The New Orleans Saints are onto the offseason, which means the fans are onto mock draft season. Despite a hot start to the 2024 season, an absurd amount of injuries kept the Saints out of the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Now a staggering $52.3 million over the salary cap and without a head coach, the team must hit on all of their picks if they want to play meaningful football in January.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft, and he believes the Saints will attempt to find their much-needed replacement for Marshon Lattimore. After trading the veteran for a third-round pick, the draft analyst believes New Orleans will use the ninth-overall pick to select cornerback Will Johnson out of Michigan.
“Johnson – who reads the quarterback incredibly well and has the quickness to finish plays with takeaways – could be the Marshon Lattimore replacement in New Orleans…They have to find Day 1 starters in the draft, and Johnson would fill a big hole.”
New Orleans Saints Select CB Will Johnson In Latest Mock Draft
Travis Hunter is one of one, but there is a strong case to be made that Will Johnson is the second-best cornerback in this draft class. Unofficially measuring in over 6′-0″ and 200 pounds, the Michigan product has the size to take away larger targets and the agility and footspeed of a much smaller cornerback. Essentially, he can follow opposing wide receivers and blanket them throughout the route.
While he has the potential to be a lockdown cornerback in a man-heavy scheme, he’s smart enough to play in zone coverage. His quick feet show up here as well, as the NFL Draft hopeful can quickly pounce when players enter his zone, and he has the awareness to break on the ball and anticipate where the quarterback will go with the football.
Will Johnson (CB #Michigan) is everything you want at the position.
Great size at 6’2 / 205lbs
Reminds me a ton of Pat Surtain II coming out.
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) December 26, 2024
While he is a great prospect, he’s not perfect. As mentioned above, he has the size and strength to play man, but elite receivers could exploit his questionable fundamentals. This is not unique to Johnson, as most cornerbacks need to fine-tune their coverage technique when entering the league. Additionally, he’s not the best tackler, but that’s something you can live with. Ultimately, he’s a fantastic prospect, but is he the right pick for this Saints mock draft?
Did They Take the Right Guy?
The answer to this question likely depends on what happens with impending free agent Paulson Adebo. Lattimore isn’t coming back, but the former third-round pick could return if the Saints pay up. Unfortunately, this team will struggle to match a high offer, as New Orleans is well over the allotted 2025 salary cap. While General Manager Mickey Loomis will restructure his way to salary cap compliance, he might not be able to create enough space to retain Adebo.
Seeing as the Saints refuse to rebuild, losing Adebo would probably force New Orleans to draft a cornerback. However, if he remains, perhaps the team addresses the offensive line with someone like LSU’s Will Campbell. New Orleans needs better blocking, and the offensive tackle market has exploded in recent years. Adebo and second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry are both starting-caliber players whose presence could lead New Orleans to focus on bigger needs.
Main Photo: Rick Osentoski – USA Today Sports
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