Tight end has been a unique topic for the New Orleans Saints in the 2024 offseason. They have Juwan Johnson, who has improved 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 big really is the need for another tight end in New Orleans?
Personally, I would say not that noteworthy compared to other needs on the roster. They have proven talent, and the holes 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 could argue that no TE deserves to go in the first two rounds.
...Both he and Texas’ Ja’Tavion Sanders have questions as far as their ability to block and play tight end in-line. And those two are probably the only ones who wind up going in the top 75 picks or so. After that, you have projections such as Stover and Theo Johnson from Penn State.
At least on paper, this isn’t a great year for the position. -- Albert Breer, SI
Sanders did not test well and may drop 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 since they do not own a third or fourth-round pick. He's not the level of TE prospect to go at their 45th overall selection.
Accordingly, the Saints should only target TE on day three. Keep an eye on Iowa's Erick All, a player who has visited with them, or Dallin Holler from Colorado State.
All in all, there's no reason for New Orleans to force themselves into a tight end selection early, outside of Bowers.
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