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Few teams enjoy the depth and quality of talent that the New Orleans Saints have assembled before the 2020 NFL Draft, stocking their locker room with Pro Bowl talents and veterans who have spent years working together.

Even their biggest immediate roster needs — at linebacker and wide receiver — would be compliments to standouts like Michael Thomas and Demario Davis. The Saints don’t have a glaring position that they must address.

Still, there are paths forward that end in success or even failure.

How to ace it with an A grade

Adding a blue-chip prospect at either of those top two spots would be nice; it’d be even better if the Saints can make a move back and add more picks, considering how they’re tied for the fewest selections in this year’s draft.

So here’s a perfect scenario: the Saints make a trade down a few slots, adding a couple of mid-round picks. And they’re fortunate to have both of the LSU prospects fans have been focused on available between linebacker Patrick Queen and wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Either of those players could do a lot to improve the team. Queen could be an immediate upgrade and provide long-term stability. Jefferson’s presence might help the Saints get over the hump in the playoffs and finally score 30-plus points again. We won’t complain either way.

How to flunk with an F grade

However, there’s also a path to disaster ahead of us. There’s an argument to make that it features a quarterback getting picked in a must-win year for Drew Brees. Yes, the Saints need to prepare for the future — eventually. But their focus right now should be centered on surrounding Brees with help so that the Saints can win another Super Bowl title with him under center. Adding a clipboard-holder with their most valuable draft choice runs against that philosophy.

However, it might work out. The Green Bay Packers proved that a smooth transition is possible, having gone from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. It’s just telling that those easy torch-passings seem to happen once every other decade or so.

Another scenario to fear: drafting a running back in the first round, possibly in a trade up. Even if this is the last year Alvin Kamara plays in New Orleans, the position can be addressed later in the draft. As fun as Jonathan Taylor or D’Andre Swift may be to watch, the Saints should not pursue either of them or another running back early this year. It’s just not a wise investment.

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