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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Nov 7, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) is blocked by Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) during the second quarter at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Payton Turner, EDGE, New Orleans Saints

2021 Stats:

  • 12 Tackles
  • 1 Sack

The Las Vegas Raiders were picked on for their reach earlier in the draft when they took Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood at No. 17. But then the New Orleans Saints came in and took Payton Turner at No. 28.

Sure, the Houston defensive lineman had been climbing boards but there weren’t many who saw him as a day one pick — and the Saints had other needs including depth concerns at wide receiver and cornerback. But as John Sigler of the Saints Wire said, they elected instead to go with a player they knew would be a backup.

"“Well, the Saints weren’t able to find a trade partner to address their top needs so they had to settle for a rookie backup with their first round pick in the 2021 NFL draft”"

Perhaps Turner will develop into a great presence on the edge and New Orleans will look brilliant as they eventually need to replace Cam Jordan. But for now, this pick doesn’t look great and Turner was only able to play in five games before a shoulder injury sent him to the injured reserve. That’s why as we enter 2022, this pick doesn’t get a pssing grade just yet.

Grade: D-

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