2022 NFL Draft: Potential Saints fits after the first round

The old adage that the NFL Draft is an inexact science is true. For every Tom Brady (199th overall in the 6th round of the 2000 draft) and Marques Colston (252nd overall in the 7th round in 2006), there are busts at the very top.

Some disappointments have good excuses like injuries. Ki-Jana Carter, top overall pick in the 1995 draft, averaged 3.5 yards per carry for nine-year NFL career, including two seasons with Saints. The ex-Penn State star blew out his knee in the preseason and never found his previous form.

Others like Akili Smith, third overall pick in 1999 by the Bengals, and Ryan Leaf, one selection behind Peyton Manning atop the 1998 draft by the Chargers, were simply bad.

The 2022 NFL Draft is a week away and the futures of many franchises could be altered by the moves they make.

The New Orleans Saints garnered a sizeable amount of attention by adding an additionl first round pick in a trade with the Eagles. It seems clear the front office is focused on their areas of need. Wide receiver and offensive tackle are high priorities. Over the course of seven rounds, quarterback, tight end, safety, defensive line and running back could all be addressed as areas which could use more talent and competition.

At picks No. 16 or 19, quarterback could be in the cards but I cannot envision the Saints forfeiting a future first rounder plus other picks in order to move up and draft that position in this year’s draft. Most analysts agree that the signal callers available do not rate among the top 20 overall picks. However, it only takes the right person in the right war room to think differently and pull the trigger on one.

Everyone has their opinions on the two first round picks. I’ll skip that to focus on what days two and three of the draft may hold for the Black and Gold by targeting possible options who may fit what the Saints want.

Round 2
– QB Matt Corral (6-2, 212) many mock drafts are envisioning him in Saints colors in ’22. He has Brett Favre toughness and moxie. While at Ole Miss, Corral tossed for 8,281 yards by completing 67.3% of this throws for 57 touchdowns abd 23 interceptions while running for additional 1,338 yards and 18 scores. Some scouts see him as the best pure QB in this draft. A fierce competitor, he ran a spread offense with lots of RPO’s. Is he too much of a project for the next level or a star in waiting?

– RB Breece Hall (5-11, 217) 4.39 40-time, 40″ vertical, Iowa State. He rolled 3,044 yards and 41 TD’s on the ground the past two seasons and showed plenty of ability as a three-down back. He could complement Alvin Kamara as a versatile partner in the backfield.

– RB Kenneth Walker (5-10, 210) 4.38 40-time, Michigan State. The 2021 Doak Walker Award winner after rushing for 1,636 yards (6.2 yards/carry) with 18 TD’s. Only had 579 yards and 13 scores at Wake Forest prior to transfer but the Spartans made him a workhorse who brings big play talent.

– DE Arnold Ebiketie (6-3. 256) Penn State. His relentless effort and hot motor pair with good messurables. The transfer from Temple made 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss last season.

– DE Logan Hall (6-6, 283) 4.88 40-time, Houston. The former teammate of Payton Turner, top pick of Saints last year, is cut from the same cloth (measaurables and versatiity to move inside to tackle that the Saints front office love). In 2021, Hall had 6.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss.

– WR Skyy Moore (5-10, 195) 4.41 40-time, Western Michigan. A productive playmaker who soared this past season, he breaks tackles frequently, turns to QB quickly in routes, and blocks well. Moore had 95 grabs, 1,292 yards, 10 TD’s in 2021.

– DE Demarvin Leal (6-4, 284) 5.0 40-time, Texas A&M. He has active hands and feet. Leal made 58 stops with 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season.

Round 3
– DE Cameron Thomas (6-4.5, 270) San Diego State. A three-time All-Mountain West selections and the 2021 conference player of the year finished this past year with 11.5 sacks, and 16.5 tackles for loss with 71 total tackles. He compares favorably to Trey Hendrickson as a prospect.

– TE Cade Otten (6-5, 250) Washington. the four-year starter for the Huskies is an instinctive route runner, solid blocker and smart route runner. He missed four games in ’21. Otten is among the mix of tight ends who have widely varying grades behind expected top pick, potential second-rounder Trey McBride.

