Saints start to fix hole at cornerback, trade up to draft for Paulson Adebo

Let’s just say not many people would’ve predicted how the New Orleans Saints kicked off their first two days of the NFL Draft.

Selecting 6-foot-5 monster defensive end Payton Turner in the first round, the Saints reached a bit to get a player they view has high-level potential. In the second round, they fixed their problem in the middle defensively by adding Ohio State’s Pete Werner.

The New Orleans Saints were rumored to trade up in the first round, but that trade up came in the third round for a second straight season.

In the third round, they traded both their picks to move up and select a cornerback, opting to add defense with their first three picks. Now, the only player I’d consider a steal was their third pick, Stanford cornerback Paulson Adebo.

An athletic, gritty cornerback, Adebo should be able to come in and instantly start alongside Marshon Lattimore.

After releasing Janoris Jenkins, the Saints needed a second cornerback. They have also expressed interest in Richard Sherman, so that should be noted as they could still bring him in and give Adebo a year to sit behind two experienced veterans.

But, the Saints fixed their most pressing hole. They actually helped fill just about every need. With the release of Kwon Alexander and the exodus of Alex Anzalone, the Saints desperately needed a linebacker, and they got that in Werner.

Losing Trey Hendrickson, they needed pass rushing. They also lost Sheldon Rankins. Adding Turner is the best of both worlds as he may be big enough to play some on the interior and quick enough to be put on the outside.

As for Adebo, he’ll be coming to the Big Easy after three years at Stanford, only playing the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

He recorded four interceptions in each season, playing in a combined 22 games. With almost 100 tackles between those two years, Adebo, standing 6-foot-1, should have the frame and skill to make an immediate impact.

After making the fanbase hold their breath following Day 1, the Saints quickly came back with a knockout Day 2. Let’s just hope these three pan out as all could be asked to fill big shoes as a rookie.