Grading the Jordan Howden Pick for the Saints

Getting a defensive back who has a lot of versatility to his game will always be a good thing for the Saints, and that's what Jordan Howden will bring to the table.

Author:
John Hendrix
Publish date:
Apr 30, 2023 10:57 AM EDT

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New Orleans Saints

After trading up to get two fourth-round picks, the Saints used their pick in the 5th Round to take Minnesota safety Jordan Howden at 146th overall. He's someone who wore a lot of different hats with the Golden Gophers, and that versatility may help him out a lot on the next level.

Grading the Jordan Howden Pick

This wasn't a strong safety class. There were a lot of good and solid players, and even the top guy in the draft (Brian Branch) had to wait until Pick No. 45 to hear his name called. Safety was an area of need for the Saints, mainly because of some of the players they've lost. They did add to the spot with a few free agents, but there was a clear case to be made for them taking another defensive back.

Minnesota's Jordan Howden can be used all over the back end, as well as the slot. He does a lot of good things. He had a strong coverage grade in college, and the exposure at the East-West Shrine Bowl really helped him in a big way.

Howden told us, "I'm one of those type of players wherever the team needs me, I'm available anywhere on the field. That's just how it's always been growing up. I'm a team player, special teams player."

Howden said he'll play in the box, the post, man, whatever the Saints need him to do. Minnesota moved him around a lot because of his ability to play at different positions. That's something that Dennis Allen liked, saying that he can play either safety spot, the nickel and the slot, and that he has good man-to-man coverage skills. Allen praised Howden as a highly productive player at a pretty good school.

Like many who look to make the roster initially, special teams will have to be the bread and butter to start. Howden feels comfortable going wherever the Saints need him to go. Being around a veteran like Tyrann Mathieu will make everyone better in that room, and if Howden can learn the ropes quickly, then he'll rise up the depth chart. Versatility and being willing to adapt always helps a prospect on the next level. This may not be one of the picks that produce an immediate return, but could cash in down the line.

Draft Grade: C