The New Orleans Saints made their first pick of the NFL Draft, selecting Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson. This was a great way to start the class, but New Orleans needs to address other glaring needs for it to feel like a successful draft.
Entering Round 2, there are some great prospects still available that the Saints could select at 42, but they could also trade up to grab a guy they love.
When looking at the players still on the board, here are some options for the Saints:
DT Kayden McDonald
Here is the trade-up candidate
for the Saints. It is a surprise that DT Kayden McDonald is still on the board, and for the Saints, he could be a piece that completely unlocks the defensive line. McDonald is a massive nose tackle who can take up space and completely dominate in the run game. As a pass rusher, he is not going to be a player who can consistently win, but he can still make impact plays. I doubt he will be available at 42, so the Saints would have to trade up, and it’s worth it.
Davon Godchaux is set to be the Saints’ nose tackle next season, which is not bad, but he is nearing the end of his career, and getting an upgrade now could go a long way. The nose tackle position is extremely important in Brandon Staley’s scheme, and by adding McDonald, every other player on the defensive line will have an easier life on game day.
G Emmanuel Pregnon
The next two options are a bit expected before the draft started, but still great news for the Saints. First, going to offense, Emmanuel Pregnon is a standout option. I’ll get to the thought process that has to exist with this selection, but let’s talk about Pregnon as a prospect. A bit older of a player (24), Pregnon is a pro-ready offensive guard that will upgrade nearly any offensive line he walks into. Pregnon is such a strong blocker that he can dominate defensive linemen, making it impossible for them to reach the QB.
With the Saints selecting Tyson in the first, the defense really needs to be the focus on day 2 due to how much was lost in free agency. It has to be considered when potentially selecting Pregnon, and that could be a reason to pass on this pick, but he may be too good an option to pass up. The offense will be complete, and now, the Saints can trade Cesar Ruiz for around a 4th-round selection. A plan to address defense would have to be made if this is the selection.
EDGE R Mason Thomas
Speaking of that defense, the last prospect that I am going to talk about is R Mason Thomas. Besides WR, EDGE was the top need on the Saints roster entering the draft, and the options in the second round are excellent. There were a couple of directions I could have gone, but Thomas brings something that the Saints have not had in their defense. At 6-foot-2, Thomas is undersized, but his mixture of bend and speed makes him one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the draft.
The Saints do not have a designated pass rusher on their roster, and the OLB position across from Chase Young is wide open. Another EDGE should be added later in the draft, probably one that can defend better against the run, but Thomas would fit right into that OLB spot and fully upgrade the Saints’ pass rush. There is a chance Thomas can develop into a fine run defender who keeps him on the field, but for now, his role is on passing downs.
