Top 5 players the New Orleans Saints should completely avoid in 2023 NFL Draft
By Randy Gurzi
Saints prospect to avoid No. 1: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
This one might not be popular but New Orleans needs to make sure they don't use a Round 1 pick on Bijan Robinson, even if he somehow slides to them in Round 1.
And before going down the Ricky Williams road, this has nothing to do with him playing at Texas. Instead, it's all about positional value.
Robinson, who is a transcendent talent, plays the most replaceable position in the NFL. And while many are getting sucked into the belief that he should be a top-15 pick, they're also forgetting that Round 1 running backs aren't out there leading teams to titles.
Should a team consider selecting Bijan Robinson in the Top 15?
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) April 6, 2023
"This is a transcendent talent. I am typically against taking running backs in the Top 15. He is different. I'd applaud a team--against convention--taking Robinson that high."
- @Pschrags pic.twitter.com/JZjlJlc4JV
Even with all the evidence out there proving running backs in Round 1 are a bad idea, teams still get fooled. The Dallas Cowboys fell for Ezekiel Elliott and the Jacksonville reached for Leonard Fournette. Neither took their team to the promised land and Elliott was recently released from his comically oversized contract.
There was also Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was a Round 1 pick for the Chiefs but they went with Isiah Pacheco as their lead back — who happened to be a rookie seventh-rounder.
Right now, New Orleans is set at running back. Jamaal Williams might not have the flashiest game but he ran 17 touchdowns for the Lions in 2022. Alvin Kamara might not be as dangerous as he was in 2020 but he still had 1,387 yards from scrimmage last season.
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There's no need to reach for a running back, no matter how good he is, and pass on more pressing needs.