Draft night just got a lot more interesting for the Saints.
New Orleans swung a trade with the Eagles to add an additional first-round selection ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
But doing that will mean significant shuffling of the current draft order and a future first-rounder headed to Philadelphia. Here's how it shakes out:
- Saints receive: Picks No. 16, 19 and 194
- Eagles receive: Picks No. 18, 101, 237; a 2023 1st-rounder & 2024 2nd rounder
For the Eagles, it means they'll have multiple first-round picks this year and next (also owners of the No. 15 selections), while the Saints move up two selections from their previously owned No. 18 pick, with another coming shortly later at 19. And while it cost two premium future assets, it's not difficult to see the attraction of adding another premium selection in New Orleans.
The Saints have clear needs at tackle with the departure of Terron Armstead, safety with the departure of Marcus Williams and retirement of Malcolm Jenkins, as well as wide receiver, which has been stated as a position that will be addressed in some way headed into next season. How the Saints do that will be the question, but they'll have multiple early bites at the apple to do it.
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The Saints' picks in the 2022 draft will now shake out as:
1st round
- No. 16
- No. 19
2nd round
- No. 49
3rd round
- No. 98
4th round
- No. 120
5th round
- No. 161
6th round
- No. 194
7th round
- none
From a Saints perspective, it certainly appears like a win-now move -- considering the value of that 2023 pick will be heavily weighted by the success or failure of the team in the upcoming season.