Saints: 2021 NFL Draft primer as life without Drew Brees begins

Saints top targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

Once considered the likely first cornerback off the board in this year’s draft, a back injury in March of this year has now potentially placed Caleb Farley within striking distance of the Saints.  If Farley’s anticipated fall causes him to linger into the early 20s of the draft’s first round, the Saints could put their perennial draft trade-up plan into effect in order to retain his services.

With a rare size for the position and an immensely physical approach on the boundary, coupled with stellar instincts and a ball-hawking mentality, Farley represents a prototypical starting corner in the Saints’ aggressive, press-man defensive scheme.  With Legion of Boom architect Kris Richard now coaching the New Orleans secondary, the potential for Farley as a Saint would be off the charts.

Kadarius Toney, Wide Receiver, Florida

Florida’s Kadarius Toney, fresh off a 70 catch, near-1,000 receiving yard season, is perhaps the sole counterpoint to the playmaking ability of the top 3 receivers in this year’s draft class.  Though the consensus projection of Toney seems to be a slot receiver, there is plenty of reason to believe that his ideal positional fit at the next level is that of a flanker.

Possessing truly electric playmaking ability, Toney showcases elite separation and after-the-catch production, with a surprisingly strong lower body and the stop/start quickness to make would-be tacklers whiff.  A willing blocker, Toney remains active on the backside and stays engaged with defenders when a run concept points in his direction.  With Jameis Winston’s penchant for pushing the ball downfield, Toney could prove an ideal complement to the Saints’ current set of pass-catchers.

Zaven Collins, Linebacker, Tulsa

At 6-foot-4 and a whopping 260 pounds, Tulsa’s Zaven Collins would be an intriguing prospect if only for his size and weight.  When factoring in his play at the college level, for which he was awarded the Bronco Nagurski Award as college football’s best overall player, and the speed and athleticism that allows him to makes plays from sideline to sideline in run support as well as the passing game, Collins can be seen as perhaps the top pure defender in this year’s class.

Explosive and instinctual, Collins played the WILL linebacker position in Tulsa’s 3-3 defensive front, and appears ready to quickly assume similar duties as a professional.  His game film is a bit surreal, watching a man his size hang with shifty college backs and match inside receivers pace-for-pace downfield.  Add it all together and you get a sense for what a player like Collins could mean to the team’s overall defensive unit.