Value, value, value. The NFL draft often is all about it. For the New Orleans Saints, they have a lot more picks than they usually do on day two or three. In round one, they hold a top ten pick, and they must hit on it.
In Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft, they do exactly that. With the ninth overall pick, they grab a potential Marshon Lattimore replacement in the secondary.
Saints' pick in Kiper's mock draft
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson -- who reads the QB incredibly well and has the quickness to finish plays with takeaways -- could be the Marshon Lattimore replacement in New Orleans. Johnson had nine interceptions over his career at Michigan. The Saints seemingly always find their way out of their salary cap issues, but they are projected to be $70.6 million over the cap in 2025, per Roster Management System. They have to find Day 1 starters in the draft, and Johnson would fill a big hole. New Orleans allowed 7.3 yards per pass attempt this season, ranking 23rd in the league. -- Mel Kiper Jr.
Johnson would immediately slide into a starting role in New Orleans. This move could allow them to move Alontae Taylor back to the slot full-time, with Kool-Aid McKinstry as the other outside cornerback. That trio in those spots probably makes the most sense for New Orleans.
Landing Johnson with the ninth selection would be great value. He's ranked as the top overall prospect on the A to Z Sports big board.
Part of the reason that Johnson is widely recognized as the best pure player in the draft is his multiplicity. If a team runs a lot of single high zone, he can play the deep third and carry vertical patterns from the inside.
How about a lot of split safety coverages? No problem. Johnson's length and instincts make him a perfect fit for cover 2, quarters and cover 6/8.
Johnson has the size to reroute and jam WRs off the line, the transitions, foot speed and hip mobility to mirror route stems, and then the long speed to trail or play in the hip pocket of the pass catcher. -- Rob Gregson
Johnson was seen as a potential first overall pick heading into the college football season. He's drawn comparisons to players like Jalen Ramsey and Charles Woodson at times.
He dealt with an injury that kept him off the field a bit this past season, but his play remained strong. In 2023, he was clearly the best CB in the country.
There is no doubt in the NFL's mind that he can be a top-flight CB at the pro level, it seems. I understand that sentiment, too.
We'll see if he's still on the board at ninth overall, but if so, it's a no brainer pick for the Saints most likely. Take the talent.
