Perfect Picks: New Orleans Saints
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Don’t think that Jameis Winston returning to the Saints on a two-year deal is going to preclude them from looking intently at the quarterback options this year. Left tackle may be the most glaring need but they need a long-term answer to the most important position. Corral is a gun slinger but has worked hard to temper his impetuous style as well as adding an athletic dimension. He will benefit from developing behind a bridge QB like Winston and has the upside of a serious playmaker at the next level,
Round 2 - Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
Whether it is protecting Jameis Winston or Matt Corral, the Saints need a new offensive tackle. At the time of writing Terron Armstead remains on the market, even with his return, a long-term option is a priority. Lucas has been an elite pass protector at Washington State, grading out at 91.0 for PFF in 2021. He has taken all his snaps at right tackle so expecting him to be blindside blocker immediately is a stretch but options at the position drop off steeply after Day 1.
Mid Round Gem - Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
The Saints spent all of 2021 looking for a reliable wide receiver target. The receptions were well distributed but it was a vanilla group crying out for a revamp. So, with Michael Thomas set to return how about adding another x-factor to ease the burden on him. Calvin Austin is a true burner. He would add plenty of wrinkles to the offense. You could expect to see him on screens and end arounds, as well as being a YAC king and deep threat. The surprise would be seeing him available at this spot.
Late Round Sleeper - Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh
Damarri Mathis turned some heads during the combine in Indy. His 4.39 40-yard dash and 43.5 inch vertical made plenty of draftniks revisit his tape. What they will see is a slightly undersized corner who matched up, often in press man coverage, with some excellent receivers. Again, it could be wishful thinking for him to be knocking around on day 3 but he would add excellent depth to a solid Saints secondary.
Draft In Full:
18. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
49. Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
98. John Ridgeway, DT, Arkansas
101. Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
120. Cole Strange, iOL, Chattanooga
161. Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
237. Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh
