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The 2020 NFL Draft is right around the corner. Here’s everything that New Orleans Saints fans need to know ahead of this year’s event.

Vitals

Head coach: Sean Payton

General manager: Mickey Loomis

2019 record: 13-3

2020 Draft Picks

Round 1 (24)

Round 3 (88)

Round 4 (130)

Round 5 (169)

Round 6 (203)

Team Needs

Linebacker: The Saints swung at a few big-name free agents (Jamie Collins and Cory Littleton) but couldn’t meet their contract demands, leaving linebacker as their top remaining roster need. Two of their three projected starters are returning from season-ending injuries (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso), as is a top backup (Kaden Elliss). They need a long-term fix at the position with Anzalone, Alonso, and first-team All-Pro Demario Davis each entering the final year of their contracts.

Wide receiver: It’s not as pressing an issue after the Saints signed Emmanuel Sanders, but some help at wide receiver could still be warranted. It’s also important to remember that Sanders is just a two-year rental. While adding a top-flight linebacker would elevate the Saints defense from good to very good, juicing up the receiving corps would do a lot to avoid another quiet finish in the postseason. The Saints have been held to 24 points or fewer in each of their last four playoff games.

Cornerback: Even though the top of the depth chart is locked in with Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins, the Saints don’t have much to rely on behind them. All of their backups are slot defenders or special teams aces. Adding someone who can fill in out on the boundary should Lattimore get injured or Jenkins trail off (he’s already 31) would do a lot to solidify an important position group, especially in the longer view with Lattimore’s contract expiring after 2021.

Offensive line: While the Saints are returning one of the NFL’s best set of blockers, there’s always room for improvement. Left guard Andrus Peat is back for at least the next three years but the team should plan to account for him missing time while injured. Right guard Larry Warford is in a contract year. Left tackle Terron Armstead is also often dealing with injuries, prompting Peat to slide over to his spot, and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will be a free agent in 2022. It’s always wise to invest up front.

Top Targets

WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

LB Patrick Queen, LSU

WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State

LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson

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