Tulane Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt is among the most intriguing quarterbacks in attendance at this week's Senior Bowl. Pratt departs Tulane as a multi-year starter. A high-level processor with experience to boot, Pratt is going to wow NFL scouts and decision-makers with elite accuracy and ball placement while commanding an offense throughout a strong week of practice in Mobile.
Pratt enjoyed yet another standout college football campaign in 2023, throwing for 2,406 yards and 22 touchdowns. Pratt’s completion percentage improved every season at Tulane, culminating with a career-best mark of 65.4% this past year. Plenty of teams should earmark Pratt as a potential future starter in the 2024 NFL Draft. With that in mind, we've identified three potential team fits for Pratt.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints had a front-row seat to Pratt's development. There are several in-state ties between the professional and college teams. For one, Tulane offensive line coach Dan Roushar previously coached with the Saints, spending a decade on Sean Payton’s staff. Roushar recently compared Pratt's toughness to that of former Saints all-time great quarterback Drew Brees.
Furthermore, the Saints should be looking to add a young quarterback this offseason. Derek Carr failed to meet expectations in year one of a four-year, $150 million contract. While Carr's price tag will prevent the Saints from chasing other high-cost quarterbacks, general manager Mickey Loomis should add some competition should Carr's play continue trending in the wrong direction. With Jameis Winston scheduled for free agency, Pratt would be a great addition to the Saints.
NEW YORK JETS
General manager Joe Douglas will spend the offseason focused on positioning his roster to win Super Bowl LIX. Aaron Rodgers will return from a season-ending Achilles injury. While Douglas should remain aggressive in his pursuit of a Lombardi given the Jets' closing Super Bowl window, a little attention should be spent on post-Rodgers life, too.
First-round bust quarterback Zach Wilson is expected to mutually part ways with the Jets this offseason. The most amicable and financially prudent solution would be a trade. Following a deal, Douglas should shift some attention to bringing in another young quarterback via a mid-round selection. Drafting Pratt with their third or fourth-round pick would give the Jets a plan to end their toxic relationship with Wilson.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks are still going through the process of hiring a new head coach. They're expected to interview Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald later this week now that the Ravens have been eliminated from the postseason. Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator (and former Seahawks DC) Dan Quinn also remains a strong possibility to succeed Pete Carroll.
Whoever the next coach is will inherit a well-developed roster that's capable of enjoying immediate success. The key to sustainable success may be finding Geno Smith's successor, however. Smith will enter the penultimate season of his three-year contract extension in 2024, and may not be the long-term answer in 2025 and beyond. Backup quarterback Drew Lock will also be a free agent in March.
