NFL Mock Draft 2021: Patriots, Washington trade up in 3-round mock

2021 NFL Mock Draft: 28th pick

Although you can’t overstate it too much, the New Orleans Saints’ defense took a big step forward last year when they made a pretty under-the-radar trade for linebacker Kwon Alexander.

Unfortunately for the Saints, who were in salary cap hell this offseason, they had to let Alexander go.

With so many areas to address on this roster in the post-Drew Brees era for the Saints, what direction will they wind up going early in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is as good as any at this point.

The Saints’ defense should remain strong despite some key losses on that side of the ball in the 2021 offseason. They certainly would like to replace that speed that Alexander brought to the linebacker position and there are a number of options in this draft class to do exactly that.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a weapon on the defensive side of the ball, not only capable of playing the off-ball linebacker position but also lining up in the slot, playing some safety, blitzing, and doing pretty much anything he’s asked to do.

There is no doubt that at 220 pounds, Owusu-Koramoah is on the lighter side for a linebacker prospect. He has proven at that size that he can get around or cut underneath blocks and he fights his way to the football.

As critical as coverage is for linebackers in today’s NFL, Owusu-Koramoah could be the next in the evolution at the position.