Saints trade up to take Kool-Aid Mckinstry 41st overall in 2024 NFL Draft

DETROIT (WVUE) - The New Orleans Saints have a total of nine picks this year, with selections in nearly every round, including one acquired from the Denver Broncos in the Sean Payton trade.

Round 1, pick 14 Taliese Fuaga
Round 2, pick 41 (acquired from the Broncos) -- Kool-Aid McKinstry
Round 5, picks 150, 168, 170, and 175 (including compensatory picks)
Round 6, picks 190 and 199 (acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles)
Round 7, pick 239 (acquired from the Broncos)

The Saints, coming off a 9-8 record in 2023, missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. With glaring needs at offensive tackle, wide receiver, cornerback, defensive tackle, and linebacker, the team is expected to focus on bolstering its offensive line.

The Saints made several off-season moves, adding players like linebacker Willie Gay and quarterback Nathan Peterman, while losing cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr., linebacker Zack Baun, and quarterback Jameis Winston. The team also released wide receiver Michael Thomas, a long-time star for the franchise, signaling a shift toward a younger receiving corps.

A general view of the NFL Draft stage on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Adam... — A general view of the NFL Draft stage on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)(Adam Hunger | AP)

The Saints face a tough schedule in 2024, with home games against division rivals like the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well as matches against the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos. Their away games include trips to face the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Green Bay Packers.