This is my second mock draft for the 2019 NFL Draft upcoming in under two weeks. In my first mock, the New Orleans Saints made a trade with the Green Bay Packers to acquire another second round pick. This move allowed the Saints to draft wide receiver N’Keal Harry from Arizona State. No doubt, the Saints are looking to add a receiver or two from the NFL Draft. Still, there are plenty of other needs too.
In this mock draft, the Saints made a trade with the Arizona Cardinals at #65 and make a move to add a pick in the early third round. In return, the Saints give up a third rounder and a fifth in 2020. The Cardinals have 11 draft picks. Surely, if the right offer comes their way, a trade can be a possibility. This additional pick allows the Saints to have the #62 and the #65 pick. It’s basically two late second round picks.
New Orleans Saints Mock draft 2.0 with Pick from Arizona
Pick #62: Edge/LB Chase Winovich, Michigan
Chase Winovich has one speed. He’s a guy with a motor that always is running hot. Winovich is 6-foot-3 and weighs 256 lbs. He worked out as a linebacker and a defensive lineman on his Pro Day. NFL.com Lance Zierlein compared Winovich to Markus Golden. “Fueled by a chip on his shoulder and a gas tank full of energy,” Zierlein said.
An overachiever for sure. Winovich is as physical as they come. The knock on him may be his outlandish hyped up personality. The Saints could use plenty of that. His 40-yard dash of 4.59 seconds was fourth among all edge players. “He’s solidified a second-round grace,” Mel Kiper said. Winovich played tight end at first in high school but found a place on the defensive side. Teammates have described him as “playing on the edge of crazy.” He is the ultimate chip on the shoulder kind of guy. “The team that drafts me will get their money’s worth,” Winovich said.
This player is a game changer. Seriously, the Saints have to find a way to draft this beast.
Pick #65 Third Round (from Arizona): Tight End Josh Oliver, San Jose State
Josh Oliver can be the tight end of the future for years to come. Oliver is a relentless worker and constantly looks for ways to improve his skill set. He’s a threat on the field as a receiver all the time. In 2018, Oliver caught 56 passes for 709 yards and four touchdowns for a 12.7 avg.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6o3a2fwAz4
After the NFL Combine, Oliver looks to be on the move up the draft boards. Also, Oliver loves going for the ball. He led all tight ends with 16 contested catches. At 6-foot-5 and 250 lbs. he’s simply unfair in a matchup. A huge body that can block out defenders. A tight end that can stretch the field. Another must-have.
Fifth Round: Running Back Elijah Holyfield, Georgia
After the NFL Combine, many scouts may have jumped off the hype surrounding Elijah Holyfield. But guess what? His measurables were equal to a pretty good running back you may have heard of…Mark Ingram. Holyfield didn’t get a 6.4 yard per carry by accident at Georgia. And that’s playing against the SEC week in and week out. Holyfield is going to make every team pay for passing on him.
Sixth Round: Cornerback Mark Fields, Clemson
If that name sounds familiar it should. Mark Fields is the son of former Saints’ player Mark Fields who was drafted back in 1995 in the first round. Nevertheless, there is football is the son’s blood. Fields had a strong week at the Senior Bowl and is also garnering more attention. He’s a bit new to the scene, starting only one game in 2018. That being said, he has the chance to be a contributor with the right team. He blazed a 4.37 at the NFL Combine too. That’s second best for the 40-yard dash. Could be a late round gem.
Second Sixth Round Pick: Wide receiver Greg Dortsch, Wake Forest
Greg Dortsch is another late round sleeper gaining traction. Responsible for neraly 40% of the offense from Wake Forest. He’s tough and a grinder. Elusive and speedy bursts that can be of help on special teams. Dortsch is undersized at 5-foot-7 and weighing only 170 lbs. Needs improvement on route running. Maybe the better version of TommyLee Lewis hopefully.
Seventh Round: Quarterback Jacob Dolegala, Central Connecticut
Jacob Dolegala is a long shot to get drafted. However, Jim Kubiak has an eye for talent and mentions Dolegala with Peyton Manning, Vinny Testaverde, and Kerry Collins.
Kubiak has spent time on the field with all three. “I try to base my opinions off things that I’ve seen. I’ve been up close to those guys, and the velocity and accuracy Jake throws with is right in the ballpark. His discipline with his footwork, same thing. It’s tremendous.” Whether or not he can even be near those quarterbacks is unknown. Regardless, there is a growing buzz erupting in the last few weeks. Dolegala could be sought after for a project under Sean Payton.
Last Pick Seventh Round: Offensive tackle Olisaemeka Udoh, Elon
Last but not least, the Saints pick Oli Udoh. Udoh is a huge offensive tackle weighing almost 330 pounds with a 6-foot-5 stature. Udoh is a another small school prospect that needs a chance. Could be a great candidate for the practice squad or a developmental player. He’s also a two time Academic All-Conference pick. Saints need depth on the offensive line. Udoh would be a perfect candidate to learn and soak out all the knowledge from NFL coaching. This mock draft addresses every single need and desire in 2019.
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