2021 NFL Team Draft Page

The Saints made a valiant effort to fix their LB needs last season by adding Kwon Alexander just before the trade deadline. Unfortunately, the $13M LB tore his Achilles shortly after the ink dried. Alexander's contract is now a burden against the salary cap (The Saints have the worst cap situation in the NFL).

Enter Nick Bolton, who is an enforcer with great instincts to the ball. He plays all aspects of the game well --run, coverage, and pass rush. His goal-line stands resemble a crash-test dummy hitting a concrete barricade. He skyrocketed up draft boards after such a stop halted LSU earlier this season. Plus, Bolton has leadership abilities that could lift the Saints' defense to the next level.

Other RD1 targets for the Saints include: WR; S; EDGE; or a replacement for QB Drew Brees.

Prior to the 2020 season, Florida State DT Marvin Wilson was a lock for RD1. Unfortunately, his elite status dropped after two significant injuries kicked him down the draft board rung. He is a complex prospect who can be hot in one game and cold in another. After showing success against Deonte Brown during Senior Bowl Week, Wilson later missed a practice and did not feature in the game. Wilson will benefit from the Saints' 4-3 defensive front.