SmashMouth

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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