Throughout the 2022 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.
Here is where the New Orleans Saints rank in terms of average, best and worst:
- Average ranking: 18 (18th)
- Best ranking: 9 (USA Today)
- Worst ranking: 22 (CBS Sports)
Below you will find a post-NFL Draft roundup for the Saints in our consensus 2022 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 22
Player who benefited most from draft: QB Jameis Winston
Instead of drafting a potential future replacement at quarterback, the Saints made aggressive trades to support Winston with two first-round picks in receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning. Throw in the healthy return of No. 1 receiver Michael Thomas, and we should get a much better idea of how well Winston fits in New Orleans this season. The offense was decimated by injuries in 2021 when Thomas missed all 17 games, Winston missed 10 games and the top four offensive linemen missed a combined 32 games. -- Mike Triplett
Instead of drafting a potential future replacement at quarterback, the Saints made aggressive trades to support Winston with two first-round picks in receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning. Throw in the healthy return of No. 1 receiver Michael Thomas, and we should get a much better idea of how well Winston fits in New Orleans this season. The offense was decimated by injuries in 2021 when Thomas missed all 17 games, Winston missed 10 games and the top four offensive linemen missed a combined 32 games. -- Mike Triplett
NFL.com -- Rank: 20
The Saints did strong work in the first round on Thursday night, landing an explosive complement to Michael Thomas in Chris Olave and a replacement for the departed Terron Armstead at left tackle in Trevor Penning. These were both necessary moves if New Orleans hopes to see sustained improvement from Jameis Winston -- currently rehabbing after reconstructive knee surgery. The team is on track to fill another pressing need, with All-Pro safety, and Louisianan native, Tyrann Mathieu expected to sign with New Orleans. The Bucs remain the favorite in the NFC South, but the Saints should not be discounted.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 18
The draft filled two major holes at left tackle and speed receiver. They feel they have enough to compete, and that means they believe in Jameis Winston in a big way.
USA Today -- Rank: 21
Let's not forget how close San Francisco came to reaching the Super Bowl courtesy of a stacked roster that could endure middling quarterback play. After a statement draft and signing of hometown S Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans might have a better roster than those 2021 Niners -- and QB Jameis Winston showed a lot of promise prior to his ACL tear. But the main question is how this organization adapts to the departure of Sean Payton.
The Athletic -- Rank: 22
Are you ready for Year 2 of Jameis Winston in New Orleans? The Saints surveyed the quarterback market and, after missing out on Deshaun Watson, landed back on Winston. He threw 14 touchdowns and three interceptions for the Saints before suffering a torn ACL last October. Our panel picked the Saints as the second-best team in the NFC South. Will that be good enough for a playoff spot come January?
Previous updates:
More New Orleans Saints pages:
- New Orleans Saints Mock Draft Roundup
- New Orleans Saints Snap Counts
- New Orleans Saints Franchise Leaders
- New Orleans Saints Draft History
- New Orleans Saints Schedule
- New Orleans Saints Tickets
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