in the second round — that’s where they’ve found standouts like cornerback Alontae Taylor (who led the team with 11 passes defensed as a rookie), linebacker Pete Werner, center Erik McCoy, safeties Marcus Williams and Vonn Bell, plus wide receiver Michael Thomas. Hopefully they’ll continue to make the best of this draft slot.
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