Grading every New Orleans Saints pick from the 2021 NFL Draft

After two trades and six picks, the New Orleans Saints have their 2021 draft class. While it’s not quite over as the team will continue to sign a plethora of talented undrafted free agents, the Saints are largely done bringing in high-profile talent.

Sadly, the Saints didn’t make the splash move many were hoping for. Instead, they stayed put at No. 28 and traded up in the third round. Overall, the Saints addressed many of the holes they needed to.

The New Orleans Saints, per usual, had a relatively surprising 2021 NFL Draft, filling holes and adding key personnel.

New Orleans wasn’t able to draft the best-available talent as they had several major holes after being forced to gut their roster to get under the salary cap. The team shed nine figures in cap space, releasing several impactful veterans.

Releasing players like Janoris Jenkins and Emmanuel Sanders along with Jared Cook, Trey Hendrickson, and Sheldon Rankins leaving in free agency, the Saints will be asking quite a bit from players like second-year linebacker Zack Baun.

Many of their recent draftees will have an impact on the team’s success as well. That said, let’s break down each pick and grade them based on need and long-term fit.