Saints Secure No. 1 Draft Pick Following Loss to Buccaneers

The New Orleans Saints have positioned themselves for the top draft pick in the upcoming NFL selection process, despite suffering a significant defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 29, 2023. The Saints lost the game 23-3, but their fortunes shifted elsewhere, allowing them to claim the No. 1 overall pick if the season were to conclude today.

This favorable outcome is largely attributed to the New York Jets’ surprising victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets, who had previously struggled this season, staged a comeback to secure their first win, further impacting the Saints’ draft positioning. Additionally, the Miami Dolphins contributed to this scenario by defeating the Atlanta Falcons, which indirectly benefited New Orleans.

According to data from Tankathon, the Saints currently hold the top pick due to a combination of tiebreakers. They share a 1-7 record with both the Jets and the Tennessee Titans, but the Saints’ strength of schedule is equal to that of the Jets at .496. However, the Saints distinguish themselves through their “strength of victory.” With the Bengals at 3-5 being viewed as a tougher opponent than the 2-6 New York Giants, who the Saints defeated for their lone win, this metric has given New Orleans the edge.

Historically, the Saints last held the first overall pick in 1981, when they selected running back George Rogers from South Carolina. Rogers had a notable career, rushing for 4,267 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns over four seasons with the franchise. He led the league in rushing yards his rookie year, amassing 1,674 yards on 378 attempts.

As the NFL draft approaches, there remains uncertainty about potential picks, as there is no consensus top player this year. Analysts anticipate that the Saints may look to draft a quarterback in the first round. Candidates such as Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, Dante Moore from Oregon, and LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina are all considered viable options. Should the Saints choose not to pursue a quarterback, they have several strong defensive prospects to consider, including Rueben Bain from Miami, Keldric Faulk from Auburn, and Caleb Downs from Ohio State.

The outcome of this season presents a pivotal moment for the New Orleans Saints as they look to rebuild and enhance their roster for future success. With the potential for a high-impact draft choice, the organization is poised to make strategic decisions that could shape the team’s direction for years to come.