Deep 2023 NFL Draft QB class is good news for Saints

On Monday night, Tom Brady ended any dreams New Orleans had of making a playoff push. All eyes are now on the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Clearly, the Saints need a quarterback to replace veteran Andy Dalton and turnover machine Jameis Winston. Even without its first-round pick, New Orleans should have good options at QB when it picks for the first time, in the second round.

ESPN recently asked draft experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay about QBs in the 2023 draft class. McShay said only three are projected to go in the first round: Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and Kentucky's Will Levis. 

Other players mentioned include Tennessee's Hendon Hooker and Florida's Anthony Richardson. Both could slip into the second day of the draft. 

ESPN's draft experts also mentioned TCU's Max Duggan, Oregon's Bo Nix, BYU's Jaren Hall and Fresno State's Jake Haner as late-round prospects with potential. Stanford's Tanner McKee was mentioned by both Pro Football Focus and Walter Football.

Besides New Orleans, the Texans, Panthers and Colts will probably be looking for a QB. The Lions might be in the market if they tire of Jared Goff, who has played well. Depending on how the Falcons feel about Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota, they may have a need. Of those teams, only the Saints aren't in possession of their first-round pick.

They traded that pick to Philadelphia for the 16th and 19th overall picks in the 2022 draft. The team selected Trevor Penning 19th overall and used the 16th overall pick as part of a package to move up to No. 11 to draft wide receiver Chris Olave.

Hooker's stock probably will be affected by the ACL injury he suffered in late November. He might not be available to play until late 2023. 

Richardson is a fascinating option and appears headed for the label of most polarizing QB prospect. 

He only completed 53.8 percent of his passes, but this montage from Florida's finale against Florida State demonstrates how little help he received this season.