After nine years, and a revolving door of coaches later, the Las Vegas Raiders parted with Derek Carr. Carr had served as a piece of stability in an organisation otherwise marked by chaos. His 63-79 recording for the Raiders, despite 271 touchdown passes, a 64.6 completion percentage, and 33 game winning drives, marks the relative chaos the Raiders had been in. Carr, however, lasted practically no time in free agency and found himself with a $150 million, four-year, no-trade contract from the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have identified Carr as the missing piece to their off-season puzzle. Thus, the New Orleans Saints needed to target players in the 2023 NFL Draft that Derek Carr can turn into immediate tools. This is how the New Orleans Saints pursued accomplishing that goal.
How the New Orleans Saints 2023 NFL Draft Class Impacts Derek Carr
Power offense
The Saints, predictably, spent their top draft capital on defence. Their top two selections were Bryan Bresee (defensive line) and Isaiah Foskey (Edge). However, after that the offense added depth starting with running back Kendre Miller at 71 overall. Miller is a powerful running back out of TCU who can complement Alvin Kamara. He instantly helps Derek Carr by adding another player in the running back room who can absorb carries. Miller might not be the most elite running back-receiver in the Saints room. However, his power running should allow for Carr to run play-action in the red zone. A touchdown pass or three to Miller is not out of the question.
To complement a more powerful, the Saints also drafted Nick Saldiveri, interior offensive lineman at selection 103. Saldiveri will play this season for the Saints. He immediately helps Carr stay upright, which should be a boost for his completion percentage. The Saints immediately accomplished their goal of getting stronger and more physical.
Speed on the sidelines
The other weapon the Saints drafted for Derek Carr is A.T. Perry, wide receiver, at selection 195. While Perry will have to prove himself to get a contributing slot, he has the fundamentals to become a steal. Perry stands at 6’5” with a 35” vertical and a 4.47’ 40-yard dash. He was not the most productive or strong wide receiver, but that might be more of a limitation of playing at Wake Forest. Carr should be able to coach him up and find a way to let him contribute this season or next.
Defensively, the Saints drafted safety Jordan Howden at selection 146. While Carr will not be tossing the ball to him, opposing quarterbacks will be. Getting the ball back into the Saints offense will be a major key to success in 2023, and Howden is an absolute ball hawk.
Derek Carr’s new quarterback friend
Lastly, the Saints did select a quarterback at selection 127. Jake Haener from Fresno State has average fundamentals with potential to excel. He can become a definitive backup in the NFL and resembles a smaller Chad Henne. Carr being able to help a rookie quarterback should help him become a leader in the locker room and review extra tape. Anytime a seasoned veteran can help a rookie – regardless of the job – it gives them a chance to review fundamentals, refine their thinking process, and reflect on how they perform. This is exactly the type of selection that can secretly boost Carr’s performance on Sunday and give the Saints a fresh new look for 2023.
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
