New Orleans Saints' 2022 Draft Picks: A Deep Dive

What's up, Saints fans! Let's dive deep into the 2022 NFL Draft and see exactly what kind of talent the New Orleans Saints brought into the Who Dat Nation. This draft was a pretty crucial one for the team, especially with some big changes happening. We're talking about seeing who they picked, why they picked 'em, and how these guys might just shape the future of our beloved Saints. We'll break down each pick, giving you the lowdown on their college careers, their strengths, and what we can realistically expect from them on the field. Get ready, because this is where the rubber meets the road for building a championship team!

Round 1: Chris Olave and Trevor Penning - Setting the Tone

Alright guys, the Saints kicked off the 2022 NFL Draft with a bang, making some seriously smart moves in the first round. First up, at pick number 11 overall, they snagged wide receiver Chris Olave from Ohio State. Man, this guy is electric! Olave wasn't just a top receiver in college; he was arguably one of the most polished route-runners in the entire draft class. His speed is undeniable, but what really sets him apart is his incredible understanding of how to get open. He's got those sticky hands and a knack for making tough catches, even with tight coverage. Think about the kind of impact a receiver like that can have, especially with a team looking to add more explosive playmakers. He immediately became a go-to option, and his ability to stretch the field vertically and consistently gain separation makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. We saw flashes of his potential right away, and it’s clear he has the work ethic and talent to be a star in this league for a long time. His transition from a dominant college program to the NFL is always a challenge, but Olave's maturity and skillset suggest he's ready to handle it. His ability to contribute on special teams as well is just an added bonus, showing his versatility and commitment to helping the team in any way possible. The Saints definitely addressed a key need with this pick, injecting youth and explosiveness into their receiving corps, which was desperately needed. His precise route-running and ability to create separation against press coverage are skills that translate directly to the NFL game. When you pair that with his reliable hands and impressive yards after catch ability, you've got a truly dynamic weapon.

Then, with pick number 19 overall, a trade-up secured the powerhouse offensive tackle, Trevor Penning, from Northern Iowa. Now, this guy is a beast. Penning is exactly the kind of mauler you want protecting your quarterback's blind side. He plays with an intensity and physicality that's rare, and his size and strength are just off the charts. Northern Iowa might not be a Power Five school, but Penning dominated against whoever they put in front of him. He's got that nasty streak that offensive linemen need, finishing blocks and playing through the whistle. This pick was huge because offensive line is so important in the NFL, and Penning projects as a potential cornerstone for years to come. He immediately brings a physical presence to the line that can help establish the run game and provide much-needed protection. His tenacity and aggressive style of play are exactly what you look for in a tackle who can handle the speed and power of NFL defensive ends. While stepping up from a smaller school presents its own set of challenges, Penning's raw talent and aggressive mentality suggest he's well-equipped to make that leap. His ability to drive defenders off the ball in the run game is exceptional, and he possesses the athleticism to get out in space and make blocks on the move. Protecting the quarterback is paramount, and Penning's physical attributes and relentless motor give him a strong chance to become a high-level starter. The Saints understood the value of strengthening their offensive front, and Penning represents a significant investment in that crucial area. His sheer power and drive blocking make him a natural fit for a team looking to establish a physical identity. The organization clearly saw his immense potential to not only protect their franchise signal-caller but also to pave the way for a dominant rushing attack. He's the kind of player who sets the tone for the entire offense with his sheer will and determination on every single snap. His presence signifies a commitment to building a tough, resilient offensive line that can stand up to the best defenses in the league.

Round 2: Alontae Taylor - Adding Defensive Depth

Moving into the second round, the Saints continued to address key areas of need, and at pick number 61 overall, they selected cornerback Alontae Taylor from Tennessee. This was a solid pick, guys, adding another talented player to the secondary. Taylor is a cornerback with good athleticism and a feisty attitude on the field. He’s got decent speed, is physical in coverage, and isn't afraid to come up and make a tackle. While he might have had some inconsistencies at Tennessee, his ceiling is definitely there. Cornerback is a position where you can never have too much depth, especially in today's pass-heavy NFL. Taylor brings a different skillset to the cornerback room, offering a blend of physicality and coverage ability that can be valuable in various defensive schemes. His willingness to throw his body around in run support is something that coaches appreciate, as it shows a commitment to playing sound, team defense. He has the quickness to mirror receivers and the ball skills to make plays on passes. While he'll need to refine some of his technique and continue to develop his football IQ, Taylor has the raw tools to become a reliable contributor. The Saints' defensive philosophy often emphasizes physicality and toughness, and Taylor's playstyle aligns well with that. He's the type of player who competes on every snap and doesn't back down from a challenge. In a league where receivers are faster and more athletic than ever, having corners who can match up physically and make plays is essential. Taylor's addition provides competition for playing time and gives the coaching staff more options in how they deploy their defensive backs. He has the potential to develop into a solid starter or at least a valuable rotational piece who can step in when needed. His journey from college to the pros will involve adapting to a more complex playbook and facing elite competition week in and week out, but his attitude and physical gifts suggest he's up for the task. The Saints are always looking for players who embody the grit and determination that defines their team, and Taylor certainly fits that mold. He's a player who, with the right coaching and development, could become a significant asset for the Saints' defense for years to come.

