Sean Payton says Saints planned to draft Patrick Mahomes

With the 11th pick, the Saints selected Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who became NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and a four-time Pro Bowler. New Orleans continued at QB with Drew Brees, a future Hall of Famer who retired after the 2020 season.

Mahomes has become a generational player and, according to Payton, the NFL's best QB.

"He was the best I ever evaluated coming out of college," Payton said. "And there's a gap before the next one. So, he's that good."

In a Week 1 win over the Cardinals, Mahomes threw for five touchdowns and completed 30 of 39 passes.