NFL Draft 2020: Grading every pick for New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints did not ace the 2020 NFL Draft but they made some big moves to select some significant impact players.

After another disappointing early playoff exit, the New Orleans Saints needed to reload to get their Super Bowl contending team back in an efficient form. The Saints needed an impact-free agency to fix some holes on their team and then use the 2020 NFL Draft to acquire some young, impactful talent.

There were some needs that the Saints were able to satisfy. While they were not able to make a home run set of selections due to the lack of numerous picks or need for the position, the Saints were able to secure philosophy needs that can balance their impact on offense and defense.

Round 1, Pick 24 — Cesar Ruiz, C/G: B

Saints Nation was not entirely happy with this pick since LSU linebacker Patrick Queen was available at No. 24. The Saints are looking to potentially shift around their offensive line by having Ruiz start at the center position. They may move around three-time consecutive Pro-Bowl guard Larry Warford, who is entering the last year of his contract. Cesar Ruiz is projected to start but the Saints have six worthy candidates to start on the offensive line.

This is not the sexiest pick the Saints could have made or even one they needed then. Ruiz’s draft stock was rising quick and there is a huge potential to him starting immediately for the Saints’ high-power offense.

Round 3, Pick 74 — Zack Baun, OLB: A-

To have Zack Baun slip as far as the third round in the 2020 NFL Draft is a shock. This was a pick that the Saints has to trade up for because of the impact that Baun could bring to the Saints’ defense. He is an electrifying pass rusher as he accounted for 19.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks last season for the Wisconsin Badgers.

Demario Davis is entering the last year of his contract as a potential out with the Saints this season. Baun adds youth and ability to blitz efficiently from the line of scrimmage or the linebacker corps. He could likely back up Davis at the weak-side linebacker position.

Round 3, Pick 105 — Adam Trautman, TE: A

The Saints love making trades with other teams as long as they get the player, they feel that can make an impact on the team in their first year to becoming a star player in the future. Adam Trautman is a big and athletic tight end from a smaller school that can fit perfectly into head coach Sean Payton’s offense.

Last season, Trautman caught 70 passes for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns in 11 games played. He can play behind starting tight end Jared Cook, who is 33 years old.

Eventually, he can take over the starting tight end position and become the big physical specimen up the middle and in the red zone that the Saints had Jimmy Graham on their team.

Round 7, Pick 240 — Tommy Stevens, QB: C-

When this pick was made, the Saints officially had only one quarterback signed, which was Drew Brees. As of Sunday, the Saints now have four quarterbacks including the newly resigned Taysom Hill (as a flex) and former Tampa Bay starting quarterback Jameis Winston. This pick was more used for depth and develop the impact of the defensive players in practice.

Tommy Stevens isn’t an explosive quarterback that can put up a high amount of points on the board. His athleticism and RPO-playmaking skills will be suited to help the Saints’ defense train for more dynamic and versatile offenses while in practices.

Overall Grade: B

This draft was not a home run by the Saints by any measures other than finding three consistent productive players in their first season that can start in the future. The Saints are a team that drafts well due to contract and depth position evaluations and analysis.

Ruiz, Baun, and Trautman could help shift roles and become leaders when they get more experience. Draft pick trades are not a common area for the Saints if they fulfill their team needs. This was a big step towards another significant run towards the Super Bowl and especially for the future.