With many promising quarterbacks, receivers and offensive linemen at the top of the draft class, offense is likely to dominate Round 1. A case could be made, though, for going defense and gabbing a top prospect from a player pool that features less depth.

This year’s cornerback class has a handful of starting-caliber prospects at the top, and Alabama’s Terrion Arnold is at the top of the list. He combines big-program pedigree with good length (6’0″, 189 lbs), sound technique and schematic versatility.

“A complete and well-rounded defender, there isn’t much he can’t do,” Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. “Arnold performs best when in press man, but he has the versatility to play from off coverage and in zone, with the added versatility of playing from the slot.”

The Saints have one standout corner in Marrshon Lattimore, but their overall secondary was merely average in 2023—it ranked 17th in net yards per pass attempt allowed. Adding Arnold would quickly give New Orleans a boost on the back end.

New Orleans might be able to find a starting-caliber lineman or receiver in Round 1—the Saints hold the 45th overall pick—because both positions are deep. However, finding a corner of Arnold’s caliber on Day 2 isn’t going to happen.