Saints Draft Outlook: Cornerback

Never say never, but the cornerback spot really doesn't need much attention in the draft for the Saints.

Author:
John Hendrix
Publish date:
Apr 26, 2023 9:04 AM EDT

In this story:

It's the day before the draft, and the rumors are going to only grow as we approach Round 1 action on Thursday evening. We'll hear from Saints general manager Mickey Loomis soon enough, but don't expect him to tip his hand on much. We've been looking at each position group for New Orleans to determine the potential for them selecting at the spot. We're nearly through the defense, as we put a focus on the cornerback group today.

Current Depth Chart: Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Bradley Roby, Troy Pride Jr., Isaac Yiadom, Vincent Gray, Lonnie Johnson Jr.

Draft Prospect Outlook

Day 1 Options: Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State), Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State)
Day 2 Options: Deonte Banks (Maryland), Kelee Ringo (Georgia), Sam Smith (South Carolina), Tyrique Stevenson (Miami), Julius Brents (Kansas State), DJ Turner II (Michigan), Darius Rush (South Carolina), Jakorian Bennett (Maryland), Jartavius Martin (Illinois)
Day 3 Options: Clark Phillips III (Utah), Kei'Trel Clark (Louisville), Kyu Blu Kelly (Stanford), Mekhi Blackmon (USC), Garrett Williams (Syracuse), Starling Thomas V (UAB), Riley Moss (Iowa), Jaylon Jones (TAMU), Carrington Valentine (Kentucky), Cory Trice Jr. (Purdue), Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (TCU), Eric Scott Jr. (Southern Miss), Myles Brooks (Louisiana Tech), Cameron Mitchell (Northwestern), Terrell Smith (Minnesota), Kaleb Hayes (BYU), Nic Jones (Ball State)
Priority UDFAs: Jarrick Bernard-Converse (LSU), Jeremy Lucien (Vanderbilt), Steven Jones Jr. (Appalachian State), Keenan Isaac (Alabama State), Brandon Barnes-Brown (Fayetteville State), Corey Mayfield (UTSA), Justin Ford (Montana), Nehemiah Shelton (San Jose State), Jai Nunn-Liddell (Kentucky State)

THE CASE FOR DRAFTING: You can never have too many cornerbacks, just ask the Saints last season. They were hit with all sorts of injuries at the position, but they did manage to find a way to still shine. Marshon Lattimore missed over half the season, while Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, and Bradley Roby all played in 13 games each. Things worked out, but the depth at the position is the main reason.

This year features a similar situation with even more depth at the corner spot. Most of the other players at the position will be considered key special teams contributors, but they're going to need to be ready for anything. This is a very strong group that's going into the draft, but unless New Orleans tries to trade someone at the spot, they might not look until the Day 3 range.

THE CASE FOR NOT DRAFTING: The cornerback spot might be the best depth position on the Saints roster. There's little to no question of their ability, but one thing to watch is how things run without Kris Richard in the mix. Newcomer Marcus Robertson will oversee things, as well as new defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Add that to Dennis Allen's experience at the position, and there's not much concern for the corner spot.

Slot duties will be something to pay close attention to for New Orleans. Bradley Roby would be considered the favorite currently, but the Saints are expected to have Alontae Taylor get some work in at the spot. There's little to no need of them taking a corner high. They're pretty set at this spot, and they'll undoubtedly add some through the undrafted process.