2022 NFL: Worst offseason move for each of the 32 teams
By Randy Gurzi
New Orleans Saints: Confusing NFL Draft trades
The New Orleans Saints added a couple of good players in the 2022 NFL Draft, with Ohio State receiver Chris Olave being their biggest addition. Pairing him with Michael Thomas — assuming he’s finally healthy — will give Jameis Winston a much better receiving corps in 2022.
They also landed Trevor Penning, who could develop into a long-term starter at left tackle. The problem is, they made a whole lot of moves in the draft, surrendering a lot in the process, for a guy who was the No. 3 wideout for the Buckeyes last year and a small-school offensive tackle who needs to prove he can play against elite talent.
Jordan Dajani, CBS Sports agrees that they gave up a lot, and admits the “haul” New Orleans landed doesn’t seem so great when you really digest it.
"“The Saints selected Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave at No. 11 overall, and then took prospective left tackle Trevor Penning at No. 19, which sounds like a solid haul in the first round. But when you take a step back and see that New Orleans gave up the No. 18 overall pick, then the No. 16 overall pick in the second trade, plus two third-round picks, a fourth-round pick, a seventh-round pick and then a future first and second, that sounds like a lot to give up for what they got in return — an extra first-round pick, a move up in the first round and a sixth-round pick.” — Dajani, CBS Sports"
The moves they made felt like a franchise that was all-in on winning now. But with Sean Payton retiring and Winston still under center, this isn’t a team too many see coming out of the NFC just yet. And it will be harder to change that without a Round 1 pick next year.