New Orleans Saints 2018 Draft Class Review

With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made. The New Orleans Saints made quite the move up the board trading with the Green Bay Packers in what appeared to be a selection for the next quarterback of the future, that didn’t come to pass. The Saints took a colossal gamble in the first round while still adding seven players through this year’s draft class, let’s review… 

New Orleans Saints 2018 Draft Class Review:

Round 1 – Pick 14 (14)

Marcus Davenport (DE)

It shouldn’t necessarily be seen as mortgaging the future, but more like losing the warranty on a recently purchased product. Shipping away next year’s first round pick to the Packers to swap first round selections this year had the stage set for New Orleans to potentially snag their next franchise quarterback, or was it?

New Orleans made history but not in the way most fans would’ve thought. The trade up that was clearly very expensive was used to select top notch talent in Marcus Davenport. While he measures extremely well in both stature and ability, this pick with the amount given up does pose as a head scratcher. ADF isn’t suggesting that we don’t believe in what Marcus could bring to the club, but the way it seems the Saints view him is a true game changer that will elevate this defense to the next level, we really wonder.

Davenport did show well in his four year college career progressing every season in almost every category. His 21.5 career sacks and 6 career forced fumbles doesn’t exactly jump out to suggest super-star to garner such a price. New Orleans should place Davenport on the line with his hand in the dirt alongside Jordan Cameron and Sheldon Rankins to create quite the disruptive group. With how this move went down, expectations will be greatly lifted and Davenport will be forced to answer the bell early and often.

ADF Prediction: High potential, may not live up to the hype. 

Round 3 – Pick 27 (91)

Tre’Quan Smith (WR)

One of the most glaring needs on the offense was to have a complete number two receiver to assist in pulling coverage away from their star in Michael Thomas. ADF believes they have stuck gold and will ultimately fix the issue with the addition of Tre’Quan Smith. On paper and on film, Smith looks to be the perfect complement to Michael Thomas with his good size, great speed and agility. The Saints doubled down and selected a player that also can help in the run game (extremely important), as Smith has a great aptitude for run blocking.

What is very impressive about Smith is that he could literally become the full package as a complementary receiver. He showed fantastic progression every season that came to pass with seeing career highs in all categories. More impressively, he was able to find the endzone a solid 13 times in that final season. Many scouts praise his unique arm length which should only benefit him further in the NFL. With Drew Brees throwing Smith the ball, we could see a very positive rookie year.  

ADF Prediction: Great upside, potential to be highly productive.

Round 4 – Pick 27 (127)

Rick Leonard (OL)

While it’s difficult to question the moves Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis make, especially after hitting so favorably on last year’s draft class, this pick seems a little out of character. While Leonard stands extremely tall (6’7”), the book suggests he is far too raw to make any type of solid contribution this season. Perhaps in a depth role, Rick could sit and learn from the many savvy veterans this team has already on the roster. Rick Leonard does house above average athletic ability that should allow him to compete early on.  

ADF Prediction: Project player, depth addition.

Round 5 – Pick 27 (164)

Natrell Jamerson (DB)

Continuing to add to a defense that saw great progression last season, the Saints choose the speedy safety from Wisconsin to add to the mix. Jamerson was a former wide receiver prospect that never panned out on the college stage and was moved to the defensive side of the ball. Natrell will require much tutelage from the Saints coaching staff to take his game to the next level. His speed and natural ability should allow him to carve out a spot on special teams, but he will be hard pressed to find a consistent starting role unless he shows something fantastic.

Round 6 – Pick 15 (189)

Kamrin Moore (DB)

Another depth draft addition for the Saints, this time with former Boston College senior Kamrin Moore. This pick also screams out to garner a special teams role, while serving as a backup to a defense that clearly requires more adequate pieces for rotational purposes. Moore has good size but will have to prefect his craft in both Man & Zone coverage packages for the coaching staff to take notice.  

Round 6 – Pick 27 (201)

Boston Scott (RB)

Sean Payton is the master at finding talent in very unique places, and this pick is no different. Boston Scott has a body type that is very similar to the former Jacksonville Jaguars star Maurice Jones-Drew. Scott is good ten pounds lighter then Jones-Drew was entering the NFL, but runs just as fast posting a fantastic 4.4 40 time at his pro-day in late March. Boston is an intriguing selection as in that his final season at Louisiana Tech saw him more favorably used seeing his statistics become the best in his college career. Breaking the 1000 yard rushing mark and scoring 9 total touchdowns gives credence he could play at the next level. With Mark Ingram now suspended four games to begin the season, could we see Scott earlier than expected? It’s very possible.

Round 7 – Pick 27 (245)

Will Clap (OL)

To complete their draft class, the Saints selected home town boy Will Clap who was born and raised in New Orleans. Clap is a natural center that has great measurables that could easily warrant a potential starting gig in the future. Versatility is also part of his make-up which could allow the Saints to use Clap at guard if needed. Good depth addition which is much needed on the Saints offensive line.

2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Keith Kirkwood, WR, Temple

Henry Mondeaux, DL, Oregon

Taylor Stallworth, DT, South Carolina

Cory Helms, OL, South Carolina

Deon Yelder, TE, Western Kentucky

Colton Jumper, LB, Tennessee

Linden Stephens, CB, Cincinnati 

Jeromy Irwin, OL, Colorado

JT Gray, DB, Mississippi State