Which roster needs should be the highest priority for the New Orleans Saints in the 2020 NFL Draft? With the first round of selections inching closer by the minute, it’s time for a final review of the team’s draft needs before the clock starts ticking. Here are the five areas the Saints should hope to improve in this year’s event.
1. Linebacker
With just one healthy starter returning from last year’s squad (first-team All-Pro Demario Davis) and no projected starters under contract beyond 2020, it’s important for the Saints to find some continuity in the middle of their defense. While Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso are talented players, neither of them can be counted on to see through a 16-game season.
Three prospects to know:
- Patrick Queen, LSU
- Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
- Sleeper: Logan Wilson, Wyoming
2. Wide receiver
The Saints finally found their compliment to Michael Thomas by signing free agent wideout Emmanuel Sanders, but he’s just a two-year rental in the grand scheme of things. With Drew Brees closer to riding off into the sunset than ever before (he does have a job with NBC Sports waiting on him now), the Saints should surround him with more weapons than ever before while laying the groundwork for their next quarterback to build off of.
Three prospects to know:
- Justin Jefferson, LSU
- Jalen Reagor, TCU
- Sleeper: Collin Johnson, Texas
3. Cornerback
The top of the depth chart is set between Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins, but their contract situations, injury histories, and ages could mean one or both of them is playing elsewhere in a few years. First-round picks are made with more than a first-year impact in mind, and the Saints can afford to wait to reap the rewards of a wise investment here.
Three prospects to know:
- Jeff Gladney, TCU
- Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech
- Sleeper: Reggie Robinson II, Tulsa
4. Offensive line
While the Saints have as great a starting five as any team in the NFL, the long-term outlook is a little more dubious. Right guard Larry Warford has the second-highest salary cap hit on the team, and is in the final year of his contract. Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will have grounds to demand a $20 million salary sooner or later. Left tackle Terron Armstead seems to battle injuries every year, as does left guard Andrus Peat. The Saints always invest heavily up front, and 2020 could follow precedent.
Three prospects to know:
- Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
- Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
- Sleeper: Robert Hunt, Louisiana
5. Quarterback
Brees is clearly in the twilight of his career with one eye on the field and another on the broadcast booth. Taysom Hill might be tabbed as the heir-apparent but he’s almost 30 and has made more tackles on special teams with his throwing shoulder than dropbacks to pass. If nothing else, the Saints need another quarterback who can dress for game days in case of an emergency, but a long-term investment might be smarter.
Three prospects to know:
- Jordan Love, Utah State
- Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
- Sleeper: Mason Fine, North Texas
