New Orleans Saints 2018 NFL Draft Review

The Saints entered the draft in a great position. They had the best draft in the NFL last year with impact rookies all over the field. It was clear that with one more strong draft they could not only be Super Bowl contenders, but even Super Bowl favorites going into the season. However, I didn’t feel they had a strong draft this year. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that they had one of the worst drafts in the NFL. Our New Orleans Saints 2018 NFL Draft Review analyzes every single Saints pick and how they fit in both scheme and value.

New Orleans Saints 2018 NFL Draft Review

1st Round – Marcus Davenport, OLB/DE, Texas San Antonio

Davenport is an athletic edge rusher who plays violently. He has shown the ability to run over offensive tackles and looks to have a lot of upside if he can put it all together. However, he won’t be able to find the same success with this style at the NFL level. He needs to develop a finesse game to compliment his power and raw athletic talent. Overall, he’s a project with high upside. Considering the Saints traded next year’s first round pick to move up and get him, this pick doesn’t sit well with me.

 

3rd Round – Tre’Quan Smith, WR, Central Florida

Smith is a bigger receiver who can go up and get the ball. He’ll have an opportunity to compete for minutes with former Bears wideout Cameron Meredith who is coming off a major knee injury. If he’s healthy, I see Meredith winning this job which would make smith a quality depth player. If not healthy then Smith makes for a great insurance policy for a team who is all in on winning in the immediate future while their title window is still open with Drew Brees.

 

4th Round – Rick Leonard, OT, Florida State

This was a pick I didn’t particularly care for. I thought there were several better offensive tackles, and offensive guards if that’s the Saints plan for him, on the board when they made this pick. Leonard is a guy who did not crack my top 150 big board and it just doesn’t feel like New Orleans got a lot of value here.

 

5th Round – Natrell Jamerson, S, Wisconsin

The Saints were in need of safety depth with Kenny Vaccaro leaving in free agency. However, this is another pick where I had a few other safeties on the board who I was higher on. That being said, I think Jamerson can make this roster as a depth and special teams player.

 

6th Round – Kamrin Moore, CB, Boston College

Moore is a zone corner who marks an impact with his physicality and tackling. His technique and ball awareness could be better in zone coverage and he may not be athletic enough to play man to man at the next level. Where he can really thrive is on special teams and as a depth outside CB.

 

6th Round – Boston Scott, RB, Louisiana Tech

Scott is a quick and shifty runner who can make defenders miss in space. He’ not the most physical guy, but he will fight for all the additional yards he can get. I really like him as a third string back, but it’s hard for me to see him getting many touches with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara in the backfield.

 

7th Round – Will Clapp, OC, LSU

I don’t see Clapp breaking into the starting lineup anytime soon, but he can be developmental depth for the Saints. He isn’t great technically or as an athlete, but he is decent in both areas to I’d feel comfortable with him stepping in if need be. With an NFL conditioning program and improvements to his form then he can become a starter down the lie.

Overall Grade: D+

Best Value: Will Clapp

Biggest Reach: Marcus Davenport