2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Kadarius Toney, 2021 NFL mock draft. Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports/Syndication: Gainesville Sun /

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Saints get necessary offensive help at No. 28

28. New Orleans Saints: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

So, this is the first spot where there’s been a real juxtaposition with the way I value certain NFL Draft prospects and how the league seems to value players. The New Orleans Saints needed to shed a ton of contracts this offseason and, subsequently, they lost a lot of depth at cornerback. And I’d love to see them take someone here.

They need someone who they can rely on, so Caleb Farley isn’t a consideration. But I personally would feel comfortable taking Asante Samuel Jr. at this spot. Even though he’s a bit undersized, he’s simply a player who can play inside or outside and do so at an extremely high level. He’s just not going to be taken in the first round, though.

Instead, the Saints do address another need with a quality player. Michael Thomas is really the only pass-catcher of consequence on the New Orleans roster right now. If the team wants to give Jameis Winston a viable chance to prove himself as a real Drew Brees replacement, they can change that with Kadarius Toney.

The Florida speedster would add a new dimension to the offense opposite of Thomas and give Winston opportunities to push the ball down the field. He’d be a great fit — even if I would still take Samuel if I were a general manager.

Who I Would Pick: Asante Samuel Jr.

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