Round 2:
This pick was packaged with a few selections in 2019 that helped the Saints move up in the second round (targeting Erik McCoy) while adding a fourth-rounder (that became C.J. Gardner-Johnson). It shouldn’t shock anyone if either (or both) of those players made the Pro Bowl this year after strong rookie seasons, which is an excellent return on this investment.
Round 3, Pick 88:
Best players available:
- S Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne
- OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
- WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC
- S Terrell Burgess, Utah
- WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
It’s interesting to note that several solid linebackers were available here — Willie Gay Jr. (Mississippi State) and Akeem Davis-Gaither (Appalachian State) could each help the Saints in 2020 and beyond, if not to the same level as higher-rated prospects. But if the Saints can’t get one of the top three options in the first round, it’s good to know that this year’s draft class runs deeper than most.
It would make sense for the Saints to add a wide receiver (should they really count again on Tre’Quan Smith to break out as the third man on the depth chart?) but there are plenty of prospects who could be available in the next round. After adding Emmanuel Sanders in free agency, the Saints may be wiser to plan for the future at another position. They have another big wave of free agents expected to test the market in 2021, so they should continue to prepare for future losses.
That brings us to the clear-cut best player remaining: Dugger, the small-school safety who lit up the combine. While he needs refinement before even considering the jump from Division II to the NFL (with his first-year contributions probably coming on special teams), Dugger’s mobility and explosive athleticism could set him up to replace Marcus Williams in 2021. Williams is entering the final year of his contract and will have grounds to ask for around $14 million per year in free agency. If the Saints aren’t willing to pay that, they need a clearer plan of succession with Gardner-Johnson and Malcolm Jenkins (who turns 33 this year) both better suited at defending underneath than back in deep coverage.
The pick: S Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne