The New Orleans Saints know they must start preparing for a future without Drew Brees and they’ve done their homework on the 2020 NFL Draft class. While the Packers could take a quarterback early when the draft arrives, the Saints are expected to pass on the position.
Multiple team sources told Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller that the Saints are unlikely to draft a quarterback early in the 2020 NFL Draft. The only way the front office would likely change course and take a quarterback of the future is if a top prospect falls to them with the No. 24 pick.
While Brees is returning next season, many expect the Saints to move on from him after the season. He is entering his age-41 season and the team clearly wants to start preparing for its future as Brees weighs a broadcasting career.
The Saints placed a first-round tender on Taysom Hill, securing his return for the upcoming season. While Sean Payton has raved about Hill often and some believe he can be a starting quarterback, there are questions that might raise concerns about him taking over for Brees.
Hill will enter his age-30 season with 13 career pass attempts across 37 games. The Saints also benefit much more from using him as an offensive weapon and he excels on special teams.
It’s highly unlikely that Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert fall to the No. 24 selection. The Miami Dolphins will likely select one of the two at No. 5 overall and the Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots could all be in the market for a quarterback.
Jordan Love, one of the biggest risers in the draft class, might be the most intriguing option. He’s not ready to start right away and his stock is more volatile, so there is a chance he could fall. However, the Chargers reportedly like him and could select him as high as the No. 6 overall selection.
Given the tendency for quarterbacks to be taken early, the Saints likely won’t have an opportunity to land one of the top names. As a result, it’s more likely they’ll add another offensive weapon to help Brees or strengthen their defense with a playmaker.