Tight end has been a peculiar topic for the New Orleans Saints in the 2024 offseason. They have Juwan Johnson, who has progressed over the past two years. They’ve got the utility weapon of Taysom Hill. They’ve also added a veteran for blocking purposes like Foster Moreau.
How huge actually is the demand for another tight end in New Orleans?
Personally, I would say not that significant compared to other requirements on the squad. They have demonstrated skill, and the needs at offensive tackle and interior defensive line outweigh the need at TE.
Keep in mind – this draft class is not a tight end-heavy class at the top. Brock Bowers is a projected top 20 pick. Outside of him, you might argue that no TE deserves to go in the first two rounds.
…Both he and Texas’ Ja’Tavion Sanders have problems as far as their ability to block and play tight end in-line. And those two are probably the only ones who wind up getting in the top 75 picks or so. After that, you have forecasts such as Stover and Theo Johnson from Penn State.
At least on paper, this isn’t a fantastic year for the position. — Albert Breer, SI
Sanders did not test well and may tumble to the third or fourth TE off the board. Theo Johnson is an intriguing pass catcher from Penn State, but the interest in him may put him out of reach for the Saints as they do not own a third or fourth-round choice. He’s not the level of TE prospect to go at their 45th overall selection.
Accordingly, the Saints should solely target TE on day three. Keep a watch on Iowa’s Erick All, a player who has visited with them, or Dallin Holler from Colorado State.
All in all, there’s little reason for New Orleans to force themselves into a tight end selection early, outside of Bowers.
