With only four picks in the draft, the Saints started off with selecting Michigan center Cesar Ruiz. Now cemented as the starting right guard, Ruiz earned a four-year extension before the 2023 season. The Saints did not have a second round pick this draft as it was used to move up 14 spots in the second round of the 2019 draft to select Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy.
The Saints did a lot of draft-day trading, and it started in the third round, trading up 14 spots to select linebacker Zack Baun. He hasn’t quite turned into a starter, playing his most snaps this past season at 27% in 17 games and six starts, but only recorded two sacks. The trades continued as the Saints traded back into the third round, giving up a pick in each of the remaining rounds, to select tight end Adam Trautman. He was listed as their TE1 or 2 his first three seasons, but failed to record more than 300 yards a season. He was traded to the Broncos during this past draft for a sixth-round pick, used to select WR A.T. Perry. The final pick was QB/TE Tommy Stevens, who was released during his rookie season. He spent time with the Panthers and is currently in the CFL.
Undrafted signee Juwan Johnson has turned into the Saints primary tight end the last two seasons and is a real red zone threat. He’s very touchdown dependent in fantasy, but it was good enough for him to earn a contract extension.
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