Why the Saints drafted them: Rounds 6 & 7

Near the end of day 3, the Saints drafted two more players

Rounds 6 and 7 of the NFL Draft are considered a time to get special team contributors. Instead, the New Orleans Saints drafted a defensive tackle who can contribute immediately and an offensive tackle prospect with fantastic potential.

DT Khristian Boyd – Northern Iowa

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Being this late of a draft pick brings a lack of expectations. This is a little different with defensive tackle Khristian Boyd. The Saints came into the NFL Draft with a significant need for a nose tackle. They needed a player who could stop the run and take double teams so Bryan Bresee could have a one-on-one. At 6-foot-4, 317 pounds, Boyd is the perfect piece for the Saints defensive line. He was one of the three NTs in the draft, and he has the potential to be one of the best defensive tackle prospects. He is a good run defender but has also flashed in pass rush. The Saints have valued Shrine Bowl participants equally with Senior Bowl participants in this year’s draft, which stays true with Boyd. At the Shrine Bowl, Khristian Boyd dominated, which was one reason why most of the league invited him to pre-draft meetings. The other reason was that Boyd did not get an NFL Combine invite, and many people were confused by this decision. It was a blessing for the Saints because Boyd would have been drafted higher if invited.

OT Josiah Ezirim – Eastern Kentucky

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This selection in the 7th round was the last pick in the Saints 2024 draft class. Going into the draft, the offensive line was the most significant need. The Saints got an amazing tackle with Taliese Fuaga, but many people felt they needed one more pick at that position. Josiah Ezirim was that pick, and he has a lot of potential. At this time, Ezirim is a very raw prospect, moving from defensive tackle to offensive tackle during his time in college. This potential, matched with great character and drive, allowed the Saints to pinpoint him on their draft board. Ezirim is good at run blocking and has significantly improved in pass blocking. These improvements occurred because of Ezirim’s drive to get better. He also had great measurables, which was very important because of his height, 6-foot-6. At 329 pounds, he was able to run a 5.10 40-yard dash. Yet another prospect who participated at the Shrine Bowl, Ezirim, flashed during the drills at offensive tackle. When he was drafted, Ezirim had one of the best draft day videos ever, and it showed the high character but extremely driven player that the Saints wanted in their building.