Saints 2021 Draft Pick: Payton Turner
A surprising first round selection, how will Payton Turner fare in New Orleans?
Author:
May 3, 2021
The New Orleans Saints shocked many observers when they used the 28th pick in the first round of the NFL draft to select University of Houston defensive end Payton Turner. Several expected the Saints to address a huge need at cornerback with their first round choice, or perhaps address the linebacker spot or add a wideout.
Instead, New Orleans pulled one of the biggest surprises in the first round. A closer look reveals their thought process behind the pick. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson departed in free agency after leading the team with 13.5 sacks last year. Perennial Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan was not as productive as he’d been in years past. Marcus Davenport, the 14th overall pick of the 2018 draft, continues to struggle with injuries and has produced below expectations.