The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and what grade to we give the New Orleans Saints? If one were to judge by the first two picks alone – Taliese Fuaga and Kool-Aid McKinstry, it might be as high as an A+. However, some of us think that “wasting” a fifth-round pick on quarterback Spencer Rattler drops it a bit.

Is it a wasted pick, and does Kool-Aid for sure signal the end of Marshon Lattimore’s tenure in New Orleans? Jim Derry analyzes the weekend with Times-Picayune Saints beat writer Luke Johnson on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 233), as they also talk about the other third-day picks and undrafted free agents that could make an impact on this team.

Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim is looking back to one of the signature drafts in recent memory, as on this date in 2006, Reggie Bush was a splash pick – the first by Coach Sean Payton – before others like Roman Harper, Zach Strief and Marques Colston – were picked. “Just one time for ya boy!”

Taliese Fuaga is the newest member of the New Orleans Saints after the team picked him with the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft. Was this the right choice, and where does he slot in as a starter? What were his thoughts after being picked, and what did Coach Dennis Allen have to say?

It’s a post-first-day Friday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 232) presented by Evangeline Securities, as we also get into the possibilities for the Saints on Day 2 at pick No. 45. Wide receiver? Running back? Another offensive lineman? A cornerback in case Marshon Lattimore is traded away?

Jim Derry shares his thoughts on the Saints and the laughable decision by the Atlanta Falcons to draft Michael Penix, along with some of the other Day 1 moments. He finishes the show with his ‘Extra Point,’ which looks back 21 years at one of the top busts in team history, as the Saints traded their two first-round picks to move up and grab lazy, out-of-shape Johnathan Sullivan with the sixth pick.

We’re just hours away from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, and there has been some movement both in mock drafts and in odds on where offensive tackles might go Thursday night. Will Olu Fashanu, JC Latham or other targets still be there when the Black and Gold draft at No. 14?

Will the team think they are forced to make a move up? Would they consider a guy like tight end Brock Bowers of Georgia if he is still on the board? Would they look at wide receiver or trade down? And what is in store for our 5-hour show Thursday night on all of our NOLA.com social media channels … including our Dattitude YouTube page?

Jim Derry is on all that on a special Thursday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 231) brought to you by Evangeline Securities, with Saints Editor Zach Ewing. We’ll also briefly touch on the Pelicans’ no-show performance in Oklahoma City in Game 2, and the ‘Extra Point’ goes back 31 years to when the Saints traded beloved Pat Swilling to the Detroit Lions for the rights to draft eventual Hall-of-Fame left tackle Willie Roaf.

It's the eve of the NFL Draft for the New Orleans Saints (and the other 31 teams in the NFL), but the biggest question is: How can this team check all the 'needs' buttons with so few early picks? Have no fear, NOLA.com Sports Columist Jeff Duncan is here with Jim Derry to answer that question.

Of course, we have many other inquiries for Dunc, as well, and he shared his thoughts on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 230) brought to you by Evangeline Securities. Will the Saints stay at 14, and what could possibly force their hand to move up (God, please no) or give them an opportunity to move down?

Is this a do-or-die draft for Coach Dennis Allen, and can the team become one of the league’s best simply with great days Thursday and Friday? How much will Klint Kubiak being here as offensive coordinator affect the decisions? Also, Jim wraps up the show with the 'Extra Point,' looking back to 1988 when the Saints drafted a “bull-deer” fullback named Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward.

It seemed like it was all there for the New Orleans Pelicans to steal Game 1 on the road at Oklahoma City on Sunday night, but scoring just two points in the final 3½ minutes and hitting the free-throw line just nine times all night spelled a heartbreaking 94-92 loss. Can they rebound in Game 2? Will Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and others step up?

The good news is it’s NFL Draft week, and Jim Derry gets things kicked off with FOX-8’s Garland Gillen on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 229), as they’ll also dive into the prospects of LSU receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, and where they might go Thursday night. Oh, and maybe the best move for the New Orleans Saints is to trade down on Day 2 to get a couple more higher picks?

Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim is all positive in looking back to the 2017 Draft that produced gems like Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk and other starters. And, of course, some guy named Alvin Kamara. We also look ahead to a busy week of Dattitude and shows on four mornings, including a preview of Thursday night’s live Draft show on NOLA.com.

