Will The Saints Draft Alvin Kamara's Replacement In The Top 10? A Mock Draft Analysis

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on Apr 25, 2025

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Analyzing the Saints' Current Roster Needs

The Saints' running back room currently lacks a clear-cut star following Kamara's potential departure. Analyzing the Saints' running back situation reveals a need for a significant upgrade. While they have players like Jamaal Williams, who proved reliable last season, his skill set differs considerably from Kamara's multifaceted abilities. The current depth chart lacks the explosive playmaking and pass-catching prowess that Kamara brought to the offense.

• Jamaal Williams: A solid power back, effective in short-yardage situations, but not a dynamic receiving threat.
• Tony Jones Jr.: A young player with potential, but lacks the consistent production needed to be a featured back.
• Dwayne Washington: Primarily a special teams contributor.

This lack of a versatile, all-around back clearly points towards a significant need in the Saints’ running back corps. The team needs someone who can not only run between the tackles but also excel as a receiver out of the backfield, mirroring Kamara’s multifaceted skill set. The NFL Draft presents an opportunity to fill this critical need, especially considering the team's likely draft position. The Saints need to address this position, and the NFL Draft presents a strategic opportunity to acquire a potential franchise player.

Top 10 Draft Prospects Suitable to Replace Alvin Kamara

Several top running back prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft could potentially fill Kamara’s shoes. Let's examine a few:

Bijan Robinson: A Deep Dive

Bijan Robinson from Texas boasts impressive college stats, a dynamic running style, and exceptional receiving ability. His vision, agility, and power make him a three-down back capable of dominating in all facets of the game. He's arguably the closest comparison to Kamara in this draft class, offering a similar blend of power and finesse. His potential fit within the Saints' offense is seamless.

• Strengths: Elusive runner, excellent receiver, powerful between the tackles, strong pass blocker.
• Weaknesses: Durability concerns (minor injuries in college).
• Kamara Comparison: Similar receiving ability and elusiveness, but perhaps a bit less shifty.

Jahmyr Gibbs: A Deep Dive

Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama is a supremely talented and versatile running back prospect known for his incredible speed and agility. He is also a very effective receiver out of the backfield. His style is different from Kamara's, but he certainly brings a similar level of excitement and potential to an offense. His receiving ability alone makes him a very attractive prospect.

• Strengths: Explosive speed, excellent receiver, elusive in the open field.
• Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent running between the tackles.
• Kamara Comparison: Shares the exceptional receiving skills but might lack the same power running between the tackles.

Zach Charbonnet: A Deep Dive

Zach Charbonnet from UCLA is a powerful runner with good vision and surprising agility. While not as flashy as Gibbs or Robinson, his consistency and ability to gain tough yards make him an appealing option. He's more of a power back than Kamara, but could still be a valuable asset in the Saints offense.

• Strengths: Powerful runner, good vision, reliable ball carrier.
• Weaknesses: Lacks the elite receiving ability of Robinson or Gibbs.
• Kamara Comparison: Complementary skillset, focusing more on power running than receiving.

Mock Draft Scenarios & Predictions

In our mock draft scenario, the Saints select Bijan Robinson at pick #X. This pick is justified by the analysis above highlighting the Saints' significant need for a versatile running back who can fill Kamara’s shoes and the fact that Robinson is arguably the best available option.

• Pick #X: Bijan Robinson – A versatile back to fill Kamara's role and bring immediate impact to the offense.
• Alternative Scenario: If Robinson is unavailable, the Saints might consider a top-tier wide receiver or a defensive player depending on other free agency acquisitions.

However, the Saints’ draft strategy could change depending on free agency moves. They may opt for a veteran running back in free agency, reducing their need to draft one early.

Factors Affecting the Saints' Draft Decision

Several factors outside of solely needing a running back replacement will influence the Saints' draft strategy.

• Free agency acquisitions: The Saints’ free agency moves will significantly impact their draft needs. Acquiring a veteran running back could drastically alter their draft plans.
• Potential trades: The Saints could trade up or down, influencing the availability of top running back prospects.
• Coaching staff preferences: The Saints’ coaching staff might favor a specific running back profile.
• Overall team needs beyond running back: Other positions, such as cornerback or offensive line, might be deemed more critical.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Alvin Kamara's Potential Replacement

Based on this mock draft analysis, the likelihood of the Saints drafting a running back in the top 10 is high, particularly if Bijan Robinson is still available. However, free agency and other unforeseen circumstances could shift this prediction. The Saints' decision will depend on a complex interplay of factors beyond just replacing Alvin Kamara.

What are your thoughts? Will the Saints draft Alvin Kamara's replacement in the top 10? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below! Don't forget to share this analysis with your fellow Saints fans on social media using #SaintsDraft #NFLDraft #KamaraReplacement.