First Saints Mock Draft after NOLA re-signed Jameis Winston

Round 3: Pick 101 – Marcus Jones, CB (Houston)

The Saints have their trio of starting cornerbacks for 2022 but depth is always important, especially with how pass-happy the NFL is these days. Marcus Jones could make a lot of sense in the Big Easy both for what he could provide in the secondary and as a return specialist.

Jones was a beast in the return game, totaling four total touchdowns during the 2021 season. The Saints typically roll with Deonte Harris in that role but Jones would give them another option in that department. He could fit in well with the black and gold.

With Erik McCoy entering the final year of his rookie contract, finding a center to replace him in case he departs in 2023 is a smart move here. Alec Lindstrom could sit and learn behind McCoy in 2022 and then take over the starting center mantle in 2023 if need be.

Lindstrom isn’t someone who’d be ready to start from Day 1, which is why the Saints could be a nice landing spot for him. He wouldn’t be rushed into action with McCoy ahead of him on the depth chart and even if McCoy were to get injured, Cesar Ruiz could slide over to center since Lindstrom might not be ready to handle that yet.

Keeping McCoy past 2022 is obviously the goal but with this selection, the Saints would be doing their part in trying to replace him on the off chance that he does indeed depart.

What do you think of this mock draft, Saints fans? Would any of these picks excite you? Would any of these picks make you angry?