Here is a 2024 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the New Orleans Saints:

When a team gets into Day 3, especially the fifth round or later, they do not draft for need or with the expectation of picking up an immediate starter. Instead, teams take either the ''best player on their board'' philosophy, or select players specifically for their fits in their offensive or defensive schemes.

For the 17th straight year in the NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints traded up. It’s expected that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and his staff will move up the draft board every year. Loomis traded up from 45 to 41 in the second round this year and drafted Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.