NFL Mock Draft 2024: Saints Target Alvin Kamara's Replacement In Top 10

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on Apr 25, 2025

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Top Running Back Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft

Several talented running backs are projected to be available in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Saints, potentially holding a high pick, could be in prime position to select a potential franchise back.

Analyzing Bijan Robinson's Potential Fit with the Saints

Bijan Robinson, coming out of Texas, is widely considered one of the top running back prospects. His skillset translates exceptionally well to the NFL.

• Strengths: Robinson possesses exceptional elusiveness, making him a nightmare for defenders in the open field. His receiving skills are also highly developed, making him a valuable asset in passing situations. Furthermore, he's shown a commitment to pass protection, a crucial aspect for NFL running backs.
• Weaknesses: While Robinson's talent is undeniable, concerns regarding durability might exist depending on his college injury history. Scouting reports should be thoroughly examined to assess this risk.
• Fit with the Saints' Offense: Robinson's versatility perfectly complements the Saints' offensive scheme. He can be utilized in various ways, both as a runner and a receiver, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game would make him a valuable asset to the Saints.

Evaluating Other Top Running Back Candidates

Other potential top-ten running backs in the 2024 draft (whose names will be updated as the season progresses) offer different skillsets. A thorough comparison of these prospects is essential for the Saints.

• [Prospect Name 1]: [Strengths and Weaknesses, including comparison to Kamara and other prospects]
• [Prospect Name 2]: [Strengths and Weaknesses, including comparison to Kamara and other prospects]
• [Prospect Name 3]: [Strengths and Weaknesses, including comparison to Kamara and other prospects]

The Saints' coaching staff needs to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate, determining which player best fits their offensive philosophy and overall team needs.

The Saints' Current Roster and Draft Needs

Before diving into potential draft scenarios, it's crucial to assess the Saints' current situation. Their running back depth chart beyond Kamara needs evaluation. Do they have sufficient depth, or is a high draft pick truly necessary?

• Current Running Back Depth: [Analyze the Saints' current RBs and their projected roles for the upcoming season. This will help determine the urgency of drafting a top RB.]
• Other Draft Needs: The Saints likely have other positional needs beyond running back. These may include offensive line upgrades, improvements to their defensive line, or bolstering their secondary. Prioritizing these needs alongside securing a top running back will be a significant challenge for the Saints' front office.
• Impact of a High Pick at RB: Selecting a running back in the top 10 significantly impacts the Saints' ability to address other needs. They must carefully weigh the value of an immediate impact at running back versus securing talent at other key positions.

Potential Trade Scenarios for the Saints

The Saints might consider trading up or down in the draft to acquire their preferred running back. This could involve significant risk and reward.

• Trading Up: If the Saints covet a specific prospect, they may need to trade up to secure him. This would require surrendering valuable draft capital, potentially impacting their ability to address other needs.
• Trading Down: If several quality running backs are available later in the first round, the Saints could trade down, accumulating more picks and potentially still landing a viable replacement for Kamara.
• Trade Partners: Identifying teams willing to trade with the Saints will depend on their own draft needs and the overall draft landscape.

The Saints' front office will need to carefully analyze the potential costs and risks associated with each scenario.

Alternative Strategies for Replacing Alvin Kamara

Drafting isn't the only option for the Saints. Free agency and developing existing talent represent other avenues.

• Free Agency: The free agent market may offer veteran running backs who could fill the void left by Kamara. However, this approach often comes with higher financial risks and potentially less long-term value compared to drafting a young player.
• Developing Existing Players: The Saints might choose to focus on developing existing players on their roster, rather than investing high draft capital or significant money in a free agent. This would involve a lower financial risk but carries more uncertainty regarding the potential payoff.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL Draft presents a significant opportunity for the New Orleans Saints to address their running back position and potentially find Alvin Kamara's successor. Several top prospects offer intriguing possibilities, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Saints must carefully weigh their existing roster, other positional needs, and potential trade scenarios to make the best decision. Securing a high-caliber running back is crucial for the Saints' offensive success in the upcoming season. Their approach – drafting high, trading, exploring free agency or relying on existing talent – will be a key determinant of their success in 2024 and beyond.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft and our continued analysis of potential Alvin Kamara replacements for the New Orleans Saints. Follow us for more in-depth mock drafts and NFL news! Don't miss our next analysis on [link to another related article].