2021 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints 7-round mock

*Compensatory pick

There are a few intriguing options at tight end in this year’s draft. Obviously, Kyle Pitts is the prize. It’s highly unlikely the Florida Gators’ standout lasts past the top 15 in the draft. Pat Freiermuth is an option at the end of the first round, and the Saints could choose him there, but it’s more likely they will address pressing issues earlier in the draft. A longer game will help them land an interesting prospect in Hunter Long.

Long is a huge body that can work well in the passing game and for run blocking. It’s hard to handle someone standing 6-foot-6 and north of 250 pounds. He also had over 600 yards for a pretty mediocre Boston College offense. He’s the kind of dual threat the Saints need at tight end and never got from Jared Cook.

Long’s projections are all over the place. Some have him going as early as the second round, but most mock drafts have him lasting until the fourth round. The Saints could get him at the end of the third round and have a really nice project on their hands. The tight end isn’t necessary for the Saints offense to work, so if they cut Cook and replace him with Long, he can still grow while getting time on the field.

The Saints need a tight end, and there are some fun options after Pitts. Long could be the best among them, and he might be falling to the Saints pick.