Analysts Differ On Saints Draft Needs In 2016

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell poses with New Orleans Saints top draft choice defensive end Cameron Jordan of the University of California during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints followers already had begun mental preparations for the end of the season and gone into full-blown NFL Draft mode — with myself being among them.

Ok, to be honest I’d gone into draft mode just before the bye week after seeing that the team looked to be in a downward spiral that could only be stopped by the final game of the season.

There has been some contention as to if a better draft position would be the ultimate prize to come out of the dreadful 2015 season leading some fans to pull for an all out tank job by the team to land something in the top eight picks.

But looking at the track record the team has had in their selections, there is no guarantee that even that could help.

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According to NFLTradeRumors.com, the Saints currently hold the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft but could go higher since they are tied at a 5-8 record with teams like the Miami Dolphins who hold the 8th overall pick.

My draft needs waned back and forth with some games looking like the Saints should focus on the offensive side of the ball (offensive guard/wide receiver), then on other occasions looking like it should lean more towards the defensive side (linebacker/defensive line).

Analysts have also differed on their opinions in some recent mock drafts, so let’s take a look at what they may feel is the biggest need for the Saints.

Starting with these guys………..

Next: The CBS Sports.com Crew