Round 2, Pick 62: C Erik McCoy and S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Watch them next vs. Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS
The Saints packaged this pick with some later selections in the 2018 draft to move up and select McCoy, while also adding the pick that became Gardner-Johnson. So their contributions as rookies have to be considered. McCoy was a slam-dunk pick who has rarely missed a snap and proven a clear upgrade at the position, playing largely mistake-free football. Gardner-Johnson has stepped into a starting role when injuries hit the secondary and played so well that the Saints have a hard time taking him off the field. The rookie defensive back has excelled when defending the slot even if he lacks the long speed to keep up with the fastest receivers in the NFL.
[vertical-gallery id=22808]