Derek Carr, Jimmy Graham, Andrus PeatChris Graythen/Getty Images
A win is a win, and the New Orleans Saints are now involved in a three-way tie for the NFC South lead after Tampa Bay took down Atlanta, but Sunday was far from a perfect performance.
The team’s defense looked strong, netting one point with a defensive touchdown and only two field goals surrendered, but the Saints still have plenty of questions offensively despite the three-possession victory.
GuardLeft TackleQuarterbackTight EndWide Receiver
While Derek Carr played on Sunday, he’s suffered several injuries recently, including two concussions in one month. Also, Carr hasn’t been playing well and appears to be one of the offense’s biggest problems, Tayson Hill is banged up as well, and Jameis Winston has proven to be a wild card throughout his career.
So, it’d be smart to add a more stable veteran quarterback like McCoy to the practice squad in case of an emergency.
2024 Free Agency: G Greg Van Roten, Las Vegas Raiders
The Saints could use help at guard right now, and that need will only intensify in the offseason, as they have several impending free agents at the position. However, they’re projected to be nearly $90 million over the cap, per Spotrac, which complicates matters.
Van Roten would be a good option in New Orleans because he’s been impressive in pass protection this year, surrendering only 14 pressures and earning a good pass-blocking grade through 12 games, according to Pro Football Focus. Also, he’s currently playing on a veteran’s minimum contract and will be 34 next year, so Van Roten should be cost-effective.
2024 NFL Draft: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
There’s no doubt that the Saints could use a new left tackle in the draft, as Trevor Penning played his way onto the bench this season. Granted, where they end up in the draft order will impact their ability to draft Alt, and the NFC South title is still up for grabs.
But they were slated for the ninth spot heading into Week 14, per Tankathon, and the Golden Domer currently ranks eighth on B/R’s NFL draft big board.
“Alt wins as a pass-protector with light, coordinated feet and even weight distribution to reach his landmarks balanced, under control and on time,” B/R’s NFL draft scout Brandon Thorn wrote in Notre Dame product’s scouting report. “He maximizes his length and plays long with a flat back and head out of the block, keeping defenders at his fingertips with light, effective independent strikes, allowing him to protect the corner and fluidly redirect against inside moves.
“… Overall, Alt is a special prospect due to his size, athletic ability and polish for a player who will be only 21 years old throughout the duration of his rookie season. While he isn’t the most powerful blocker and will concede some initial ground in his anchor, Alt has virtually every other tool and skill to become an immediate impact starter at left tackle with the runway to continue ascending and cement his status as a foundational piece of a roster.”
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