Would it be a mistake for the Saints to select a corner in the first round?

The New Orleans Saints were a 9-8 team in 2023, leaving them with the 14th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Represented in their record, the Saints have several talented veterans on the roster, but they also have quite a few holes sprinkled throughout the lineup. This means New Orleans could go in several different directions when on the clock in the first round.

The Saints could draft one of the talented tackles in this really deep tackle class, with question marks at both tackle spots. With Michael Thomas moving on, New Orleans could select a wide receiver. There’s also the possibility that the team drafts an edge rusher or an elite defender at another position.

That’s what Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting department thinks will happen. In a recent 2024 NFL mock draft, Bleacher Report projected that New Orleans will select Alabama corner Terrion Arnold with the 14th-overall pick. While Arnold is undoubtedly an elite prospect, it’s fair to ask if this is the right first-round move for New Orleans.

Saints select Terrion Arnold in recent mock draft

Arnold is entering the league after three years with the elite Alabama program. His on-field abilities combined with his off-field personality makes him the perfect prospect that any team would be lucky to have. New Orleans could definitely benefit from adding the talented defensive back. However, he’s not necessarily needed for the Saints, and corner definitely isn’t among the top needs in New Orleans.

"The Saints are already quite talented in their secondary with Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor and Tyrann Mathieu. But Alabama's Terrion Arnold provides further flexibility as a top cover corner with previous safety experience."

- BR NFL Scouting Department

Bleacher Report argues that Arnold would provide the Saints with some much-needed depth, and will be the ideal CB1 successor whenever Marshon Lattimore’s time in New Orleans ends. While that’s all true, the Saints selecting Arnold would mean they’re passing up the opportunity to select a top lineman or receiver, two needs that are far more pressing than corner depth.

If Marshon Lattimore is still on the roster once the draft arrives, there’s no way the New Orleans Saints should select a corner in the first round.

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