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) /

4 of 5

TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane celebrates after intercepting Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls and running in a 38-yard touchdown during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

2. Zaven Collins

Outside linebacker is also a sneaky need for the Saints this offseason. Kwon Alexander will almost certainly be cut to his injury situation and Alex Anzalone is also headed for free agency. That could make Collins an intriguing choice for New Orleans if he’s still on the board at No. 28.

Collins’ best skill at the next level will be rushing the passer, but he’s not a one-trick pony. He also showed promise playing the run and dropping into pass coverage during his collegiate career. It might take him some time to get comfortable doing those things at the pro level, but the foundation is there for him to become a true three-down linebacker during his rookie season.

At worst, he can help New Orleans’ defense as a guy who can rush the passer from the edge. Payton hasn’t shied away from taking big swings to acquire edge-rushing help during his tenure. Collins wouldn’t qualify as a gamble at 28 but he would help make everyone in New Orleans’ front seven’s lives a little easier in 2021.

There is a decent chance Collins goes off the board earlier in the 20s, but his lack of elite size might cause him to drop down to New Orleans. If he does, he’ll draw strong consideration from Payton at this spot in the draft.

Home/New Orleans Saints