2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams
NFC South. New Orleans Saints. . 15. Pick Analysis. . player. Scouting Report
1 (28): Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
After losing Trey Hendrickson in free agency, the Saints didn’t have much choice cap-wise other than to wait until the 2021 NFL Draft to find his replacement. Despite reported attempts to trade up, the Saints wound up with a guy who many thought would be a day two pick, and not necessarily one off the top of the board in round two.
Payton Turner has excellent length and ability to dip around the edge. How quickly can he seize a role in New Orleans’ base defense? They will need him sooner rather than later.
2 (60): Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State
The Saints’ defense took a noticeable step forward last year when Kwon Alexander entered the fray. Pete Werner will take his place as a speedy, twitched-up linebacker prospect who has great range at the position.
3 (76): Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
New Orleans traded up in the third round to get Adebo, a big, long outside cornerback prospect with impressive ball production at Stanford.
In two seasons at the position, he had a whopping 38 passes broken up and eight interceptions. The upside here is massive if Adebo can translate that to the next level.
4 (133): Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame
NFL teams falling in love with Ian Book was somewhat curious, but to Book’s credit, he looks no worse than a top-tier backup and that is valuable in today’s NFL. The guy has grit, and he can make plays with his arm or legs.
6 (206): Landon Young, OL, Kentucky
A longtime starter for the Wildcats at left tackle, Young provides depth to the back end of that unit and developmental potential.
7 (255): Kawaan Baker, WR, South Alabama
An upside play at receiver with size and speed, Baker had eight touchdown catches this past season for South Alabama despite struggling with drops.