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3 Quarterbacks the Saints Should Target After First Round of NFL Draft

By Evan Wolff

Drew Brees is entering the twilight of his NFL career, and the Saints may need to think about future replacements.
Drew Brees is entering the twilight of his NFL career, and the Saints may need to think about future replacements. / Sean Gardner/Getty Images

After the New Orleans Saints shockingly lost in the Wild Card round against the Minnesota Vikings, Saints fans were faced with an unsettling reality that they may have seen the last of Drew Brees on a football field. After bring many winning seasons to the city and an unforgettable Super Bowl, there was a deep sense of sadness around the team, and a sense of uncertainty for who may replace him.

Luckily, Brees came out and said he would return for another season, thus giving the Saints organization much more time to think of how to replace the greatest quarterback in their franchise's history. One of those options could come through the draft, and here are three quarterbacks the Saints could look at after the first round to help groom into the team's next franchise stud.

3. Anthony Gordon

The Washington State product threw for nearly 6,000 yards in the 2019 season.
The Washington State product threw for nearly 6,000 yards in the 2019 season. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

If the Saints are looking for their next mobile quarterback that can get the ball downfield, they may have just found a perfect match in Washington State's Anthony Gordon. He's a high-volume passer who would work perfectly in Sean Payton's system, especially after throwing for 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in his 2019 season with the Cougars. A year on the bench learning from one of the greatest passers of all time could pay off when it's time to take over the starting job.

2. Jacob Eason

Washington's Jacob Eason is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft.
Washington's Jacob Eason is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. / David Becker/Getty Images

Standing at 6-6, Jacob Eason is one of the bigger quarterback prospects in the draft. Despite not having the greatest statistics his final year at Washington, Eason has an undeniable arm that would grab the attention of Payton. If the Saints are looking for a guy to take a chance on to be a backup under Drew Brees for a season, Eason could be their target.

1. Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts could be the first quarterback off the board in the second round of the draft.
Jalen Hurts could be the first quarterback off the board in the second round of the draft. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Jalen Hurts was one of the biggest stories in college football last season. After dramatically transferring from Alabama to give himself a shot as a starting quarterback again, he led Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff and boosted his draft stock immensely for 2020. Possessing quick feet, a strong arm, and a team-first attitude, he could be the perfect successor to the irreplaceable Brees.