Saints' second-round pick set up for Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe or Tyler Shough as QB choice
The New Orleans Saints, after securing offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. with their No. 9 overall pick, are considering their options for the No. 40 pick in the second round, particularly given the injury to Derek Carr. With not many teams ahead of them in dire need of a quarterback, the Saints are optimistic about potentially selecting one of Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, or Tyler Shough. Sanders, who was initially linked to the Saints at the ninth pick, could be a significant bargain if he is available at forty, with the Cleveland Browns being a primary hurdle. The Saints' current quarterback lineup, excluding Carr, includes Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci, none of whom are seen as potential team leaders. New coach Kellen Moore is likely to have a preference, and the decision will soon be revealed during the NFL Draft as the Saints consider their quarterback options for a more robust lineup.
The New Orleans Saints have secured Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive lineman, with their first pick and are now considering their No. 40 overall pick in the second round, primarily due to Derek Carr's injury.
With limited teams ahead of them needing a quarterback, the Saints are hopeful about drafting a promising QB such as Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, or Tyler Shough.
Shedeur Sanders, initially linked to the Saints' ninth pick, could be a major acquisition if he falls to the 40th pick, with the Browns being the main impediment.
The Saints' current quarterback roster, outside of Carr, includes Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci, none of whom are viewed as long-term leaders for the team.
New Orleans' new coach, Kellen Moore, is likely to have a strong inclination towards a particular quarterback, and the NFL Draft will reveal which direction the team chooses to strengthen their lineup.
The Saints' decision-making process for their second-round pick is influenced by the potential availability of high-profile quarterbacks and the current state of their QB room.
The strategic choice for the No. 40 pick is crucial for the Saints to enhance their quarterback lineup, given the existing limitations with their current backups.
The New Orleans Saints didn't want to change their plans at the No. 9 overall pick after Derek Carr's injury.
That's a logical decision, and they got stud offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.
But for the Saints to have their No. 40 overall pick, early in the second round, be dictated by Carr? That seems more reasonable.
New Orleans has great reason for quarterback optimism heading into that pick, because very few teams ahead of the Saints need a QB. At least one, and possibly two or three, of Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe and Tyler Shough should be there.
Sanders was for a time connected to the Saints at No. 9 overall, so if he somehow made it to No. 40, that'd be a huge apparent bargain.
His slide isn't perfectly clear as far as reasoning, but it seems like if the Browns don't take him, he can get to No. 40.
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That same holds true for Milroe and Shough. The Browns, or a team that trades to No. 33 overall, is the main obstacle between a QB or two getting to New Orleans.
The Saints' QB room besides Carr is Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Ben DiNucci.
None of those guys is going to lead a team, probably ever. Rattler is a tad promising, but not to the extent of Sanders, Milroe or even the nearly-26-year-old Shough.
New Saints coach Kellen Moore likely has a solid preference. Soon enough, the NFL Draft audience may find out what it is when New Orleans is on the clock at No. 40 overall, potentially seeking a QB.
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