The New Orleans Saints cannot possibly mess this draft up.
At least that is what it feels like right now.
With the eighth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Saints are in a position where impact players are almost guaranteed to be sitting on the board. Pick number one is already spoken for and it will not involve any of the players Saints fans are hoping for. That means New Orleans should be staring directly at a group of elite prospects who could step in and contribute immediately.
Look at the list.
Sonny Styles.
Caleb Downs.
Jordyn Tyson.
Jeremiyah Love.
Carnell Tate.
Arvell Reese.
David Bailey.
Rueben Bain.
Every one of these players has the talent to make an immediate impact in New Orleans.
Even if the Saints fall for their usual kryptonite and decide to go offensive line earlier than expected, there is still a premium option available in Francis Mauigoa. The board simply lines up too well for them to completely miss.
And if the Saints pivot to defense, there are still strong options. Corners like Mansoor Delane or Jermond McCoy would instantly strengthen a secondary that has needed youth and playmaking ability.
Earlier in the season, many fans worried the Saints might accidentally play themselves out of a premium draft slot once Tyler Shough took over at quarterback. But those fears can officially be put to rest. New Orleans is sitting comfortably at number eight and the talent pool around that pick is loaded.
If Demario Davis truly exits New Orleans, the Saints could not ask for a more intriguing potential replacement than Sonny Styles. Arvell Reese also becomes interesting as a versatile defender who can rush the passer and play in space.
And then there is the defensive line situation.
When we recently spoke with Cam Jordan, he did not sound completely locked into returning to New Orleans. If that door opens even slightly, prospects like Rueben Bain or David Bailey suddenly make a lot of sense for a team that has historically thrived when its defensive line dominates games.
Offensively, the Saints have needs as well.
The team traded Rashid Shaheed and instantly created a hole at the number two wide receiver position. In this draft, either Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson could step directly into that role. In fact, it would not be surprising if either player was competing for WR1 by the midpoint of the season.
Then there is the running back situation.
Alvin Kamara has been one of the most electrifying players in franchise history, and Saints fans will always ride with number 41. A resurgence next season is absolutely possible. But the reality is that Kamara is entering the later stages of his career and none of the current options behind him have convincingly claimed the RB1 role.
That makes a prospect like Jeremiyah Love incredibly appealing. The best running back in college football being available at number eight would almost feel too perfect.
Which brings us back to the original point.
There is simply no way for the Saints to mess this up.
Right?
Well, this is still the Saints.
They could draft Lemon.
I am the same person who once said the Saints made a huge mistake drafting Michael Thomas. Yes, that prediction still lives forever on YouTube. So I fully admit I could be wrong again. But Lemon’s lack of elite size, speed, and strength does give me pause when projecting him to the next level.
The Saints could also “Saint” this pick by selecting Nadame Tucker. As ridiculous as that sounds, Saints fans have heard stranger decisions announced from the NFL podium over the years.
To be fair, Tucker did lead the nation in sacks. So even that scenario would not be completely indefensible.
There are also legitimate concerns surrounding some of the more exciting prospects. Jordyn Tyson has a lengthy injury history. Carnell Tate may have benefitted more than we realize from playing opposite the best receiver in college football.
So yes, the possibility exists for draft night to feel like a win, only for the long term story to become something very different.
But here is the key point.
No matter who goes before them.
No matter who jumps them.
No matter which direction the Saints decide to go.
At pick number eight, New Orleans will have the opportunity to draft a phenomenal football player.
That is the reality of this draft class.
So Saints fans can finally take a breath.
For once, the board is working in New Orleans’ favor.
This should be the easiest two months of draft anticipation the Saints have had in a long time.
