5 players New Orleans Saints should draft in the first round

5 players Saints should draft in the first round

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 24: Wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson #4 of the Tulane Green Wave scores a touchdown against defensive back Aaron Robinson #31 of the Central Florida Knights during the first half at Bounce House-FBC Mortgage Field on October 24, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 10: Asante Samuel Jr. #26 of the Florida State Seminoles breaks up a pass against Chase Claypool #83 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Asante Samuel

Safety isn’t the only spot in the secondary where the Saints need help. The possibility that Janoris Jenkins will be cut to preserve salary cap space means New Orleans needs to add a potential starting corner on the outside via the draft.

Samuel is a player whose stock seems to be rising during this strange pre-draft process. He didn’t play on a great, or even good, Florida State defense, but he still shut down his side of the field on a weekly basis. He should be ready to play man-to-man coverage right away at the next level.

The former Seminoles star also projects to be a solid run defender despite his lack of size. He wasn’t afraid to stick his nose into plays near the line of scrimmage during his collegiate career. That willingness to contribute to his team’s run defense does distinguish him from some other corners in this draft class.

If the Saints do select a cornerback in Round 1 it should send a clear signal that Jenkins’ time with the franchise is done. Nabbing Samuel at No. 28 would be solid roster construction for New Orleans.

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