The New Orleans Saints are not playing this week due to the bye week, so it is a perfect time to look at the NFL Draft. With a 2-8 record, the Saints currently hold the #2 pick in the draft. Following the trade deadline, the team will have a total of seven picks, with one more expected from the compensatory process.
The Simulated Saints Draft
Using the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator, this is how the picks fell for New Orleans:
Round 1 Pick #2: Ohio State LB/EDGE Arvell Reese
- Would be the perfect fit in DC Brandon Staley
- An absolute dynamic defensive weapon that can be at least a dominant linebacker in the NFL
- Excellent compliment to Demario Davis and heir apparent to the veteran LB
- If Reese can become an EDGE in the NFL, which is more of an expectation than a hope, the Saints can put him opposite EDGE Chase Young
- Would upgrade New Orleans’ pass rush and run defense
Round 2 Pick #35: Alabama WR Germie Bernard
- Bernard would be WR2 right away, with potential to be a WR1
- Can be a QB’s best friend
- Makes plays out of nothing and can adjust to any throw
- Excellent after the catch
Currently ranked #59 in PFSN’s CFB WR Impact metric
Round 3 Pick #66: San Diego State CB Chris Johnson
- Saints need CBs who excel in zone, and that is what Johnson can do
- Ball hawk in the air
- Great in man coverage
- Excellent special teams contributor
Has a 90.3 grade and ranked #12 in PFSN’s CFB CB Impact metric
Round 4 Pick #129: Clemson DT DeMonte Capehart
- Extreme strength
- great run defender
- Improves Saind run defense and DT depth
Ranked #151 in PFSN’s CFB DT Impact metric
Round 4 Pick #137: Ohio State EDGE Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
- Smart to add another EDGE if Reese does stay at LB
- Makes impressive plays against the run
- Measurables the Saints would love
- Development in the pass rush must happen
- High potential
Has an 78.0 impact score in PFSN’s CFB EDGE Impact metric
Round 5 Pick #142: Oklahoma G Febechi Nwaiwu
- Redshirt Senior
- Would be depth at guard for the Saints
- A potential starter due to experience
Seventh-best pass blocking lineman in the country per PFSN’s CFB Player OL Impact metric
Round 5 Pick #169: Wyoming TE John Michael Gyllenborg
- TE depth for the Saints
- Has been dealing with injuries all season
#218th in PFSN’s CFB TE Impact metric
Round 6 Pick #181: USC RB Waymond Jordan
- Undersized RB
- Elusive and quick
- Can make plays out of nothing and break for big yards
- Has been dealing with injuries this season
Ranked 30th in RB impact score, 13th best yards per game for RBs, and 16th best elusive rate among RBs per PFSN’s CFB RB Impact metric