Saints Mock Draft: NOLA spends early picks on offense
Horned Frogs . Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson. 139. player. 872. . Cornerback
Round 4: Pick 139 – Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB (TCU)
The Saints are actually in a situation where they don’t desperately need a starting cornerback for 2022. Marshon Lattimore was signed to an extension, Bradley Roby is under contract for next year, and Paulson Adebo has played really well as a rookie.
That’s why NOLA can wait until the later rounds to address the position and find a depth piece. Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson is someone to keep an eye on when Day 3 of the draft rolls around. He’s totaled 41 tackles (two for loss), seven defended passes, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions (one returned for a pick-six).
Depth at cornerback is important and this could be a nice Day 3 pickup for the Saints.
812. . Tight End. Buckeyes . Jeremy Ruckert. 151. player
Round 5: Pick 151 – Jeremy Ruckert, TE (Ohio State)
The tight end position has been a mess since New Orleans traded Jimmy Graham and that’s why drafting a tight end in the later rounds isn’t a bad move.
As of now, Adam Trautman is two years in and hasn’t shown much. Nick Vannett is under contract next season and has shown flashes in limited opportunities but he’s not the long-term answer. Juwan Johnson has played well when given a chance as well.
Even with Vannett and Johnson showing potential, New Orleans adds Jeremy Ruckert in the fifth round. Ruckert has 284 yards and three touchdowns for the Buckeyes this year. He wouldn’t step in and start right away but perhaps he could be a starting option in 2023.