Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports Spencer Rattler, Bub Means, and Jaylan Ford were all selected in the fifth round. The New Orleans Saints drafted three players in round 5: Spencer Rattler, Bub Means, and Jaylan Ford. There are many different reasons why the Saints selected these prospects, some similar and some very different. QB Spencer Rattler - South Carolina 
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports At pick 150, the Saints selected Spencer Rattler. This pick was considered a head-scratcher, but there are many reasons why the Saints did this. Spencer Rattler was one of the most polarizing prospects throughout the draft process. The topic of character issues clouded any conversation that was based around Rattler. The Saints do not like to draft players with character or maturity issues, so if they feel that Spencer Rattler has matured, that is all that matters. Dennis Allen spoke about how Rattler’s name was staring them in the face throughout the draft until they decided to pick him. The Saints feel that the value and potential were too much to pass up. In 2023, Rattler was a team captain, and even when there were many flaws in South Carolina’s offense, Rattler never blamed anybody else. He shined in many aspects of his game during college, but his arm strength and pocket presence were the best traits. Rattler was named MVP at the Senior Bowl even though he only played the game's first two drives. This pick is not like the past selections of Ian Book and Jake Haener. The potential of Spencer Rattler is extremely high, and if this new offensive coaching staff believes in him, then he could be the Saints’ future starting QB. WR Bub Means - Pitt 
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images At pick 170, the Saints selected Bub Means out of Pitt. Going into the draft, WR was a top need for the team. It was believed that the Saints wanted to go for a stronger WR or TE and Means fits this mold. He is a 6-foot-1, 212-pound receiver who can make contested catches while running past defenders. This year, the Saints seem to value the Shrine Bowl as highly as they do with the Senior Bowl. Means was one of these participants, and at the NFL Combine, he had really good measurables. Means had a 4.43 40-yard dash and a 39.5-inch vertical. Hand size and wingspan are important for wide receivers, and Means had above average length in both categories. He also had a great performance in the bench press, which goes with what the Saints wanted going into the draft. The new Kubiak scheme values blocking in a wide receiver, and this quote from Means shows a big reason why the Saints selected him, “if you don’t block, you don’t get the rock.” LB Jaylan Ford - Texas 
Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images At pick 175, the Saints selected former Texas Longhorn Jaylan Ford. The linebackers in this year’s NFL Draft were one of the weaker position groups. Saying this, getting Ford in the fifth round is great value. Linebackers were not the biggest need for the Saints, but Jaylen Ford has great skills. If we just focus on special teams, Ford is very good and can contribute to the Saints right away. He is a raw prospect as a linebacker but has a lot of upside. In zone coverage, which is becoming more and more important in the NFL, Ford is really good at dropping back and reading the QB’s eyes. There is a very little chance that Ford will play linebacker in this upcoming season because of the current depth. He will be able to develop behind Demario Davis, who is the perfect person to learn from. Ford was a defensive captain for Texas and was looked at as one of the top locker room presences on the team. This seems like a theme for all of the Saints draft picks and goes with the Saints’ mission to have a great team culture. Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2 ... em-round-5
