Analysts Differ On Saints Draft Needs In 2016
Miller made his mock draft on December 8th prior to the Bucs game and had the Saints picking at 6th overall which may be music to those in the tank department.
Oct 10, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
His first round pick for the Saints would be Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (6-3, 240 lbs.); who is widely considered to go in the top ten of the upcoming draft.
Smith is followed closely by Alabama’s Reggie Ragland to be a team’s immediate starter at the inside linebacker position.
Miller actually did a three round mock, so for his second round pick he went with Nebraska defensive tackle Maliek Collins; and for his third round pick he selected Michigan tight end Jake Butt (Butt announced on December 8th he’d be returning for his senior season)
My take: I absolutely love the Jaylon Smith pick by Miller and this is also quickly becoming the favorite choice of many for the Saints considering the lack of depth at the weakside linebacker position which is accentuated by the team’s current starter Dannell Ellerbe’s track record with injuries.
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
I agree that defensive line should be addressed in the second round but if there is also the need for a guard along the offensive line.
Beyond Benjamin Watson and following the departure of Jimmy Graham, the Saints really haven’t had a true threat at tight end but they’d have to strike Graham-like gold in the later rounds with that position.
Next: The Gang Over at Walter Football.com