Saints 2021 Draft Picks: Payton Turner Taken at 28th Overall

The Saints shocked many with taking a pass rusher in Payton Turner out of Houston.

John Hendrix | Apr 29, 2021

Despite all of the rumors and smokescreens, the Saints didn't trade up. They were able to make a selection at 28th, and they drafted Houston defensive end Payton Turner. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Elijah Moore were both there, but the Saints opt for a pass rusher.

Draft Profile Notes (NFL.com)

Three-year starter who has shown a continued level of positional growth that requires the attention of NFL evaluators. Turner is a big, long 4-3 defense end with natural play strength and a surprising level of bend and agility for his size. His technique and footwork are a little spotty, though. He plays with a narrow base and tall pad level, which will always be something he has to work around. He's growing into his frame and his talent. The tape shows a player who is beginning to understand his own strength and athletic potential. His pass rush plan is limited, but he has a go-to move that opens the door to quarterbacks. Once he gets an advantage, he is an absolute menace to recover against for blockers. His size and play traits will have both odd- and even-front defenses interested in him as a talented three-down starter who is still on the way up.

Top Remaining Needs

Cornerback
Linebacker
Wide Receiver
Offensive Line
Defensive Tackle
Tight End

Saints Remaining Picks

Round Two, 60th Overall
Round Three, 98th Overall
Round Three, 105th Overall
Round Four, 133rd Overall
Round Six, 218th Overall
Round Seven, 229th Overall
Round Seven, 255th Overall

Full First Round Results

Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Jets - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
49ers - Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Falcons - Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Bengals - Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Dolphins - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Lions - Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Panthers - Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Broncos - Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama
Eagles - DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama (Trade with Cowboys)
Bears - Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State (Trade with Giants)
Cowboys - Micah Parson, LB, Penn State
Chargers - Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
Jets - Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC (Trade with Vikings)
Patriots - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Cardinals - Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Raiders - Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Dolphins - Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Washington Football Team - Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
Giants - Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Colts - Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Titans - Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Vikings - Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Steelers - Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Jaguars - Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Browns - Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
Ravens - Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Saints - Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
Packers - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Bills - Greg Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Ravens - Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
Buccaneers - Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington

Published Apr 29, 2021

JOHN HENDRIX

I officially started covering the New Orleans Saints & other NFL topics in 2011. My work has been featured on various outlets over the years. I worked closely with Skyhorse Publishing in Fall 2018 to update the book, Tales From the New Orleans Saints Sidelines, which filled in all Saints material from the 2013-2017 seasons. Prior to joining Saints News Network, I served as the Managing Editor of SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles for 3.5 years, and before that with FanSided's Who Dat Dish as the Managing Editor for several years. I have also had experiences of being a freelance Saints reporter for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, MS and a contributing writer for WDSU, a local NBC TV station in New Orleans. I have appeared on a vast amount of TV and Radio shows, both nationally and locally. For tips, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at johnhendrix@saintsnews.net