2021 NFL Draft War Room: New Orleans Saints

Trey Daubert / NFL, NFL Draft / March 26, 2021

Last Modified: February 20, 2024

The Saints are still living off the fruits of the 2017 NFL Draft. Let’s head inside their 2021 NFL Draft war room to project what New Orleans might do. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

The New Orleans Saints feel like one of the most unpredictable teams heading into 2021. Drew Brees retired and New Orleans has been dealing with salary cap hell. It’s hard to be sure of what team you’re getting this year. The 2021 NFL Draft could be a make or break moment. Let’s head inside the war room.

Round 1 Pick 28
Round 2 Pick 60
Round 3 pick 98
Round 3 pick 105
Round 4 Pick 133
Round 6 pick 218
Round 7 pick 229
Round 7 pick 255

Having that extra third round pick certainly helps matter a lot. The Saints have been a team that’s not afraid to trade up in the draft.

Would the Saints target a wide receiver late in the first round? Drew Brees is retiring and Jameis Winston is likely to be the starter. Is anybody sure what Michael Thomas we’re getting next year? Emmanuel Sanders skipped town too. I’m not sure if I am or am not a Tre’Quan Smith believer. Regardless, New Orleans needs one more guy.

I’m not saying I would necessarily go this route but someone like Elijah Moore at Ole Miss could be a target. Moore is a short, shifty wide out that can take the top off the defense. In theory, he’s the type of guy they’re probably looking for opposite of Michael Thomas. We have seen what even someone like an old Ted Ginn can do for this offense. Moore could provide a rich man version of that.

Losing Sheldon Rankins to the Jets hurts. Losing Trey Hendrickson to the Bengals also hurts. Could New Orleans target reinforcements along the defensive line? Seems like a likely proposition. Carlos Basham at Wake Forest could be an option. He can play the edge and defensive tackle if need be. Basham as a chess piece along this defensive line makes a lot of sense.

Will The Saints Trade Michael Thomas?

Keep an eye on a potential safety pick too. Malcolm Jenkins isn’t a spring chicken. Talanoa Hufanga at USC could make some sense. Hufanga made a ton of plays on the ball at USC and is physical enough to replicate what Jenkins provides. Marcus Williams is also playing on the tag so they need a long term option anyway.

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