Jayden Daniels continues to follow the lead of Joe Burrow, and although he won’t be picked No. 1 in Thursday’s opening of the 2024 NFL Draft, he almost certainly will be taken at No. 2 by Washington Commanders or at 3 by the New England Patriots. What kind of pro will the Heisman Trophy-winner be?

That’s a lead topic for host Jim Derry, who brings on his old pal Larry Holder of The Athletic to talk about it on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 228) presented by Evangeline Securities, Also, do the New Orleans Saints have it in them and stick to the script of drafting a tackle at No. 14, such as Olu Fashanu or JC Latham? And will they make a move to fill in the void in the third and fourth rounds?

Jim opens the show with a couple of anecdotes and shares a prediction on the Pelicans’ do-or-die Play-In game against the Sacramento Kings – a game they will have to play without Zion Williamson out. He finishes the show with his ‘Extra Point,’ which focuses on yet another “they did what?!?” moment for the Saints in a past draft – this time when they selected cornerback Alex Molden over Hall of Fame running back Eddie George in 1996.

There’s no question the Atlanta Falcons have a major upgrade at quarterback with the addition in free agency of Kirk Cousins. And with Bijan Robinson’s rookie season in his rearview mirror, does that make this team the favorite over the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South with new coach Raheem Morris?

Jim Derry gets into that on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 227) brought to you by Evangeline Securities with Bet.NOLA.com’s Gabe Henderson, and Jim also talks in his monologue about the possibility of the New Orleans Pelicans having to face the Sacramento Kings in the do-or-die Play-In game Friday without Zion Williamson, who was hurt in Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Spencer the Guru is here with the weekly Fantasy Roundup to talk about waiver-wire pitchers and hitters in MLB and the top potential running backs in this upcoming NFL Draft. Jim wraps up the show with the 'Extra Point,' looking back a quarter-century to when Mike Ditka and the Saints traded their entire allotment of picks in the 1999 draft – and a first and third in 2000 – to move up eight spots and draft Heisman Trophy winning running back Ricky Williams.

After one of the most impressive road trips in recent New Orleans Pelicans history, they came home and once again laid an egg against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Can they turn things around in the Play-In Game on Tuesday?

What’s wrong with this team? What’s so different about playing at the Smoothie King Center? What was up with Zion Williamson on Sunday? Host Jim Derry talks about it on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 226) brought to you by Evangeline Services with David Grubb, who is a host and CEO of “Hard in the Paint” podcast.

Also, with just 10 days remaining until the start of the NFL Draft, will the New Orleans Saints make a pick that can change their fortunes as simply a “playoff-caliber” team? Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim and David talk about the importance of “Jackie Robinson Day,” and why it’s so much more than MLB players wearing No. 42 on Monday.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction

3:15 Masters review

6:07 David Grubb joins

8:35 Pelicans disappointment

26:08 Are Pels too soft?

35:35 Saints and Draft talk

53:30 Extra Point: Jackie Robinson Day

1:01:40 Final thoughts

The New Orleans Saints will go into the 2024 season in a strange position: not favored in the NFC South. Instead, it most likely will be the Atlanta Falcons? Who should it be, and why not the defending-champ Tampa Bay Bucs?

Jim Derry brings on Doug Mouton to talk about it on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 225) presented by Evangeline Securities, as they also talk about the Pelicans, who do the job on the road (again). Can they win their final two games and clinch the 6 seed in the NBA West to avoid the Play-In Tournament? And, wow, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum have turned things on with Brandon Ingram out.

Jim finishes the show with his ‘Extra Point,’ which focuses on how The Masters has not been kind to Hall of Famer Greg Norman – both 37 years ago today – and this week.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction

4:20 Doug Mouton on Pelicans

20:55 Saints and NFC South odds

35:05 What will Saints do in 1st round

1:01:20 Extra Point

1:05:10 Final thoughts

Doesn't this NFL Draft seem foolproof for the New Orleans Saints? Whether they remain at No. 14 in the first round or trade down a few spots, there are plenty of offensive tackles to target who would fit in and immediately be ready to play. Who are those tackles?

Jim Derry takes a look and shares his thoughts on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 224), and he also gives a positive update on the Pelicans, who moved back into sixth place in the NBA's Western Conference. Can they stay there?

Uncle Big Nick is back to give us a Masters preview, and Spencer the Guru is here with the weekly Fantasy Roundup. Jim wraps up the show with a special 'Extra Point,' commemorating 50 years since Hammerin' Hank Aaron's 715th home run.

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