When the New Orleans Saints selected Alontae Taylor in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, it didn’t seem like the consensus knew why. The reaction centered on need-based philosophy, previously traded draft capital, and his later-round projection by analysts. Frankly, it felt like classic fear of the unknown. Quite odd for a player who was the first freshman to start the season opener at defensive back for Tennessee since 2013. One in the SEC with consistent competition against receivers like Jerry Jeudy and Devonta Smith.
A team doesn’t select a player No. 49 overall with no picks until Round 5 without a vision. But it certainly wasn’t the unceremonious entry Taylor had into the league. When Marshon Lattimore was ejected in Week 2 against the Buccaneers, Taylor made his debut cold off the bench. He had yet to play a snap of NFL football. Tom Brady targeted him twice, and he broke up both passes. In limited game action, Taylor’s calm stillness shone through.
