Outlook for each non-1st-round QB of 2023 NFL Draft

No. 127: Jake Haener, New Orleans Saints

Haener was another guy selected a little higher than some expected, but he does have upside at the pro level. His best collegiate season came in 2021 as he threw for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns at Fresno State, showing plenty of arm talent. His numbers weren’t quite the same as he dealt with an ankle injury last year, however. Also notable is the level of competition Haener faced in the Mountain West compared to what he’ll see in the NFL. With Derek Carr arriving this offseason, and Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill still in town, the Saints have a crowded quarterback room. But, using this high of a pick on the 6-foot-1 Fresno State signal-caller seems to instill some belief that Haener could have a future with the franchise. While he may earn a starting chance at some point, Haener seems more likely to be a career backup than anything.