3 RBs the Saints Could Draft as Insurance for Potential Alvin Kamara Departure

The New Orleans Saints might have one of the best running back tandems in all of football at the moment, as the speed and pass-catching ability of Pro Bowl starter Alvin Kamara mixed with the power of dependable veteran backup Latavius Murray makes their offense as deadly on the ground as it is through the air.

Unfortunately, a Saints team that gave Michael Thomas and Andrus Peat new contracts in the last year could be forced to part ways with Kamara via trade (or Kamara could just outright leave in free agency next year) if players like Marshon Lattimore want new lucrative deals. The Saints need to prepare for this, so here are three backs they need to target in the NFL Draft.

3. Antonio Gibson, Memphis

Memphis RB Antonio Gibson / Joe Murphy/Getty Images

If you liked Tony Pollard last year, you're going to LOVE Gibson. While he only managed 73 touches on offense last season, Gibson, a hybrid wide receiver/running back, was able to show his uncommon speed and athleticism for the position at the Senior Bowl and the Combine. In the same way Kamara, Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles became versatile stars, Gibson could be one of the steals of the draft late on Day 2 or early on Day 3.

2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire / Chris Graythen/Getty Images

The former LSU star won't have to wait long to hear his name called in this draft. We knew the short, stocky running back is shifty and elusive, but it was his emergence as a pass-catcher and blocker that has NFL teams ready to use a Day 3 pick on the former Tiger star. New Orleans could allow him to eat up a good chunk of carries on the ground while taking advantage of his skills as a route runner.

1. JK Dobbins, Ohio State

Ohio State RB JK Dobbins / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

If New Orleans wants to use a premium pick on a running back, Dobbins could be right there for the taking. One of the best backs in the draft at creating something out of nothing, Dobbins' combination of speed and power makes him one of the best backs in this draft class. New Orleans could replace someone of Kamara's caliber with a player in Dobbins, who had a better collegiate career by far.