Lorenzo Styles Jr. wasn't garnering much attention heading into this year's NFL Scouting Combine. However, after the performance he put on, he should definitely be on the New Orleans Saints' radar.
He had a 4.27 40-yard dash, which is not only the fastest among the safeties in the combine this year, but it's also the fastest since 2003. Styles Jr. also had one of the highest vertical jumps among the safeties at the combine this year, with a jump of 39''. He jumps off the page as one of the best testers of this year's event with his mix of high level speed and explosiveness.
A former wide receiver, Styles Jr. has only been playing safety for the past two seasons. In that time, he's gathered 46 tackles and six passes defended. He also has experience in the return game, having returned two kicks for 116 yards and one touchdown as well as one punt for 36 yards last season. Styles Jr. could bring some versatility to the New Orleans defense. The Saints also won't have to rush to grab him, as he's projected to be at best a day three pick when the draft rolls around.
The Saints might be forced to add a defensive back this offseason
Whether they might want to or not, the Saints could be forced to add a defensive back to the team this offseason. Free agency opens up in just over a week, and word on the street is that cornerback Alontae Taylor will have a healthy market. He could be priced out of New Orleans, leading to a hole on the defense.
Despite Taylor's status as a cornerback, a safety would be a better replacement for what he's been able to do. His versatility was valuable, and furthermore, he helped disguise the defense a tad. Safety Julian Blackmon, who re-signed with the Saints this past offseason, could be one to play part of Taylor's role. He's had experience playing in the slot and has shown a connection with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
However, even with that, the need to add one more guy in the defensive backfield still stands. That leaves the draft as the Saints' best option, rather than free agency, where the players there would cost too much. Ohio State safeties Caleb Downs and Lorenzo Styles Jr. are good options, as well as TCU safety Bud Clark and Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.