1 quarterback the Saints can target in each round of 2022 NFL Draft

Round 1: Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh)

I did several mock drafts on The Draft Network and every time, Kenny Pickett was still available when pick No. 16 approached. Pickett is considered to be one of the better quarterbacks in this draft class and while he’s been listed as potentially the only option capable of stepping into an offense and starting from day one, that probably wouldn’t be New Orleans’ route here.

Pickett spent five years at Pittsburgh and he has the extra year of eligibility to thank for him being in a position to be a first-round pick. The Panther threw for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while rushing for 233 yards and five scores with his legs.

Before that prolific 2021 campaign, Pickett hadn’t put up eye-popping stats. That’s something that worries me about him but the Saints have been linked to the Pittsburgh product throughout the offseason so he could be someone the team adds and hopes to be the future of their franchise.

Round 2: Matt Corral (Ole Miss)

At one time, Matt Corral was a popular name to mock to the Saints at No. 18 overall but he’s now trending toward being a second-round pick. He wasn’t available in every mock draft I put together but, unsurprisingly, when he wasn’t, it was because a run on quarterbacks took place.

Corral played college ball at Ole Miss and had his best year in 2021, throwing for 3,349 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five picks while adding 614 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Corral is not ready to be a starter as a rookie and that’s why the Saints could make sense as a landing spot for him.

Let him have time to sit behind Jameis Winston and see if he develops into a starting-caliber option.