Every year I make a pre NFL combine “draft board” listing the top prospects as they relate to the Saints. These rankings are based on both overall talent and Saints need. Last year I didn’t have any quarterbacks on the list, for example. The need for a young quarterback is slightly higher this year as Brees ages, but for example you won’t see Jameis Winston and cornerback Marcus Peters on this list because they are not a good character fit for the Saints. Often times NFL will remove very talented players off their board completely if there are red flags with character or injury. I typically do one board a month as more updates become available on measurables, fit, off the field stuff and interviews. This is a list of 5o prospects, so it’s safe to assume that some of these guys at the bottom will be available in the 3rd round and maybe even the 4th.
* – strong 1st round candidate for Saints at pick 13
**- strong 2nd round candidate (meaning I think there’s a good chance they’ll be both available, and the selection)
1. Leonard Williams, DE, USC
If the Saints were picking 1st overall, I think this would be my choice right now. Williams is the closest thing this draft offers to J. J. Watt. I know that’s a ridiculous comparison and no player may ever live up to that standard in the next 5 years of draft classes, but Williams is polished in every department. He’s quick, strong, plays the run well, has pass rushing explosiveness. You name it. Would be an immediate boost to the slumping defense.
2. Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
It’s doubtful Ray would fall anywhere close to 13. I don’t care what happens with Junior Galette, his impact on the Saints pass rush would be felt immediately.
3. Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Another player that could be a premiere pass rusher in the league. He has a bit of an injury history and he’s not as explosive as Ray off the edge, but it’s still very likely he goes in the top 10.
4. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
He won’t fall to 13 and we’d all go crazy if the Saints took a receiver, but man, if Cooper falls to 13 he would be very hard to pass on. The best playmaker in this class and I fully believe he could make an Odell Beckham Jr like impact in year one. There’s no way the Raiders would pass on him, though.
5. Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
He’s an athletic 6’7″ end that dominates physically. If you think Akiem Hicks is a man child… It’s unlikely he makes it to 13.
6. *Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
He’s arguably the best corner in the draft, a huge position of need. And he’s 6’1″… we know how much the Saints love their corners to have size. Decent shot he drops to the Saints.
7. *Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson
Many mocks have him falling to later in the 1st round lately but I think he’s a terrific fit. His production at Clemson is undeniable. He’s a sack machine. I’d be happy with him at 13.
8. *Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
Another explosive pass rusher that would help the team. Many mocks have the Saints taking Fowler, including Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay of ESPN. I still like Beasley better but many disagree. Either way this is a very real possibility.
9. *Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Shelton is an excellent player and the interior will become an even bigger need if the Saints release Brodrick Bunkley. This guy dominated at the Senior Bowl.
10. Brandon Scherff, T, Iowa
The best tackle in the draft varies depending on who you ask. But Scherff and Peat come up most often. And with Brees’s height, the 6’4″ Scherff might be preferred.
11. Andrus Peat, T, Stanford
Like Scherff there’s a chance he could fall to 13 but most mocks have him going sooner. I think the focus at 13 has to be defense but if the players listed above are taken, the Saints could use an upgrade on the o-line too.
12. Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami
13 might be a little high to take him, but if the Saints move down I could see him getting strong consideration. He’s an inside backer that could replace David Hawthorne.
13. Ereck Flowers, T, Miami
This guy might need a little seasoning but the potential is off the charts.
14. Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Again, if Bunkley is out of the picture than the Saints will need someone to either spell John Jenkins or even compete for the starting job.
15. Marcus Mariotta, QB, Oregon
Here’s the reason I put him at 15: I don’t want the Saints to take Mariotta with the first 13 picks and it’s impossible all of the players listed above here won’t be available at 13. There will be at least two available to chose from. So for me Mariotta doesn’t enter the picture in the 1st round. If by some crazy miracle he were to fall to round 2, which absolutely won’t happen, then yes I would take him.
16. Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Like Mariotta I have no interest in him as the first pick. The Saints are crowded at safety. But as a 2nd round pick? He won’t fall that far.
17. **Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
I could see him dropping to the 2nd round but he’s gaining steam in the late 1st round mocks. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on. I’d love to have him. I also wouldn’t be broken hearted if the Saints reached for him in the 1st, depending on how his Pro Day and Combine go.
18. **Eli Harold, LB, Virginia
I’ve had a chance to watch this guy play a lot and he’s very athletic. Always plays fast and makes plays. He’s a little lean but he has a great blend of size, speed and height. This is a guy I zero in on in the 2nd round for sure.
19. **La’El Collins, T, LSU
I think it’s unlikely he falls to the Saints in the 2nd round but if he does I take him. We’ll see how the combine affects his stock but I could see him rising up and possibly making sense as the Saints’ first round pick.
20. DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
He won’t be available in the 2nd round and I don’t think the Saints should take a receiver with their first two picks. Remember this name though, he’s going to be a star.
21. **Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
He’s so good he’ll be the first back since 2012 to be taken in the 1st round. If he drops to Round 2 and Mark Ingram sounds elsewhere, I definitely consider it.
23. **Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
He’s got big play potential and he’s a rangy outside linebacker. Keep a close eye on him as the 2nd round pick.
24. **Alvin “Bud” Dupree, LB, Kentucky
A physical beast that runs well.
25. **A. J. Cann, G, South Carolina
The best guard in the draft hands down.
26. T. J. Clemmings, T, Pittsburgh
He’s too raw to take at 13 and has too much potential to fall to the Saints later. Worth keeping an eye on as depth, though.
27. Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi St.
A thumper in the middle with huge size for a backer at 6’5″. Could pair up nicely with Lofton but I don’t know how much he could contribute on special teams.
28. Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
He’s got all the measurables but a lack of that first step.
29. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
This is a potential riser and one to keep an eye on as going up this board. This is a weak class at corner but he has size and man cover skills. I think the Saints will give him a hard look.
30. P. J. Williams, CB, Florida State
I know what you’re thinking: “great another Florida State corner”. But some think he’s the best in the draft. He has size and man coverage ability.
31. Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
Another thumper but I think the Saints need to get faster at this position and he may not have the speed needed. If he falls he’d be worth it as a value pick, though.
32. Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas
Needs more polish but he’s a beast.
33. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
Needs polish, he’s more of a project guy with crazy potential. How the combine goes will dictate a lot for him.
34. Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU
Loaded with talent but I view him as a poor man’s Barkevious Mingo.
35. Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
Intriguing possibility in the 3rd round. If the Saints have two defensive players in tow after the first two rounds, would they take a receiver? Some think he might be the fastest player in the draft. Another field stretcher?
36. Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
Best tight end in the draft. Pairing him with Graham could be fun if the Saints let Ben Watson go.
37. Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
His 40 time might drop him but he’s a physical receiver that has terrific hands.
38. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
The injury issue makes him a red flag but he could be the next Adrian Peterson if he stays healthy.
39. Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke
Powerful interior player that plays smart.
40. T. J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama
Speed is a problem and he’s had fumbling issues, but he’s a polished and well rounded back that would fit the Saints system well.
41. Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
He has the physical skills but would need serious development to qualify as Brees’s heir.
42. Tre’ Jackson, G, Florida State
Big player that will need to develop his power but has solid potential.
43. Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
Former defensive player, so he’s raw, but has good potential.
44. Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Reminds me of Colston. He’s a TE/WR hybrid.
45. Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
Might be the fastest player in the draft.
46. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
Another project. More potential than substance.
47. Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Physical, good hands and runs good routes. Solid.
48. Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
Mike Bell meets Mark Ingram. If the Saints lose Ingram they could get a similar player at a fraction of the cost.
49. Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
Accurate passer that could work well with Brees.
50. Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State
You know Brandin Cooks will lobby for him. His turnovers and lack of arm strength are a concern, but he has NFL potential.
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