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2020 NFL Draft: Trade up targets for the New Orleans Saints

By James Costanz

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs after catching a pass against Marcus Valdez #97 of the Boston College Eagles during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs after catching a pass against Marcus Valdez #97 of the Boston College Eagles during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The trade: Saints trade #88 and a 2021 2nd to the Ravens for #60 and a 2021 4th

In this scenario, the Saints are trying to recoup their second round pick that they gave up when they traded up in last year’s draft to get Erik McCoy.

For the Ravens, they aren’t a team with a desperate need to get additional future draft picks as they are also a team ready to compete for a title in 2020. But, they did get two pieces of this contending team through trading 5th round picks for Calais Campbell and Marcus Peters.

The Ravens get extra draft capital if they want to make another trade, and the Saints get a chance of getting a better prospect that they wouldn’t have the opportunity to at 88.

The Targets:

Cole Kmet TE Notre Dame

Jared Cook is a great tight end and proved to be one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets towards the end of last season. This should not discourage the Saints from taking a younger tight end, especially in Kmet’s case as he is a good blocker in addition to being a reliable target.

Kmet had a solid 2019 season and proved to be one of Ian Book’s go to options alongside Chase Claypool. This is a move that helps them a little more in the long term, as I believe Cole Kmet will be able to carve out a nice career.

Damon Arnette CB Ohio State

This corner position needs to be addressed at some point in the draft. Yes, the Saints have some talent there already, but take a look at their schedule real quick. They play Tom Brady twice, Matt Ryan twice, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, and Carson Wentz. In other words, call in the cavalry.

Arnette would be reuniting with former Buckeye teammate Marshon Lattimore and would be a great addition to an already talented secondary. Arnette was a part of the number one passing defense in the country alongside Jeff Okudah and played in his fair share of big games. The talent is there, Arnette could step in and be a contributor from day one.

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