ESPN’s blockbuster trade proposal would give Saints pick No. 21

The New Orleans Saints have more holes than high-value draft picks, but they have one need greater than the rest. That is a No. 2 cornerback, and even head coach Sean Payton is aware that New Orleans needs another threat on the defensive edge.

After releasing Janoris Jenkins this offseason, the New Orleans Saints need to make amends with their decision to release their starting cornerback. They can do that by securing a top-three prospect at the position.

Despite the New Orleans Saints needing to fill multiple holes in their roster, there’s no denying they could be in the market for this ESPN-proposed trade.

If the Saints are going to trade up in the first round, it should be to select Asante Samuel Jr., Caleb Farley, or Patrick Surtain. With multiple teams needing a cornerback that draft ahead of the Saints, New Orleans may be forced to move up.

In a trade proposed by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Saints trade their two third-round picks (No. 98 and No. 105) along with their first-round pick (No. 28) for the Indianapolis Colts first-round pick (No. 21).

"“Colts general manager Chris Ballard typically prefers to grab extra picks, and moving down here would net his team two compensatory selections in the third round. The Saints are in the market for help at cornerback and receiver, two positions the Titans (No. 22) and Jets (No. 23) could also target before them,” Barnwell wrote."

Barnwell makes a good point. With Surtain and Farley expected to go earlier than No. 22, the Saints may be left with Jaycee Horn at No. 28 if they do not move up. That’s why snagging a higher pick could be crucial to their success.

Now, an alternative option is that the team passes on a cornerback with their first two picks and instead targets Richard Sherman or a cornerback on the free agency market that has a similar skill set. The options are still there.

The Saints will not want to enter next season with P.J. Williams or Patrick Robinson as their No. 2 cornerback. While neither would be the worse option, they haven’t shown enough in their lengthy stint in the Big Easy to justify a starting gig.

While seven picks up in the first round may not seem like much, do not be shocked if a move like this is something the Saints consider, especially since they have a second- and fourth-round draft pick in their arsenal as well.