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2021 NFL Mock Draft: Saints go cornerback with low-value first-round pick

By Nathan Beighle

ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Jaycee Horn #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts as Israel Mukuamu #24 returns an interception for a touchdown in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Jaycee Horn #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts as Israel Mukuamu #24 returns an interception for a touchdown in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Saints should already be looking ahead towards the future, and the 2021 NFL Draft will be a big step in continuing to build their roster.

There’s no denying this New Orleans Saints team is going to be one of the best in the league. After massive upgrades at wide receiver, the Saints will be looking to claim their fourth straight NFC South title.

That’s why in CBS Sports’ most recent mock draft, the team was gifted a rather low-value first round, the 29th overall selection. The Saints selected 24th in the 2020 NFL Draft after a stunning early playoff exit, losing to the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round.

After what many thought was an odd pick, the Saints released guard Larry Warford, opening a starting spot for first-round selection Cesar Ruiz. While that was obviously a solid move, freeing up cap space for another potential addition, the Saints could’ve used it to bolster a few positions.

However, that’s what the 2021 NFL Draft will be for, and according to CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, that’s exactly what they’ll do, deepening their cornerback play as Janoris Jenkins will continue to age into his 30s.

That said, as aforementioned, the team will take defensive back, Jaycee Horn, from South Carolina.  Horn is coming off a solid 40-tackle season after a terrific rookie campaign. If taken in the order Edwards explains, Horn will be the fifth defensive back, including safeties, taken off the board.

"“Joe Horn’s son comes home to play for the Saints? It is a story straight out of NFL folklore. New York finally parted with Janoris Jenkins. There is no reason to believe that the Giants’ cast-off is the answer for the Saints,” Edwards said."

The Saints could’ve addressed defensive back this draft but opted to fill a more pertinent need. It was obvious after snagging Eli Apple and watching him struggle that the team would need to strengthen their DB play.

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Horn should be able to provide that spark the Saints will be looking for in order to continue their reign as one of the best teams in the NFC.

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