2021 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Football Team goes offense in Round 1

Safety play has always been important for the Saints. Over the years, they have frequently run a nickel package featuring three safeties. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was the nickel last year with Malcolm Jenkins and Marcus Williams being the starters at the safety spot at that unit helped to solidify the team’s strong defense.

However, the position is a bit more of a question mark heading into 2021. Williams is set to be a free agent and the Saints currently rank dead-last in cap space among all NFL teams. Jenkins turned 33 at the end of last season and showed signs of decline.

Even if Williams returns, the Saints will need another safety to work along with him and Gardner-Johnson, especially if Malcolm Jenkins is cut or moved to a reserve role. Luckily for the Saints, Jevon Holland is available here and has sky-high upside.

Holland didn’t play in 2020 for the Ducks, but as a two-year starter in 2018 and 2019, he was superb. Holland was a ballhawk and grabbed a whopping nine interceptions in his 27 games of college action. He also proved solid against the run and has the size needed to be a terrific three-down player at the NFL level (6-foot-1, 201 pounds).

Holland figures to be a nice fit for the Saints, as they can mix-and-match their safeties to play to their strengths. Holland’s instincts will make him a nice addition and if they retain Williams, they will have a lot of weapons to utilize on the back end.

The Saints could also opt to add a receiver here to make the lives of Jameis Winston and/or Taysom Hill easier if Drew Brees retires, but for now, Holland seems like the better option.