Another mock draft, another position addressed in the first round for the Saints

We’ve now seen three mock drafts for the New Orleans Saints where not only were different players mocked to the Saints with the 28th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, different positions were addressed in each of three mock drafts.

This time, we’re on mock draft number four, another mock from ESPN’s Todd McShay, where the Saints target yet another different position with their first round pick. (Insider required)

Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

This one is a tougher read because the Saints have some questions that will be answered in free agency. The secondary is littered with holes at the moment, and inside linebacker requires some attention. (Missouri’s Nick Bolton could be someone to watch.) And who will be under center?

All that aside, Mayfield makes sense. New Orleans has found success in taking linemen early, as it did with Cesar Ruiz last April, Erik McCoy in the second round in 2019 and Ryan Ramczyk at the tail end of Round 1 in 2017. I like Mayfield in rotation inside as a rookie and then sliding back to his natural position outside at tackle in 2022 if the Saints aren’t able to return both Ramczyk and Terron Armstead after next season. His power would help open lanes for running back Alvin Kamara.

Of note, Florida quarterback Kyle Trask was still on the board, but TCU safety Trevor Moehrig (previously mocked by McShay to the Saints), Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, and the top three wide receiver options (Chase, Waddle, and Smith) were all gone well before the Saints pick. Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore was still available for the Saints if they wanted to address offensive skill positions, but Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins went to the Cleveland Browns two picks earlier in this draft.

At this point, it’s anyone’s guess who the Saints pick when they’re on the clock in the first round.

Would do you think about this mock draft? Let us know in the comments. Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, follow us on Instagram at @SaintsCSC and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel.