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To call Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft “stunning” for Saints fans would be an understatement. After a lot of hemming and hawing about New Orleans trading up, they ended up staying pat and taking — not Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah — but defensive end Payton Turner.
The pick left several gaping holes wide open on the Saints defense in particular. Here’s is what they’ll need to address heading into Day 2 for Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft.
Best available
1.) Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah — LB
2.) Elijah Moore — WR
3.) Rondale Moore — WR
4.) Asante Samuel Jr. — CB
5.) Azeez Ojulari — LB
The Saints may have a shot at a few of these players, but all of them will likely be gone by 28. The Saints would have to move to get one of them, and several teams will jockeying for Owusu-Koramoah in particular.
Needs
Cornerback
No ifs ands or buts about it. With Janoris Jenkins gone, the Saints desperately need to do something about their cornerback situation. Patrick Robinson is currently the Saints’ No. 2 corner, and that simply won’t fly. If they don’t get a cornerback who can at least stop the bleeding opposite Marshon Lattimore — such as Samuel Jr. — the Saints could be in for a very long season.
Linebacker
Realistically, the Saints would never be able to make the jump for Micah Parsons. However, they bulked at selecting Owusu-Koramoah at 28, so perhaps they know something we don’t. Either that, or they have a type. Regardless, whether it’s Owusu-Koramoah or someone else, the Saints need to get someone at the second level to help Demario Davis.
Wide Receiver (not as pressing)
Yes, it’s always nice to get another offensive threat, and it’s often the sexier pick. But the Saints’ needs on defense just became dire. While it would be nice to see them get one of the Moores, it’s not their top need.
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