New Orleans Saints Draft Grades

How did the Saints do in the 2021 NFL Draft? We give the New Orleans Saints draft grades for every pick they made.

Round 1 (No.28 Overall) DE, Payton Turner

Many seemed surprised with the Saints selection on night one. I kinda just nodded and mumbled “Okay!” I didn’t expect him off the board that early, but I get why they did it. Turner had really caught my eye on tape. He has a quick first step and plays through the whistle. Turner could have produced a few more sacks but you can’t deny his ability to get pressure on the QB. He has prototypical size for a New Orleans defensive end standing 6’5” 270lbs. If Cam Jordan can rub off on him he may become better than critics think! Grade B+

Round 2 (No.60) LB, Pete Werner

A reach if you ask me. The Ohio State Buckeye reminds me of linebackers of old. I don’t see him as a three down backer at this point in his career, and don’t know he can get there. Taking a two down thumper in the second round is not how you build championship caliber teams. Absolutely hated this pick. One of my least favorite of the entire draft. Grade F

Round 3 (No.76) CB, Paulson Adebo

In my opinion Adebo is a steal here. The ex Stanford Cardinal was a pretty much a unanimous first rounder on way too early mock drafts last year. So what happened when he opted out? I think opting out hurt draft position of many players this year and smart teams are taking advantage of it. Adebo is a big physical corner who I believe can excel in the NFL. I love him in 3 deep quarters and he wont be asked to do too much too soon in New Orleans. Great pick! Grade A-

Round 4 (No.133) QB, Ian Book

The Notre Dame quarterback should not have came off the board this early. Sean Payton is a quarterback whisperer, so maybe he can make something of this pick but when it happened I clasped my cheeks in shock. In no way does Book help the Saints when any time soon. Grade D+

Round 6 (No.206) OT, Landon Young

Love getting a player like Young this late. The Kentucky standout did nothing but hold his own against SEC edge rushers. I have found myself questioning why he wasn’t higher rated many times during the pre-draft process. I wonder where he would have gone if he was put in last years draft. Maybe round 3-4.

Grade B+

Round 7 (No.255) WR, Kawaan Baker

A potential utility player who is listed at wide receiver but played out of the backfield at South Alabama. It’s too little too late to help the Saints receiver room. Maybe they hope they can find a late round gem like they did with Colston just 15 years ago, but I doubt it. Baker will have to find a way to make the team with his willingness to play special teams would be my guess. Was a better receiver still available? Grade C

Analyst- Ken Noble

Overall Grade C