2021 Saints Draft: Safety, quarterback most obvious first-round options

The New Orleans Saints have chosen offensive lineman with their first pick in the last two drafts, but in 2021, there are a few more obvious options.

With the No. 28 pick in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints will have to hit a home run in order to maintain their spot as one of the elite teams in the NFC.

The only reason this player must be able to come in and thrive is because of the moves that Mickey Loomis may have to make this offseason. With players like Marcus Williams and Jameis Winston hitting the open market, the Saints may struggle to find solid replacements.

On top of those two, the Saints will have to have several up-and-coming players step up as many veterans Saints won’t be back. It’s unlike Jared Cook is re-signed, giving Adam Trautman a huge opportunity.

On top of that, a smart salary cap move would be to release linebacker Kwon Alexander which would, in turn, mean that 2020 third-round draft pick Zack Baun would have the chance to become a starter.

Even Marcus Davenport may get his starting spot back as Trey Hendrickson will command a lofty snew contract. That said, there are only a few positions that the Saints may lose a key contributor in and not have one immediately ready to step up.

Those two positions are safety and quarterback.

As for quarterback, there should be a plethora of options.

While Trey Lance, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Zach Wilson will all likely be off the board, the Saints may still have the option to get Heisman trophy finalist Mac Jones who was among the most accurate collegiate quarterbacks, or Kyle Trask, who had Heisman aspirations until a tough last few games.

Safety is a similar story. In NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks first mock draft, he has the Saints taking Trevon Moehrig with their first-round pick.

"“Marcus Williams is a pending free agent and while Malcolm Jenkins is an iron man, he can’t play forever. The Saints add a needed young piece at safety in Moehrig,” Brooks wrote."

Williams is likely going to part ways as his contract will be too big for the Saints to get close to. While that not ideal, New Orleans will have options in the draft, and Moehrig could be among the top ones available.

That said, safety and quarterback are obvious positions the team must work on, so don’t be shocked if they’re what the team adds with their first-round pick.