The New Orleans Saints picked defensive end Payton Turner out of the University of Houston with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Despite rumors that the Saints could move into one of the top 10 picks of the draft, they stayed firm at 28.
Despite the need to address holes at the cornerback, linebacker, and wide receiver positions, they decided to address the defensive end position. With the departure of the 2020 team sack-leader in Trey Hendrickson to free agency this offseason, head coach Sean Payton and general Mickey Loomis felt that Turner would be the best fit for the team despite some quality prospects remaining on the draft board.