Later Rounds: Building Depth and Finding Value

As the draft progressed into the later rounds, the Saints focused on adding depth, finding players with specific skill sets, and taking chances on potential steals. In the third round, at pick number 77, they selected defensive end Payton Turner from Houston. Turner is an intriguing prospect with a great frame and athletic ability. He showed flashes of dominance in college but dealt with some injuries. The Saints clearly saw the upside and believed they could develop him into a pass-rushing force. He possesses the size and length that NFL teams covet at the defensive end position, along with the agility to potentially play outside linebacker in some schemes. His ability to disrupt the pocket and get after the quarterback is what likely caught the Saints' attention. While his college production might not have been elite, his physical tools and potential for growth make him a worthwhile gamble in the mid-rounds. The key for Turner will be staying healthy and refining his technique to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Saints' defensive line has a history of developing talent, and Turner has the raw materials to become another success story. His versatility could allow him to contribute in various ways, whether it's rushing the passer or setting the edge against the run. His presence adds another layer of competition and depth to the defensive line rotation, giving the coaching staff more options to create mismatches against offensive lines.

In the fourth round, with pick number 120, they picked running back Abram Smith from Baylor. Smith is a powerful runner who showed he could handle a heavy workload in college. He’s a north-south runner with good vision and the ability to break tackles. The Saints' running back room is always competitive, and Smith adds a different dimension with his power running style. He's the kind of back who can grind out tough yards and wear down defenses. His ability to be effective between the tackles and his willingness to run through contact make him a valuable asset for any team. While he might not be the most elusive back, his sheer force and determination can be incredibly effective. He provides depth behind their established backs and adds a different flavor to the offensive attack. The potential for him to contribute on special teams as well is an added bonus, as many players find their initial footing in the NFL through those units.

Their fifth-round picks included wide receiver Marquez Callaway (though he was an undrafted free agent signed prior to the draft, the Saints were very active in addressing receiver needs) and safety Bryce Thompson from Virginia Tech at pick 146. Thompson is a hard-hitting safety who plays with a lot of passion. He’s got good instincts and can cover ground effectively. While he might not be the fastest safety, his toughness and playmaking ability are noteworthy. He brings a physical presence to the safety position and can contribute on special teams. The Saints always value players who play with a chip on their shoulder and are willing to do the dirty work, and Thompson certainly embodies that. His ability to provide depth and potentially compete for a role on defense makes him a solid late-round pick. His tackling prowess and knack for being around the ball are qualities that coaches look for when evaluating defensive backs.

The Saints continued to add depth and potential in the later rounds, including offensive tackle Nick Saldiveri (Round 4, Pick 115) from Old Dominion and linebacker Anfernee Orji (Round 6, Pick 195) from Vanderbilt. Saldiveri is an athletic offensive tackle who possesses good length and movement skills. He played both tackle and guard in college, showcasing his versatility. The Saints' offensive line has a history of finding hidden gems, and Saldiveri could be another one. His ability to play multiple positions on the line makes him a valuable developmental prospect. He brings a different athletic profile to the offensive line room and could provide competition for depth. Orji is a versatile linebacker who showed good instincts and playmaking ability at Vanderbilt. He's a solid tackler and has the potential to contribute on special teams. The Saints often target players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game, and Orji fits that mold. He brings a high motor and a passion for the game that is infectious. His development will be key, but he has the tools to become a contributing member of the defense and special teams units.

Overall Assessment of the 2022 Draft Class

So, when you look at the New Orleans Saints' 2022 draft class as a whole, it's pretty clear they had a strategic approach. They focused on addressing immediate needs with high-impact players like Olave and Penning, while also layering in depth and developmental prospects across the roster. The goal was to inject youth and talent into key positions, creating competition and building a sustainable foundation for the future. Olave brings immediate receiving talent, Penning shores up the offensive line, and Taylor adds depth to the secondary. The later-round picks like Turner, Smith, and Thompson represent calculated risks and opportunities to find hidden gems. It’s about building from the trenches out and adding playmakers at every level. The Saints' philosophy is always about building a strong, physical team, and this draft class reflects that. They aimed to get bigger, faster, and more talented across the board. While not every pick will turn into a Pro Bowler, the depth and potential added throughout this draft give the Saints a much more competitive roster. It’s exciting to think about how these guys will develop and contribute to the Saints' success in the coming years. This draft class was all about setting up the Saints for long-term success by bringing in a mix of proven college stars and high-potential athletes who fit the team's culture and needs. The organization clearly understood the importance of having a strong draft class to replenish and strengthen the roster, and they executed their plan effectively. It's a group that brings a blend of immediate impact potential and the promise of future development, which is exactly what a successful franchise needs to stay competitive in the demanding NFL landscape.