Saints could be in prime position to draft this LSU QB

Based on the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels won't travel far to begin his NFL career. Trevor Sikkema has the New Orleans Saints drafting the likely Heisman winner during the 2024 NFL Draft with the ninth overall pick.

Daniels' stock has skyrocketed since the beginning of the season, when he was viewed as a Day 2 pick at best. However, after his phenomenal year, he's firmly in the mix to be drafted in the top 10.

In 12 games this season, Daniels was 236-of-327 (72.2%) for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions with 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 135 carries.

Per oddschecker, Daniels (+125) is a heavy favorite to win the Heisman on Saturday.

The fading New Orleans Saints are in line to draft No. 9 overall. Based on the ugly reception quarterback Derek Carr received whenever he took the field at home against the Lions in Week 13, he isn't a viable solution for the team longterm. 

New Orleans will likely have to keep Carr through next season because of his onerous contract, but it wouldn't be a shock for the franchise to cut bait as soon as it makes sense financially.

Drafting Daniels in the first round would make Carr's seat even hotter in 2024; if fans are upset when he replaces Taysom Hill at quarterback, wait until he plays ahead of Daniels.

The team certainly needs a quarterback for the future, and selecting Daniels in the first round would give them a valuable fifth-year team option to have him on a cost-controlled salary for the foreseeable future.

The only pushback about adding a quarterback is it would mean neglecting needs along the defensive and offensive lines. New Orleans wouldn't do Daniels any favors in handing him the keys to a team with structural issues far beyond quarterback.

However, as he showed this season when he was saddled with a terrible defense, he can erase many mistakes with his arm and athleticism.

For a season that is quickly falling off the rails in New Orleans, it could be worth it if it ends with the franchise getting Daniels.