The New Orleans Saints did not get much production from their 2018 NFL Draft selections, but some analysts found plenty to like anyway. The Saints received a B-minus grade from Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com; here’s what Bergman thought of the Saints’ 2018 rookie class, drafted and undrafted:
The success of New Orleans’ draft class was predicated on (and directly related to) that of (Marcus) Davenport, for whom the Saints surrendered two first-round picks, including their 30th overall selection in 2019. While the defensive lineman failed to crack the starting lineup, he racked up 4.5 sacks and 12.5 QB hits while playing 40 percent of the defensive snaps, and he made the PFWA All-Rookie Team. (Tre’Quan) Smith has the potential in Year 2 to assume full-time the No. 2 receiver role the Saints desperately need someone to seize for balance. Most of the rest of New Orleans’ draft spent time on other rosters in 2018, but the Saints found meaningful pickups in (Taylor) Stallworth, (Keith) Kirkwood and (Dan) Arnold, who all played roles as substitutes down the stretch.
Additionally, Bergman took a look forward to evaluate what’s in store for the Saints in the offseason. He didn’t find many positives in their outlook for free agency and the 2019 draft, worrying about the lack of draft capital and salary cap space at New Orleans’ disposal. Competing again in 2019 will be a challenge for the Saints, but recent history suggests they will be ready.
