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Could The Saints Select Two Defensive Players With Their First Three Picks?
TL;DR
The New Orleans Saints are likely to select an offensive player, potentially a wide receiver, with their eighth pick in the upcoming draft. Speculation continues about whether they might also choose two defensive players with their first three picks.
Could The Saints Select Two Defensive Players With Their First Three Picks?
The final mock drafts are coming in, and the mock draft community is scrambling to finalize their projections. Top-30 visits have given us clues about what teams are thinking, or they have thrown us off the scent of their true plans. Either way, as we get into the single-digit days before the draft, we have a firm grasp on what teams could do on draft day.
There is a high chance the New Orleans Saints use the eighth pick in the draft on an offensive player, more specifically, a wide receiver, to help Tyler Shough and give Kellen Moore more toys to play with.
CBS Sports draft analyst Mike Renner completed his latest three-round mock draft and stuck to the receiver in the first round outline, but what about his next two picks?
Round 1, Pick 8: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
"Tyler Shough's go balls were one of the most impressive parts of his rookie season, but he didn't have receivers outside of Chris Olave to haul them in. That's Tate's specialty, as he has the body control to consistently come down with passes in tight situations downfield."
Round 2, Pick 42: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
While I am concerned about Howell's bag of tricks to get to the quarterback, pick 42 is a fine spot for the EDGE rusher from Texas A&M. As a speed rusher, it will be hard to blow past offensive tackles on Sundays. However, his athletic profile is impressive, and if someone can harness his skillset and develop him, Howell will be a smash pick in the second round.
Round 3, Pick 73: LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri
The Saints need linebacker help, and the son of Jeremiah Trotter has NFL cache. Lance Zierlein believes Trotter's pro comparison is Nick Bolton and recognizes the third Trotter to play in the NFL is a strong pick due to bloodline.
"Ascending inside linebacker with NFL bloodlines and alpha energy. Trotter’s heavy hands allow him to fit and choke off gaps, but he’s inconsistent in doing so. Block collisions need to be balanced with efficient play-arounds to create more tackle tries. Pursuit speed to the flanks is average, but he is quick to cut and accelerate so he stays close to runs bouncing wide. He stacks backfield production with well-timed run blitzes and crafty rush work. Coverage is the concern, with spotty zone awareness/spacing and the risk of being mismatched in man. Trotter’s wiring and disruptive qualities make him easy to project as a productive, long-time starter in the middle but a defense might need to protect him in coverage."
How would you feel about this three-round haul?
Q&A
What position are the Saints expected to draft with their eighth pick?
The Saints are expected to draft an offensive player, likely a wide receiver, with their eighth pick.
Could the Saints draft two defensive players in the first three rounds?
Yes, there is speculation that the Saints might select two defensive players among their first three picks.
Who is the draft analyst providing insights on the Saints' draft strategy?
Draft analyst Mike Renner has provided insights into the Saints' potential draft strategy, including their first-round pick.
