Who are the ‘sure things’ Saints should target in draft’s first round?

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are drafting No. 8 overall in this year’s NFL Draft. When selecting inside the top-10, there isn’t much room for error. New Orleans can rest easy in that department, because this year’s draft provides several opportunities to swing for “sure thing” draft picks without having to trade up or reach for a prospect.

A “sure thing” in the draft can’t be about how the player is guaranteed to pan out. Nothing in the draft is guaranteed in regards to career results. Injuries, a lack of system fit, personal life and even chemistry with coaches and teammates are all among the countless factors that make projections non-absolute. 

But, teams can feel sure about the front-work that goes into making a selection. This year’s NFL Draft class offers a lot of players that offer the best opportunities to swing with a diminished fear of missing.

EDGEs Reuben Bain Jr. (Miami) and David Bailey (Texas Tech)

Both of the top edge rushers in this year’s class differ from those New Orleans has missed on in the past. They’re both polished, have defined pass rush plans and can support the run defense while also putting pressure on opposing passers. Bain might be the “tweener” tag because some teams may view him as an interior player rather than an edge rusher. But for those that see Bain for what he is, he’s as good a swing to take as any.

WRs Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Carnell Tate (Ohio State)

Both players have dominating play styles. The question for Tyson will be his health. He’ll receive extensive medical checks at this month’s NFL Combine as well as while traveling to team facilities on top-30 visits. If those checks are clean, he’ll immediately be seen as a sure thing. If not, his name will likely fall from this list.

His position-mate, Tate, is a sure thing through and through. From his route-running ability and availability over his career to his reliable hands and playmaking acumen, Tate would become the top wideout on just about any team that selects him, New Orleans included.

RB Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)

Many won’t view a running back as a sure thing, but Love is. The changing tides of the NFL require a strong run game and the ability to play with multiple backs and multiple tight ends. The downfield attacks are being stricken by defenses playing to take away the big plays, dropping multiple defenders into deep zones. Being able to run forces quarters coverages to start crashing down against play action or in the RPO game, opening things back up.

Love is a real threat. One of the best the NFL will likely have to offer once he settles in, much like Detroit Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs. He can run, he can catch, he’s a willing protector, he can run through contact and has impressive elusive ability and contact balance. He’s unmatched at the position, which has good talent in the middle rounds. 

S Caleb Downs (Ohio State)

Downs might be the best player in this year’s NFL Draft. The versatile safety can cover, rush the passer, defend the run, tackle reliably, play a robber role in the middle of the field, help out in the box and much more. The potential loss of cornerback Alontae Taylor would be a big hit for the Saints’ defense. But if that void were addressed by adding Downs, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley would be a very, very happy coach.