5 years later, let's look back at hit-or-miss 2021 Saints draft class

Each offseason, fanbases look back on their previous year's draft class and start grading them far too soon based on one year of production, or lack thereof. 2026 is no different, but it is a rather asinine trend that usually ends up making people look silly about two years later. Giving these players enough time to develop and really work out the transition to the NFL level is paramount to evaluating their talent level. So, looking back on the 2021 draft this offseason is more feasible.

For a few years, the New Orleans Saints were very inconsistent when it came to drafting, and 2021 was a perfect example of that. Let's take a look at the players they selected and where they are now around the league:

Round 1, Pick 28: DE Payton Turner

Nov 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) reacts after receiving a penalty during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Payton Turner was a player who showed very sparse flashes of talent for the Saints in his four seasons with the franchise. He only managed to play 31 games in those four seasons, with 16 in 2024 being the only total in a single season above eight to this point in his career. His production was poor, heavily due to a highly injured early portion of his career, which led to him leaving without a fifth-year option.

He then headed on to the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, and now the Detroit Lions for 2026, but missed all of 2025 due to another injury. Hopefully, he can overcome these setbacks, but ultimately, a pick that just did not work out for New Orleans.

Round 2, Pick 60: LB Pete Werner

Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) takes off his gloves as he walks off the field after their win against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Werner may be the most divisive player currently on the Saints roster, and has been for a few years now. He did end up receiving a new three-year contract in 2024, and his production has been above average for a second-round pick. While some of it just comes from poor run defense up front, he does a good job in space and should get a boost of playing time alongside a more pass-rush-heavy Kaden Elliss in 2026, with Demario Davis out of the picture.

Round 3, Pick 76: CB Paulson Adebo

Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) intercepts a ball intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (not pictured) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Another player who has left the Saints recently is cornerback Pauslon Adebo, who moved on to the New York Giants last offseason after some up-and-down seasons with New Orleans. Ultimately, he was a reliable enough outside corner and got a substantial payday for it, and he has some exceptional ball-hawking skills. While his career ended up taking him away from New Orleans, he was a good selection for the four years of solid cornerback play he brought to the table.

Round 4, Pick 133: QB Ian Book

Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Ian Book (2) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

When Ian Book made his first (and only) career start to this point back in 2021, it seemed as though his career would come crashing down rather rapidly, as he got picked apart with a COVID-riddled Saints roster. However, he did well to turn that into a decently long backup career for contenders, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs since leaving. However, 2025 was not as kind, as his May tryout with the Denver Broncos did not result in a signing, so he did not have a roster spot for the year.

Round 6, Pick 206: OT Landon Young

Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Landon Young (67) blocks Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

For a sixth-round pick, Landon Young has been at least somewhat decent in his time with the Saints. Since 2021, he has played 880 snaps split across every offensive line position aside from center. While he has allowed 8 sacks and 33 pressures with 5 penalties to his name, he has been a solid enough backup who has come in for various injury situations. For 2026, though, he remains unsigned at the moment, potentially ending this five-year stint.

Round 7, Pick 255: WR Kawaan Baker

Aug 8, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (82) celebrates with wide receiver Kawaan Baker (86) after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Kawaan Baker was actually a decently exciting prospect coming out of South Alabama, but ultimately, his NFL career never panned out. He got a few reps in 2021 after being drafted, but ever since has bounced all around the league on practice squads, with seven different signings occurring from 2021 to 2025. He will continue to try to break into the league with some solid preseason consistency, and hopefully may find a solid landing spot for a full season.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL Draft Recap: Where are Saints 2021 draft picks now, 5 years later?