DPOY or Bust: Saints Risk Everything If They Pick Asante Samuel Jr. Instead
As the New Orleans Saints prepare for a critical draft decision, rumors are swirling that they may consider selecting cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.—a move that could be as bold as it is risky. With a roster teetering on the edge of contender status and a defense in need of a game-changing presence, the Saints can’t afford to miss. If they pass on a Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) caliber talent for Samuel Jr., they may find themselves on the wrong side of history.
Samuel Jr., a second-round pick in 2021, has shown flashes of brilliance with the Chargers. He’s quick, instinctive, and brings NFL pedigree as the son of former All-Pro Asante Samuel. However, his inconsistency in man coverage and lack of elite physical traits have prevented him from reaching true lockdown status. At best, he profiles as a solid CB2—valuable, but not transformational.
The Saints, meanwhile, desperately need a cornerstone defensive player—someone who can anchor the secondary and make an immediate impact. With talents like Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cooper DeJean, or even a front-seven force like Dallas Turner potentially on the board, settling for Samuel Jr. could mean bypassing a future DPOY candidate for a safe, but limited, ceiling.
This is a franchise at a crossroads. Dennis Allen’s defense has always thrived with strong cornerback play, but the Saints are aging on defense and lack the dominant presence that once made them elite. Passing on a potentially transcendent defender to gamble on Samuel Jr.’s development feels more like a move made out of desperation than vision.
Even more concerning is the Saints’ recent draft history. They’ve been known to reach on need rather than value, and if they fall into that trap again, it could cost them dearly. In a division as wide open as the NFC South, one game-changing defensive player could be the difference between a playoff berth and another year of mediocrity.
Ultimately, this decision will define the Saints’ defensive identity for years to come. If they truly believe Samuel Jr. can become an elite corner, they better be right. Because if they pass up on a DPOY-caliber prospect for a middling fit, the bust label won’t just apply to the player—it will haunt the entire front office.
