The New Orleans Saints have three big needs going into the NFL Draft: edge rusher, wide receiver and STAR. The Saints are likely going to draft for best player available, but the they should aim to address two of these needs in the first two rounds. The best player available could easily be at these positions in both rounds.
Going into the draft with three glaring positions to address isn't that bad considering how free agency went. The Saints came into the offseason needing those positions, a running back and a guard. Demario Davis left in free agency, making linebacker a big position to address as well.
The Saints responded by securing Travis Etienne, David Edwards and Kaden Elliss. There's questions if they're done at those positions, but it isn't pressing to address them in the top-50. These signings gave the team a bit more freedom going into the draft.
Saints have to address at least one of these positions in top-50 picks
The goal should be hitting two of the three big needs with your first two picks, but as we m, room should be given for the Sains to draft a player who doesn't fall within the major needs early. It'll be hard to excuse doing that twice in two rounds, however.
Sonny Styles could be available in the first round. Emmanuel Pregnon could be available in the second round. Each of these would be logical selections, despite not being one of those big needs. If the Saints walked out of the first two rounds with both of those players or both of those positions, however, it would feel like something is missing early.
Wide receiver is a deep position, and you can get to the middle rounds and grab a player you still feel good about. Edge isn't as deep, so it gets a little dicey as you wait there. Luckily, you're just looking for complements to Chase Young and Chris Olave. It gives you a bit of a cushion, but you want a multitude of players at both positions.
There's some in house options to fill the STAR role. The Saints could call on Jonas Sanker or Quincy Riley. Neither would be seen as a last ditch effort. We just don't know the Saints plans yet, so fans are naturally looking to fill the role in the draft.
These first two picks will be crucial, and the Saints should aim to address their biggest needs there. Caleb Downs, Keionte Scott, David Bailey, Malachi Lawrence, Chris Bell, Carnell Tate, and Jordyn Tyson players who could address these needs in the first two rounds and still be the best player available.