This is my fourth mock but I have to admit there’s a frustrating part to the process. As much fun as these are, not knowing whether or not Malcom Butler is on the roster (and what pick we would lose to acquire him) make it difficult to get really excited about these mocks. Until we know how much of a need cornerback is, it’s hard to approach these mocks. For the time being, though, Butler isn’t on the roster and the picks are what they are. So I’m drafting with the assumption he’s not on the team and corner is a major need.
1st round, 11th overall: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
If the Saints don’t land Butler, Lattimore falling to 11 would be a godsend. In this simulation the top 10 went as follows: Garrett, Watson, Hooker, Thomas, Foster, Trubisky, Adams, Fournette, Allen and Ross. I considered Derek Barnett who has been my frequent favorite in these mocks, but Lattimore falling to me was too good to pass up.
1st round, 32nd overall: Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
I was desperate for a pass rusher at this point but the value just wasn’t there and I couldn’t force it. Instead, I got everyone’s camp darling. If anything happens to Vonn Bell or Kenny Vaccaro the Saints are in big trouble because they have zero depth at safety. Melifonwu would allow them to continue employing the three safety look and his skillset would give Dennis Allen a ton of flexibility.
2nd round, 42nd overall: Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
I really couldn’t wait any longer for a pass rusher and I’m fortunate Lawson fell to this point. He’d battle with Alex Okafor and Hau’oli Kikaha for a starting spot.
3rd round, 76th overall: Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech
I didn’t really feel like a receiver needed to happen with this draft but I filled my 3 major need areas – corner, pass rush, and secondary depth (particularly safety). So I was allowed to play with this one. Quarterback was a position I seriously considered. Ultimately I think Henderson is an important addition with Cooks gone and I think he could come in and contribute immediately and be the next Kenny Stills (on the field, not off).
3rd round, 103rd overall: Duke Riley, LB, LSU
Back to defense. I considered Brad Kaaya of Miami here, but I just really don’t like the QB. Riley adds depth at linebacker and would be a special teams contributor from day one.
6th round, 196th overall: Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
I wanted a quick twitch receiving back that could be a major weapon in this offense. Pumphrey isn’t McCaffery but I think he’ll match up favorably for a roster spot against Travaris Cadet and Marcus Murphy.
7th round, 229th overall: Jerry Ugokwe, T, William & Mary
I really like this kid as a prospect. He’s 6’7″, 320lbs and moves extremely well. He’s a little inexperienced but I think he’s a phenomenal project at tackle.
Previous mocks:
3.0: Derek Barnett, Christian McCaffery, Tre’Davious White, Marcus Maye, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Jayon Brown, Jalen Robinette
2.0: Reuben Foster, Carl Lawson, Adam Shaheen, Dwayne Thomas, Trey Hendrickson, Greg Pyke
1.0: Derek Barnett, Tre’Davious White, Gerald Everett, Ethan Pocic, Hardy Nickerson, Tyus Bowser
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