With the NFL Draft approaching in just a few weeks, it feels appropriate to review the previous Saints draft classes. Starting from the 2020 NFL Draft, the Saints drafted four players. Let’s look at them.
Round 1, Pick 24: Cesar Ruiz – C/G
This pick was taken as a bad decision by the Saints front office, and not many people were fans of his play this season. When thinking about the pick and the situation Ruiz was put in, it’s understandable. There was no offseason for Ruiz to develop, and he changed positions from center to guard. As time went on this pick did become valuable for the Saints after Nick Easton was getting concussions and could t be the starter.
With things hopefully getting back to some normalcy, we could see a huge jump in consistent productivity by Ruiz. More time for Ruiz to develop and an increase in productive play. Ruiz will play better this season, but definitely not to his full skill level yet.
This selection for now gets a C- draft grade.
Round 3, Pick 74: Zack Baun – LB
The selection of Zack Baun first seemed like a steal for the season. Some teams wanted to draft him in the first round. Although he didn’t play much defense, his impact on special teams is a start to his young career. His big hit against the 49ers definitely got some attention directed his way. If the Saints decide to not sign or draft a linebacker this means that the coaching staff believes in the ability of Baun and his ability to ball out. We saw him play limited snaps, so nobody quite knows who Baun is.
Season stats: 15 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
For now this draft pick gets a C- draft grade.
Round 3, Pick 105: Adam Trautman – TE
Adam Trautman, the player who all Saints fans are excited to watch this season. After being the backup for the whole season it’ll be interesting to see how Trautman turns out. The last tight end we drafted in the third round was Jimmy Graham, and he was a backup to Jeremy Shockey for a season prior to becoming a star in the league.
For Trautman however, this past season was interesting to see his skill sets such as blocking and route running. With more flexible downfield routes this season, Trautman will be a menace to defenses. This pick as of now isn’t anything special but after this season it’ll be one of the biggest steals from the 2020 draft.
Season stats: 16 receptions, 175 yards, 1 touchdown,
This selection gets a C draft grade.
Round 7, Pick 240: Tommy Stevens – QB
Didn’t play for New Orleans, nothing to say here.
This selection gets a F draft grade.
Written By Kadin Janisch
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