– DE Sam Williams (6-4, 261) 4.46 40-time, Ole Miss. He opened some eyes last season with an exceptional first step and versatility to drop into coverage. Williams bends the edge well but needs to be more consistent. He had 12.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in a fantastic 2021.

-TE Isaiah Likely (6-4.5, 245) 36″ vertical, Coastal Carolina. Twice named All-Sun Belt, the move tight end had 59 catches, 912 yards and 12 TD’s last year. Likely made five touchdown catches of 50 yards or more during his career.

– DB Nick Cross (6-0, 212) 4.34 40-time, Maryland. An aggressive and explosive enforcer type as a safety, he also tracks the ball well and shows the range needed to cover the deeper parts of the field. Cross tallied 134 tackles, six interceptions and 4.0 sacks over three seasons with the Terps.

-DB Marcus Jones (5-8, 174) Houston. Heading to the league after 47 tackles and five interceptions in 2021, his versatility jumps off the charts. He is a Honey Badger type, a playmaker in the slot who also has nine career touchdown returns on special teams. Perhaps he’s the least needed type of player right now but his array of skills may make his hard to pass up at some point.

– CB Zyon McCollum (6-2, 202) 4.33 40-time, 39.5″ vertical, Sam Houston State. Another fast riser up draft boards due to his production and measurables. McCollum was an FCS ballhawk with 13 career interceptions. A team captain, he is aggressive vs. run, flips hips well and handles himself well enough in space with the size to also play safety.

Round 4
– OT Max Mitchell (6-6, 307) ULL. He has shot up charts after three seasons in Cajunland. In 2,322 career snaps, Mitchell allowed just 29 pressures and five sacks while called for holding only three times. He is a hard worker with a high IQ and loose hips. It seems like he’ll craft a long pro career if not one as a good starter.

– OL Zach Tom (6-5, 307) 4.94 40-time, Wake Forest, The product of Catholic High out of Prairieville, La. played 48 games for the Demon Deacons as a center and left tackle. In 3,107 snaps, Tom surrendered only four sacks and 37 pressures. His brother Cameron Tom spent soem time with the Saints but is now in Miami. The younger Tom maintains blocks and shows the kind of mobility to fit a zone blocking scheme like the one in New Orleans.

– RB Brian Robinson (6-1, 225) 4.53 40-time, Alabama. In 66 games, he managed 2,704 yards on nearly five per carry with 29 touchdowns. A power runner who is built like linebakcer, Robinson can be a workhorse back who has vision and cutback ability while also staying on the field as a blocker and outlet on passing downs.

Round 5
– QB Bailey Zappe (6-1, 215) Western Kentucky. If the Saints haven’t taken a QB by this point, he could be option. The Houston Baptist transfer threw for 5,967 yards, 62 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, completing 69.3% in his one FBS season. PFF rated him as the best deep ball thrower in the 2022 class with a sterling 97.6 grade. Zappe’s quick release, arm strength, touch on deep offerings and willingness to climb the pocket make the Air Raid product worth developing.

– RB Pierre Strong (5-11, 205) 4.37 40-time, South Dakota State. A Walter Payton award finalist, he matched his school’s nickname as a Jackrabbit who made plays for years. His college career includes 4,495 yards and 40 touchdowns, averaging over 7 yards per carry. As evidenced by his 10 rushing scores of 50 yards or more, Strong makes explosive plays. He also a patient runner who thrives in outside zone schemes and an excellent cutback runner.

Round 6
– SS Markquese Bell (6-2, 212), 36.5″ vertical, 4.41 40-time, Florida A&M. He has the measurables to play at the highest level and takes good angles while showing good ball skills. Bell was a high major talent who transfered from Maryland, spent a year at a JUCO and then shined for three seasons capped by first-team FCS All-American honors.

– WR Dontario Drummond (6-1, 214) 4.65 40-time, Ole Miss .The Laurel, Miss. native made 76 catches for 1,028 yards and 8 TD’s last season. He excels with runs after the catch. Drummond is a natural athlete who makes tough catches. He has everything a wideout needs to succeed except explosive speed, making him a potential late-round steal.