Could the New Orleans Saints pick another defensive lineman early in next year’s NFL draft? They’ve certainly set a precedent for it by investing so many early-round picks in the trenches, including a second rounder in 2023 with Isiah Foskey.
But they don’t have a long-term fix at the position right now, and Cameron Jordan isn’t getting any younger. It shouldn’t shock anyone if the Saints add another edge rusher in the 2024 class. New Orleans values different factors in their athletic skill sets at defensive ends on the left and right sides of the formation, with most of the players on the right side (Carl Granderson, Payton Turner, Foskey, and before them Marcus Davenport) all weighing in at around 265 to 270 pounds while Jordan and his backups on the left side often tip the scales at 280 pounds or more.
With that in mind, here are five prospects eligible for the 2024 NFL draft that we’ll be watching closely during the upcoming college football season: