New Orleans Saints: Which rookie will make biggest impact?
The New Orleans Saints drafted some immense talent this year and with a slew of possible starters, who will make the biggest difference on the field?
The New Orleans Saints actually did pretty well in the 2017 NFL draft. They picked up some defensive and offensive playmakers, filled some needs and probably a few backups. Overall, it was a good draft but which rookie will make the biggest impact where they need it?
Their first-round pick, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, is the obvious choice. Lattimore was one of the best corners in the draft and surprisingly fell to the Saints. With a desperate need for a defensive playmaker, Lattimore looks to be their guy. With four interceptions and nine pass breakups, his skill-set and general athleticism make him a starter almost immediately.
With their second first-round pick, the Saints looked to their offense. They selected offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk, bringing some depth to their offensive line. The line is talented, but injuries marred most of their starters so the Saints need someone consistent. Ramczyk’s injury might be better than originally anticipated.
In Round 2, the Saints selected Marcus Williams. The safety out of Utah was another unusual pick and one the Saints didn’t really need. After selecting Vonn Bell last season, they have a quality starter at safety and one who exceeded expectations. With three picks in the third round, the Saints seemed to find their future impact players, though.
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Alvin Kamara was their first pick and not an immediate impact player. The team didn’t really need a running back and Kamara probably won’t be much, for now. With their last two third-round picks, the Saints selected linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, addressing more needs in their front seven.
The biggest concern for Anzalone is his inability to stay healthy. If Anzalone can stay healthy, he could make an impact, making him a risk the Saints were willing to take. Hendrickson is another risk but could be a huge payoff especially on special teams. Plus, Hendrickson might need some more time to develop than others.
For their last pick, the Saints selected linebacker/defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. Muhammad is such a huge risk especially due to his lack of experience and character concerns. If Dennis Allen works with him and Muhammad gets a grip, he might make it past roster cuts. The payoff will be all based on how much effort Muhammad wants to put in, though.
Obviously, Marshon Lattimore is going to make an impact immediately. He’s a first-round talent and a Day-1 starter. The other rookie who I have high hopes for is Alex Anzalone. Anzalone might not make an immediate impact, but long-term, he will. If he can stay healthy, he could become a dominant part of the Saints defensive line.
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The New Orleans Saints might not have drafted perfectly, but they filled some needs and found some possible starters. What the rookies do next is in their hands, though.