NOLA Saints 7-Round Mock Draft: Offense biggest priority
839. . Cornerback. Volunteers . Alontae Taylor. 112. player
Round 4: Pick 112 – Alontae Taylor, CB (Tennessee)
Cornerback isn’t as strong of a need for the Saints as it has been in recent years but they should definitely add at least one option in the 2022 NFL Draft. They’re well-set with the trio of Paulson Adebo, Bradley Roby, and Marshon Lattimore but Roby will be a free-agent following the 2022 season.
Alontae Taylor is a good Day 3 target for New Orleans. The Tennessee corner had 60 tackles, six defended passes, and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) during his senior season. Drafting him as a depth piece is a good strategy because he probably wouldn’t be ready to start as a rookie.
Perhaps if Roby didn’t return in 2023, however, then Taylor would be ready to take over.
154. player. 841. . EDGE. Rebels . Sam Williams
Round 5: Pick 154 – Sam Williams, EDGE (Ole Miss)
The Saints pass rush is insanely good and fortunately, they’re not set to lose any pieces from that group this offseason. Hopefully Payton Turner will be healthy and ready to contribute in 2022 but New Orleans shouldn’t stop there.
Sam Williams is coming off a season in which he tallied 56 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and forced four fumbles through 12 games. Adding him to this Saints defense that already thrives at getting after the quarterback would be unfair to the rest of the NFL offenses.