Draft Grades: Saints

The Saints didn't have much to work with this year, but they came away a few players that can help right away.

Malcolm Jenkins is a perfect fit in New Orleans. The Saints have needed a cornerback for years, but have failed to address that need through the draft. The free agent signings of guys such as Randall Gay and Jason David simply haven't lived up to expectations. Jenkins finally gives the Saints hope of having a true shutdown cornerback.

Chip Vaughn had excellent value in the 4th round. Roman Harper has done an adequate job as the starter at strong safety, but they're not sold on him as the long-term option. Vaughn adds to their depth and gives them someone to push Harper for playing time.

Vaughn's teammate Stanley Arnoux doesn't offer much except some depth. I felt as though he was a reach in the 4th round. He had a productive career at Wake Forest, but he's undersized and not a great fit for the Saints scheme.

I don't like it when teams take kickers and punters before the 7th round. Most drafted special teams players fail to work out and some quality players can still be found in the 5th round. Morstead was one of the better punters in this draft class, but not substantially better than what would have been available in free agency. He should win the starting job, but it was still a reach.

Overall the Saints did an adequate job addressing needs. Despite having just four picks, they managed to get one immediate starter (Jenkins) and potentially two others (Morstead and Vaughn). However, they failed to land a running back to share the load with Reggie Bush, despite trying to trade back into the 1st round for Chris Wells.

Grade: B-