New Orleans Saints: Analyzing the 2021 NFL Draft by position

Overview

Based on this exercise, the Saints’ most critical areas to address long term would be, outside of quarterback:

1. Wide Receiver
2. Cornerback
3. Safety
4. Tight End
5. Offensive Line
6. Edge Rusher
7. Linebacker
8. Interior Defensive Line

Luckily for them, there are a lot of players available at those skill, perimeter positions. In the first round, they should select the most valuable prospect, which could mean Christian Barmore, but, outside of him, my top targets would be:

1. CB Caleb Farley
2. WR Rashod Bateman
3. S Trevon Moehrig
4. WR Rondale Moore
5. WR Ka’Darius Toney

Meanwhile, my biggest “buyer bewares” would be:

1. CB Greg Newsome
2. EDGE Jayson Oweh
3. LB Nick Bolton
4. A running back drafted in the first two rounds
5. A mid-round quarterback

Lastly, my optimal draft strategy would be:

Round 1: Wide Receiver/Cornerback/Coverage Player

Overall:

• 2 wide receivers of opposite prototypes
• Multiple defensive backs
• Trench/Linebacker depth at the end of the draft

The draft is a lottery as is, so why not improve your chances by attacking valuable positions? It’s not in the Saints’ M.O. to trade down, but they should seriously consider doing so, and if they look to the perimeter talent available, they’ll be on their way to maximizing their draft capital.

At such a pivotal time for the organization, all we can do now is sit back and see if they agree.