The Saints have a new weapon in their defensive backfield in the form of Alontae Taylor out of Tennessee.
Taylor played four years for the Volunteers, rolling up 60 tackles, 6 passes defensed and 2 interceptions in his senior season. Taylor was a wide receiver entering college, but transitioned to cornerback before his freshman season and ultimately started 31 of 45 games in Tennessee.
Taylor, 23, has top-end speed having run a 4.36 40-yard dash time. He could potentially convert to safety, with Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy saying Taylor possessed the necessary range, eye discipline and ball skills to do that if called upon.
Taylor said the Saints were the team that spent the most time speaking with him, including a meeting at the Senior Bowl and an individual workout. He said there was no specific position specified for him in that process.
"They were just saying that they loved how I played and felt like from my IQ and understanding of the game that I could play in any part of the backfield, whether that's corner, nickel or even playing safety," Taylor said.
A potential position change could be in the cards considering a clear need at safety that's developed after the departure of Marcus Williams to the Ravens in free agency and the retirement of Malcolm Jenkins. The Saints signed former Jets safety Marcus Maye and they've also been courting veteran Tyrann Mathieu, who remains unsigned.
"I feel more of a corner," he continued, "but whatever the Saints need me to do, I'm going to come in and do that."
The Saints went into Day 2 holding only one selection after the first-round trade up to 11 to select Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave. New Orleans addressed another need at No. 19 with offensive tackle Trevor Penning.
The Saints chose to stand pat in the second round, and landed another piece to add in the secondary. After a pair of picks to fill needs, the third pick was used to build on a strength. Should he stick at cornerback, he'll join a group headlined by Marshon Lattimore, Bradley Roby and Paulson Adebo, along with CJ Gardner-Johnson at nickel corner.
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Day 3 will start with a wait, with the Saints not owning a 4th round selection, before picks at 161 in the 5th round and 194 in the 6th round.
Check back for updates.