When a team gives up two first-round picks in the NFL Draft to select a player, they have to think that team thinks the player has star potential, especially when that player is not a quarterback.

The New Orleans Saints think they have found their next star trading up with the Green Bay Packers to get defensive end Marcus Davenport from the University of Texas-San Antonio.

For Davenport, he has all the talent to be a star, but the big problem is that he is raw and will be a project for the Saints.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Seahawks news: Seattle reunites with ex-Pro Bowler on 1-year deal
Seahawks reunite with ex-Pro Bowler on 1-year dealChris Spiering ·
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft introduces the team's number one draft pick on the game field at Gillette Stadium.
Robert Kraft makes major promise for 2025 Patriots seasonBen Strauss ·
Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) fakes a handoff to running back Austin Ekeler (30) during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Jayden Daniels’ star teammate makes ‘powerhouse’ Commanders predictionBen Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks over his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Aaron Rodgers promises to disappear when he retires from NFLBen Strauss ·
San Fransisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who may head to WWE after he retires.
49ers’ George Kittle reveals WWE-filled retirement plansAndrew Korpan ·
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) warms up before he game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field.
Browns’ Diontae Johnson comes clean about decision that led to Ravens suspensionMiguel La Torre ·

For a team that is a win now mode, that makes the trade up even more interesting because in his first year he probably won't actually contribute that much. Davenport is built like a Jadeveon Clowney, but he is a lot less polished than Clowney was coming out of college.

In high school, Davenport was actually a wide receiver until his junior year when he switched to defensive end. The switch caused him not to be highly recruited out of high school. After he finished college, Davenport was still under the radar a bit until the Senior Bowl. He opened up a lot of eyes at the Senior Bowl with his knack for creating turnovers and that led to him to shoot up the NFL Draft boards.

Davenport is a real project for the Saints, but in a few years, if he does turn out, this could still turn out to be a steal. For Saints fans, they need to be patient though and not start calling him a bust too early.