Where the Saints rank among all 32 teams in 2024 NFL draft capital (2024)

John Sigler

April 7, 2024 2:55 pm CT

The New Orleans Saints have a lot of holes to address going into the 2024 NFL draft, but just two early-round picks (Nos. 14 and 45 in rounds one and two) to work with. That’s not to say the Saints are without resources. They actually rank inside the top half of the NFL’s 32 teams in draft capital this year. But with so many of their picks scattered across the fifth and sixth rounds, we should expect some trades early on to move up the board and add better prospects.

How is draft capital measured? Teams have their own individual charts for valuing every draft pick, but one popular media example comes from former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson. His model is still used by the analysts at DraftTek, and it’s widely referred to as a basis other models are developed from. Here’s some context from DraftTek’s explanation on the Johnson model:

Back when he was the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and building a dynasty,Jimmy Johnson developed a value chartthat assigns every pick in the draft with a specific point value, making it easier for him and front-office types to compare the relative value of draft picks in different rounds. A system formulated by personnel guru Gil Brandt and the former Cowboys head coach in the 1990s, the chart helps measure the value of draft assets and helps negotiate trades. Named the “Dallas Draft Picks Value Chart,” executives from around the league swear by Johnson’s grading system for picks and refer to it before making a final decision on trade proposals or offers.

Using this model, the Saints rank right in the middle of the league with 1,678.5 points (15th-most). That’s good for second-best in the NFC South, ahead of the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers but trailing the Atlanta Falcons. Hopefully New Orleans can make good use of these resources to reload the roster and compete for what’s become an elusive division title. Here’s how all 32 teams stack up:

Commanders Draft Capital : 4264.7

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) and Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sit on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, Pick 2
Round 2, Pick 36
Round 2, Pick 40 (from CHI)
Round 3, Pick 67
Round 3, Pick 78 (from SEA)
Round 3, Pick 100 (from SF)*
Round 5, Pick 139
Round 5, Pick 152 (from SEA)
Round 7, Pick 222

Bears Draft Capital : 4615

Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A Chicago Bears fan watches warm ups before the game between the Bears and the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, Pick 1 (from CAR)
Round 1, Pick 9
Round 3, Pick 75
Round 4, Pick 122 (from PHI)

Cardinals Draft Capital : 3833.2

Round 1, Pick 4
Round 1, Pick 27 (from HOU)
Round 2, Pick 35
Round 3, Pick 66
Round 3, Pick 71 (from TEN)
Round 3, Pick 90 (from HOU)
Round 4, Pick 104
Round 5, Pick 138
Round 5, Pick 162 (from HOU)
Round 6, Pick 186 (from MIN)
Round 7, Pick 226 (from NYG)

Patriots Draft Capital : 3170.1

Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, Pick 3
Round 2, Pick 34
Round 3, Pick 68
Round 4, Pick 103
Round 5, Pick 137
Round 6, Pick 180
Round 7, Pick 231 (from CHI)

Chargers Draft Capital : 2690.8

Feb 1, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh speaks at an introductory press conference at YouTube Theater at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, Pick 5
Round 2, Pick 37
Round 3, Pick 69
Round 4, Pick 105
Round 4, Pick 110 (from CHI)
Round 5, Pick 140
Round 6, Pick 181
Round 7, Pick 225
Round 7, Pick 253 (comp. pick)

Falcons Draft Capital : 2424.7

Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons fans pass a logo flag across the stands during the game against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Saints 37-34 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, Pick 8
Round 2, Pick 43
Round 3, Pick 74
Round 3, Pick 79 (from JAX)
Round 4, Pick 109
Round 5, Pick 143
Round 6, Pick 187
Round 6, Pick 197 (via CLE)

Giants Draft Capital : 2393.2

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants reacts during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Where the Saints rank among all 32 teams in 2024 NFL draft capital (2024)

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