11 LSU players that the New Orleans Saints could draft in 2022
By Najy Masri
RB Tyrion Davis-Price
Prior to last season, running back Tyrion Davis-Price was not on the radar of many NFL draft analysts. However, his performance last season as LSU’s primary back, specifically the Florida game where Davis-Price set a single-game LSU record with 287 yards rushing, has elevated his draft profile to a late Day 3 projection.
Any questions regarding Davis-Price’s speed were put to rest when he ran a 4.48 in the 40 while weighing in at the NFL combine.
Running back is a very underrated need for the Saints given the potential looming suspension of Alvin Kamara. In addition, Mark Ingram, who is 32 years old, is in the last year of his contract and Tony Jones Jr. failed to impress in limited action during the regular season.
Barring a veteran free agent running back signing such as Darrel Williams, expect the Saints to address RB depth in the middle to late rounds of this year’s NFL draft.
Projected Round – Sixth
Need for Saints if Available Projected Round – High
The Others
Damone Clark
Damone Clark was once considered one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft prior to the announcement that he would undergo spinal fusion surgery and miss the 2022 season. The Saints seem to have found a future starter in Pete Werner in last year’s draft and return Demario Davis and, if re-signed, Kwon Alexander at inside linebacker.
If Clark is somehow available in the later rounds, he could be placed on injured reserve and stashed for the following season, although the Saints likely have too many holes in their roster to fill through the draft for such a luxury.
Cordale Flott
Cordale Flott played primarily as a slot cornerback in his three seasons at LSU. With Marcus Williams leaving in free agency and the unexpected retirement of Malcolm Jenkins, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has skillfully manned the slot cornerback position for New Orleans, may be moved to a more traditional safety position.
Ideally, the Saints would leave Ceedy in his role and sign popular former Tiger Tyrann Mathieu to play safety. Either way, Flott would be a solid option for New Orleans on Day 3 of the NFL Draft given his experience as a slot cornerback.
Andre Anthony
Andre Anthony faced a litany of injuries during his time in Baton Rouge. When on the field, Anthony excelled as a situational pass rusher. While not expected to be selected, Anthony would make for an excellent undrafted free agent addition to the Saints franchise in his potential return to his home city.
Austin Deculus, Chasen Hines, and Liam Shanahan are three starters from last year’s underwhelming LSU offense. All will likely go undrafted, although Deculus could sneak into the later rounds. Any of the three players would make for popular targets for Saints fans in undrafted free agency.
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