It’s been a solid first two days of drafting for the Saints overall. I think we can mostly agree that the Garrett Grayson pick is the most frustrating, but otherwise it’s been a solid draft that filled many needs. Tackle depth was one of my biggest concerns, and with Andrus Peat the Saints now have stability there. Corner depth feels much better now, too, and the Saints will have a lot of possibly competent guys competing for a chance to be the nickel guy with P. J. Williams added to the mix. The value with Williams was too good to pass up. Anthony has an extremely high ceiling, and Kikaha was the best pass rusher in the draft. No major complaints so far.
So where does that leave the roster, and which positions/players should they target on the third and final day of the draft?
The positions the Saints could address, in no specific order, are wide receiver, guard, defensive end, defensive tackle and tight end. The Saints only have four draft picks left unless they trade (two 5ths, a 6th and a 7th), so they’ll potentially have to go through the entire 4th round before being able to select again unless they maybe package their two 5’s together to move up. With only four picks left, though, they’ll be able to address all but one of those positions I just listed. Looking at my board, here’s a quick look at players they could consider:
Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas – I think he’ll be gone by the 5th round, but he’s at the top of my list of prospects if he’s available when the Saints pick. He’s a 3-4 end that could make the team and play well.
Tre’ Jackson, G, Florida State – Probably getting selected in the 4th, but if he falls he’s a must.
La’El Collins, T/G, LSU – I don’t know if they take him. They probably don’t. But man, how good is this offensive line with him on board? I think it’s worth the risk in the 6th round, even if he’s threatening not to sign. He may feel playing locally for the Saints is too good to pass up.
Nick O’Leary, TE, Florida State – I think he’ll fall to the 5th and he’s a versatile tight end that could compete for a roster spot as the #3 tight end.
Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska – He has good hands and excellent speed for field stretching. He reminds me a bit of Kenny Stills minus the route running ability. Something to keep a close eye on in round 5.
Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina – Doesn’t have ideal size or speed but he does everything else pretty well. Good hands, good blocker, smart. He’s a good fit for the Saints.
Michael Bennett, DE, Ohio State – Another guy I think will be gone by the time the Saints pick, but you never know. He would be a nice rotation guy to replace Tyrunn Walker. He’s a bit of a tweener, though, maybe better fit for a 4-3.
Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson – Good player but his size for a DT is not ideal. Could be a rotational guy.
Tony Lippett, WR, Michigan State – He compared with Nick Toon on NFL.com. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
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