Trading up in the 2021 draft isn’t out of the question for Saints

The New Orleans Saints have been active both in the early rounds and late rounds of recent drafts, and 2021 may be no different.

Over the last few drafts, the New Orleans Saints have done what they must to acquire the talent they need to continue their reign over the NFC South. New Orleans has won the division a record four straight times.

This offseason may take a different type of mindset for them to retain their spot at the top. With 42-year-old Drew Brees likely to retire, adding a new franchise quarterback should be the team’s No. 1 priority.

Jameis Winston is in the “driver’s seat” for the job, but he may also get big-time offers elsewhere. With the draft following free agency, the Saints should have an idea of what they must do in terms of their starting quarterback to have a competent offense.

Last draft, the Saints traded up for both Zack Baun and Tommy Stevens, two players that both weren’t given many snaps in 2020. At least Baun will be expected to step up in a big way this coming season.

The Saints have also traded up for Marcus Davenport back in 2018. They’ve made it a priority to get the players that they think will help their team. While they’ve struck out with some, what team hasn’t?

However, following this offseason and given the Saints cap situation, they may be in the hunt for a specific position. If Marcus Williams opts to head elsewhere, the Saints could easily draft a quarterback in the first round then trade up for an elite safety in the top of the second.

After all, Antoine Winfield Jr. was a second-round pick, and he turned into a pivotal player on the Super Bowl-winning Buccaneers defense. The team could also bring in a top-tier offensive lineman to be a backup after having released Nick Easton.

However, the point is that the Saints will have the specific needs this draft. They should want to trade up, and with compensatory picks potentially coming in, the team could use the help on both sides of the ball.