Don't look now, but the Saints' 2021 draft class is blossoming before our eyes
 

The first three weeks of training camp have done wonders for the perception of the Saints’ 2021 draft class.

A month ago, the class looked utilitarian at best. Compared to the landmark 2006 and 2017 classes, it lacked sizzle and sex appeal. With the notable exception of cornerback Paulson Adebo, there wasn’t much to excite Saints fans.

An offseason and three weeks of training camp later, the outlook for the class has changed considerably. The early returns from camp so far are encouraging. Collectively, the group is making a major jump from Year 1 to Year 2. The class figures to play a major role in the Saints’ 2022 season.

Let’s take inventory of the six-man class:

At this time a year ago, Adebo was one of the least heralded prospects in the class. Today, he looks like the jewel of the class. The former third-round pick from Stanford has been one of the stars of camp and has played as consistently well as any player on the roster. He looks like the club’s biggest third round steal since Alvin Kamara.

Defensive end Payton Turner has been equally impressive. He’s cooled off from going Beast Mode in opening week, but he’s continued to flash in pass-rush and team drills. He still needs to improve against the run, but he’s getting there. At the very least, he figures to be a regular factor in a deep rotation at end.

Pete Werner has settled into the starting weak-side linebacker spot next to DeMario Davis and looked like a multi-year veteran with his instincts and savvy. The staff was so confident in Werner’s ability it let Kwon Alexander walk in free agency.

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Re: Don't look now, but the Saints' 2021 draft class is blossoming before our eyes
 

Adebo & Pete look to be ahead of the curve.

Turner, Young, Book ... jury is still out.

There's also a good chance Kawaan Baker is cut in a month.

Re: Don't look now, but the Saints' 2021 draft class is blossoming before our eyes
 

That was a good read. I really like this part:

The progress of the group is a lesson for everyone in this microwave society. As Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Monday, NFL players develop on different timelines. Some like Jahri Evans, Marques Colston, Alvin Kamara and Ryan Ramczk make impacts from Day 1. Others like Cam Jordan, Zach Strief and Akiem Hicks take a year or two to develop.

Seein how good a player like Cam has been over the years its easy to forget he wasn't spectacular from the start.

Re: Don't look now, but the Saints' 2021 draft class is blossoming before our eyes
 

Yeah. That's become a major pet peeve of mine. The impatience that some have with young players is a product of this "gotta have it now" way of thinking. Some of these younger players haven't even completely finished developing physically.

Re: Don't look now, but the Saints' 2021 draft class is blossoming before our eyes
 

Very true. Some people are fully developed at 17 (very rare) and some take almost ten more years (also very rare). But there is nothing uncommon with players, and men in general, to fully develop their physique in their early twenties.

Re: Don't look now, but the Saints' 2021 draft class is blossoming before our eyes
 

Exactly. My older son was a Division I swimmer so we followed that sport fairly closely. While female swimmers seemed to start peaking in their mid to late teens, the guys kept growing stronger and more coordinated well into their 20's.

Re: Don't look now, but the Saints' 2021 draft class is blossoming before our eyes
 

Look at Davenport as to how some players develop slower than others. That doesn't make it a bad investment