NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 17: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints walks off the field after being defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 17, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The Saints’ lack of cap space makes adding talent through the draft vital this offseason. Here are five prospects New Orleans should target in Round 1.
The question of whether or not Drew Brees will retire may be dominating the hearts and minds of Saints fans this offseason, but the higher-ups in the organization have other concerns to consider. Namely, New Orleans needs to figure out how to ace the 2021 NFL Draft to maintain their status as Super Bowl contenders for years to come.
Free agency will not be a major tool of talent acquisition for the Saints. The team’s front office already faces a significant challenge to get the current roster under the projected 2021 salary cap. Any veterans arriving in New Orleans this offseason will do so via the bargain basement.
That puts extra pressure on the Saints to nail their first round pick. Finding a star at No. 28 isn’t easy, but New Orleans is used to mining talent towards the bottom of Round 1. Fans in NOLA should keep a particularly close eye on the following five prospects.
5. Elijah Moore
Any quarterback the Saints trot out next season needs more weapons on the outside if they’re going to succeed. Michael Thomas is a bona fide superstar, but he needs more help.
There’s a strong chance Moore goes off the board before New Orleans goes on the clock, but his upside as a big-play wideout will be tempting for Payton if he’s still available. He’s just the sort of slot weapon this offense has lacked at times during the coach’s tenure. Moore may not be a polished route-runner, but his athletic gifts make him a great fit for the Saints’ offensive system.