1 bold prediction for each of the Saints draft picks in 2022
By TJAY Jones
The New Orleans Saints have a lot to be excited about in 2022 even with the franchise moving in a different direction. Sean Payton stepped down as the head coach, and now Dennis Allen is the man in charge.
Allen has not wasted any time bringing veteran free agents that could make an immediate impact for the black and gold (Tyrann Matthieu, Jarvis Landry, and Marcus Maye to name a few). They also have made moves in this year’s NFL draft to bring in some players with All-Pro potential.
The Saints have shown a level of aggression that fans haven’t witnessed since Mike Ditka traded away all the Saints’ draft picks to draft running back Ricky Williams back in 1999. Well, maybe not that much aggression, but the future is indeed bright in New Orleans.
Here are bold predictions for each of the Saints’ 2022 draft picks.
All grades courtesy of Pro Football Focus
All stats courtesy of ESPN
Sixth-round pick Jordan Jackson will get at least one sack
Jordan Jackson was the Saints’ final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6’4″ 294-pound defensive tackle was drafted in the sixth round out of the Air Force Academy.
Jackson is a player with a high motor who is a quick decision-maker on the field. Unfortunately, he plays a position that the Saints team seems to be content with. It will be very difficult for Jackson to be a part of the starting rotation, as they have players like David Onyemata, Malcolm Roach, Shy Tuttle, and even former first-round pick Payton Turner who could play both defensive tackle and defensive end.
That leaves only one place for Jackson, which is the practice squad. All is not lost, however. Call me crazy but the Saints will be so good this year that by week 18 they will have won the NFC South division title, and have locked up a playoff berth.
This means that the Saints will be resting their starters, and members of the practice squad will be activated to the main roster. This will allow Jackson to take some snaps, and record his very first NFL sack. Sure he will have to wait until the end of the NFL season to shine, but at least he will take advantage of the opportunity.