2021 NFL Draft: Two-round mock draft with college football uncertainty
Pick Analysis. Clemson. Travis Etienne. Scouting Report. RB. 28. player. 15
Alvin Kamara is entering a contract year in 2020, and while there’s no question the Saints would probably like to retain him, there is nothing wrong with this selection here even if Kamara is franchise tagged or something like that.
Travis Etienne is one of the most explosive running backs in all of college football, and it was more than a little surprising to see him return for another season at Clemson despite a career yards per carry average of 7.8 and 62 total touchdowns as a runner and receiver.
Etienne is a player who will be able to hit the ground running in the NFL, so whether the Saints would want to pair him up with Kamara or use him to replace Kamara, he’s going to be able to be effective.
The Saints could be breaking in a new quarterback soon, too. If Drew Brees is not around, having a strong ground game will be critical.