The Dennis Allen era is underway in New Orleans, and the Saints are looking to build on the strong base that Sean Payton left behind in “retirement.” With two picks in the first round, following a huge pre-draft trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Saints will look to bring in some premium young talent to fill team needs in the 2022 NFL Draft.
New Orleans Saints team needs in the 2022 NFL Draft
The Saints missed out on Deshaun Watson in March and brought back Jameis Winston as a consolation prize. While Winston had a terrific start to last season, he’s coming off an ACL injury. Therefore, no one would criticize New Orleans if they decided to spend a Day 1 pick on a QB prospect.
That said, the Saints have an aging roster that badly needs an injection of youth in multiple spots on the depth chart. If the Saints pass up QB prospects with their two first-round picks, look for the organization to fortify its trench groups on Day 1 of the draft.
Quarterback
The QB position stirs the drink in the NFL, and the Saints have yet to identify Drew Brees’ long-term successor. Winston still has some upside left and showed maturity in his return to QB1 status last year, but the Saints can take their eye off the ball at the position.
New Orleans traded a 2023 first-round pick and more in order to obtain a second 2022 first-rounder. So taking that plunge likely means they have their eyes on a QB prospect or two. Frankly, that’s the right move for the franchise.
Offensive Tackle
Losing Terron Armstead to the Miami Dolphins was a tough break for the Saints. After missing out on Watson, Armstead decided to take his talents to South Beach, creating two massive holes in one swoop. Now, the Saints need to find a logical replacement for Armstead.
Luckily, with two mid-first-round picks, the Saints should have their shot at a few notable blockers. Perhaps they can find their starting QB of the future and a new starting left tackle in the same evening.
Safety
The Saints lost both of their starting safeties this offseason. Marcus Williams cashed in with the Baltimore Ravens, while legendary leader Malcolm Jenkins decided to retire. Although the team signed Marcus Maye away from the New York Jets, another starting spot needs to be filled.
The draft class has some strong safety talent, so perhaps the Saints will dip their toes in the pool on Day 2.
Wide Receiver
While Michael Thomas is set to return to the lineup this year, the Saints’ overall wideout depth chart is lacking talent. Sure, Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway are back, but the rest of the group is forgettable. The Saints need to reinforce the position with a young playmaker or two.
Cornerback
Marcus Lattimore, Bradley Roby, and Paulson Adebo are slated to start at cornerback for the Saints. From there, the depth chart lacks proven talent. Bryce Thompson and KeiVarae Russell should face some competition in training camp.
New Orleans Saints 2022 NFL Draft picks
The Saints own the following seven picks in the 2022 NFL Draft: 1-16, 1-19, 2-49, 3-98, 4-120, 5-161, 6-194.