Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Today, the New Orleans Saints will be examined. Picking 12th overall, New Orleans will look to address other needs after attacking their front seven throughout free agency.
New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Defensive Back
Upon the release of the off-season needs for the Saints, the position of defensive back was left off the list because the front seven held higher priority. With the additions made this spring, New Orleans can focus on the secondary, annually the team’s largest defensive concern, in this year’s draft. A second-ranked unit in 2013, the Saints reverted to their woeful ways the past two seasons. Injuries haven’t helped the cause, as key names Jairus Byrd and Keenan Lewis have missed significant time since the 2014 campaign. Big-name free agent Brandon Browner was a bust in 2015, so New Orleans needs to refortify its cornerback depth.
According to most mock drafts, the Saints are expected to acquire a defensive lineman with their first-round pick. Afterwards, the cornerback spot comes into play. Although they’ll miss out on Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Virginia Tech’s Kendall Fuller may be an option in the second round. If they hold out on the position, the Saints may decide between homegrown prospects Harlan Miller (Southeastern Louisiana) and Rashard Robinson (LSU) in the fourth round or beyond.
Offensive Guard
A main reason why the Saints offense has excelled greatly in the past decade is the play of their offensive line. Placing top five in all but one season since 2006, the Saints front five has done a stellar job protecting their franchise quarterback, Drew Brees. From 2009-2012, the men upfront surrendered an average of only 24 sacks per year. Since 2013, the annual takedown average has increased to 33 a season. Age has contributed to the unit’s gradual demise, so it’s only right for the Saints to look to upgrade their offensive line in the draft. Terron Armstead and Andrus Peat are plugged in as the team’s tackles. With six-time Pro Bowler Jahri Evans released, guard is the biggest hole to fix. The unique thing about New Orleans is that most of their best linemen in the past 10 years (Evans, Armstead, Zach Strief, Carl Nicks and Jermon Bushrod) were drafted in the third round or later. The Saints could potentially choose LSU’s Vadal Alexander (LSU) in the second round.
Outside Linebacker/Defensive Lineman
Signing productive veterans like James Laurinaitis and Nick Fairley this offseason has helped New Orleans solidify its front seven. As the draft quickly approaches, it’s never a bad idea to look for the future. The Saints can still take either A’Shawn Robinson (Alabama) or Sheldon Rankins (Louisville) in the first round, and they could potentially corral LSU’s Deion Jones in a middle round. The team would definitely benefit by adding some versatility on the defensive side of the ball.
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