These are the top 100 guys in the draft as they relate to the Saints. I compiled this list based on need, fit and overall talent regardless of fit/need. The order is influenced based on which players had the perfect balance of all three.
1. Jalen Ramsey, CB/FS, Florida State (#5 on NFL.com)
He’ll be gone by 12 but if the Saints were picking 1st overall, he’d be my choice. He reminds me of Patrick Peterson and he can do it all. His killer combine didn’t hurt things, either. A sure fire star.
2. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA (2)
Even with the meniscus surgery, he’s recovering well and a no brainer for the Saints defense. He’s fast to the ball, he’s tough, he can cover. He’s got all the intangibles the Saints would look for. His injury could drop him to 12, though it’s unlikely.
3. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State (6)
He’s been #1 on my board for a long time but I dropped him to 3 below Ramsey and Jack based on poor interviews and an average combine. I still think he’ll be a good NFL player but I’m not convinced he’ll dominate. I wish he was a little more mature and that’s a concern, but ultimately he’s just too good to pass up if he falls to 12.
4. DeForest Bucker, DE, Oregon (3)
I think he’s a better fit for a 3-4 defense and the Saints run so little of that I’m not sure he makes sense for them. I believe he’ll be gone before 12 anyway. But if he does fall, even with it being a poor fit, I think you have to consider it. He’s that much of a physical freak. And with a guy this good you can find a place for him in any defense.
5. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson (21)
He’s the prime candidate at 12, I’d say. I view him as the best pass rusher in the draft and a guy that immediately makes an impact on the Saints defense. He’s not a one trick pony, either. He could transform the Saints’ ability to get to the passer overnight.
6. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville (26)
Some will argue this is high and Rankins doesn’t really have the girth to play every down as a DT. His explosiveness and interior pressure on 3rd down is too good to pass up, though. The pocket push he would give would really open up the pass rush for the Saints. He’s a multiple player that can move around on the D-line, and NFL teams love versatility.
7. A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (9)
He was much higher for me early in the evaluation process but his stock has dropped a bit due to a questionable combine and pro day. Still, I think he’s a pretty safe bet in the NFL. He’s just so solid in all areas. His run stopping ability is nice, but pass rushing will need work.
8. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss (23)
I’d have him higher but I just think the Saints need to go defense early in this draft. To me he’s the best receiver in the draft and he’d fit a need.
9. Laremy Tunsil, T, Ole Miss (1)
The Saints have 3 tackles, so I wouldn’t draft Tunsil in the first round unless all the players listed above are taken. At some point, though, he’s too good to pass up.
10. Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State (35)
The guy can fly, he can cover and he’s a complete playmaker. Many will say this is too high but the Saints need coverage in sub packages on tight ends and backs, they need playmaking and they need speed to the ball. Lee is all of those things.
11. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State (27)
To me he’s the second best pass rusher in the draft after Lawson. He’s a one trick pony, though, and would be a liability against the run. His role would likely be one dimensional at first, but he’s explosive and would help.
12. Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (8)
Second best cover man in the draft.
13. Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame (7)
Since I don’t have him in my top 12 and there’s no way he’ll fall to the 2nd round, I’m very confident he won’t be a Saint. But he’s a good player.
14. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor (22)
On the off chance he falls to round 2, I’m very interested. He’s probably a longshot there, though. He’s worth consideration at 12, possibly, but that feels like a reach because the Saints need someone to help their defense now and he’s raw. So powerful, though.
15. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State (12)
He has a shot at going 1st overall. Highly doubt he’s an option at 12 and I’d probably pass if he was.
16. Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State (14)
Huge position of need for the Saints and he’s the best one. If he falls to their 2nd round pick they should sprint to the podium.
17. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State (62)
He’s moving up boards with his solid all around ability. Well polished pass rusher with an array of moves.
18. Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech (31)
This dude is scary. I think he could be a superstar. He’s explosive and measures out really well. Only downside is the lack of competition in college.
19. Deion Jones, OLB, LSU (98)
Some will think this is absurdly high, but how can we continue to deny his potential when he runs a 4.38? He’s got the high tackle numbers, the interceptions, all of it to prove he can play. I don’t care about his size, he can always bulk up.
20. Vadal Alexander, G, LSU (131)
I view him as the second best guard in the draft and he has some tackle ability in a pinch.
21. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson (18)
Shaq Lawson’s counterpart and some claim he’s better. I don’t buy that, but he’s a very solid player in all phases. Maybe a little bit more well rounded than Lawson but less explosive.
22. Su’a Cravens, OLB, USC (43)
I put him on an even playing field with Deion Jones. Very similar write up with perhaps slightly less speed and slightly better instincts.
23. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky (32)
His character question marks and poor combine terrify me. But his pass rushing is special.
24. Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State (75)
Remains to be seen if he’ll fall to the Saints in the 2nd round. If he does and they didn’t get a pass rusher in the 1st, though, this is a good selection.
25. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia (13)
His height is both an advantage and a weakness for his position. He’s well rounded, though you worry about his pad level in run support being so tall. He can blitz, cover and fly, though.
26. Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State (45)
I question fit because he’s more of a space eater nose. He’s got the size and power to be a really good two down player, though, and help put the team into obvious passing downs.
27. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (54)
Taking a receiver in the first two rounds not named Treadwell seems stupid given the defensive issues. Has all the ideal measurables you want in a #1 receiver, though.
28. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA (49)
Good fit for the Saints, I like him. Similar write up to Austin Johnson with maybe a higher ceiling.
29. Jared Goff, QB, California (10)
He’ll be gone by the time the Saints pick in the 2nd round.
30. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis (28)
Same as Goff, though I like his potential.
31. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama (11)
If the Saints move Anthony to another position and stick with a 4-3, Ragland starts to make more sense. For now, though, he doesn’t as much. Someone will take him in the 1st.
32. Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor (84)
Has great size and ball skills. He’s a physical cover guy. Exactly what the Saints love.
33. Darian Thompson, S, Boise State (107)
The guy was an interception machine in college. I wonder if he should be higher on this board with Rafael Bush gone. The Saints need depth at safety and realistically how much longer with Jairus Byrd be on the team?
34. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (4)
He’ll be the first back taken. A lot more needs on this roster than this position, but if he falls to the 3rd round I’d think about it. Maybe.
35. Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida (34)
Versatile player that can play end on rushing downs and tackle in passing downs. He’ll never be eye popping but could develop into a solid rotation guy immediately.
36. Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia (57)
He seems like a better fit in a 3-4 defense or I’d have him higher. I do like his smarts, though.
37. Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame (101)
High effort and great quickness. He’s another player that can move all around the line based on the situation. Great rotational sub potential across the d-line.
38. Jihad Ward, DT, Illinois (94)
He’s raw but has nice potential. Like Day he can move around the line which accentuates his worth.
39. Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford (50)
I think this is a really good fit in the 3rd round. Worth considering very seriously.
40. Sterling Shephard, WR, Oklahoma (41)
Reminds me a lot of Kenny Stills.
41. Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State (53)
His ACL tear in 2014 is the real knock, along with poor competition in college. Otherwise he’s a great player. He’s 6’5″, can blitz, can cover, he’s a terrific athlete. On paper he’s everything you want with star potential.
42. Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame (20)
Probably the fastest player in the draft. Blows the top off. If the Saints want to take the pressure off Brandin Cooks he’s a nice choice. He’s probably gone early, though.
43. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State (38)
His ratings are really up and down. Some people LOVE him. He’s one of those perfect size but young and raw guys – which terrifies me after the Stanley Jean-Baptiste experience.
44. Taylor Decker, T, Ohio State (47)
Again, tackle is probably not a position the Saints address early. He’s good, though.
45. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (39)
He might go in the first round. Personally, I’m not a huge fan. Lacks size and I worry about his attitude. Not sure he’s a good fit in the Saints locker room.
46. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor (36)
Like Fuller, this dude is scary fast.
47. Scooby Wright, OLB, Arizona State (61)
He might make more sense as an ILB in a 3-4. Fit is the question mark with him. He’s a try hard guy with great instincts.
48. William Jackson III, CB, Houston (40)
I may move him above Alexander soon. He’s fast and big. The lack of competition scares me but he looks special.
49. Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State (16)
Don’t see him making sense for the Saints unless all these players above him are gone in 4th round.
50. Jalen Mills, CB, LSU (150)
You can make up for a lot of technique flaws with speed.
51. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama (25)
He’ll be much, much higher on some team’s boards. For me he’s too one dimensional to really help the Saints. I don’t view him as an upgrade over John Jenkins.
52. Jason Spriggs, T/G, Indiana (105)
For the Saints he would make a lot more sense at guard. This is one to keep an eye on. He’s very athletic and moves well which would fit in perfectly with the Saints’ screen/pull system.
53. Harlan Miller, CB, SE Louisiana (89)
Good physical player with size. Would be nice to land a local guy.
54. Sebastian Tretola, G, Arkansas (153)
A beast physically. His mauling style reminds me a lot of Carl Nicks. His pass protection will need work but he’ll immediately be nasty in the trenches helping the run game.
55. Willie Henry, DT, Michigan (37)
Underrated player I like a lot. If the Saints don’t land a defensive tackle in the first two rounds, he might be there in round 3. Good base, good pocket push ability – a solid player.
56. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas (17)
I had Henry much higher on this list before the signing of Coby Fleener. Now, tight end isn’t really a need. But Henry is the best one in the draft.
57. De’Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State (127)
His stock is down and he’s been criticized lately, but he was never going to blaze the 40. He’s a receiver with ridiculous size that could bring a Colston type element.
58. Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama (55)
You’d want to move him to guard if you drafted him for the Saints. He fits well with the type of leader and character the Saints are looking for and he’s familiar with the zone blocking schemes they run.
59. Nick Martin, C/G, Notre Dame (73)
Very similar write up to Kelly above.
60. Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama (95)
I think he way too low on most rankings. The guy can play. Good physical press corner, though his size isn’t ideal.
61. Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State (111)
I think the Saints will go into camp with a Scobee-Forbath battle, so they’ll probably pass on him. He’s the best kicker in the draft, though.
62. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pitt (42)
Productive college player with incredible hands. Not small but not big either.
63. Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska (87)
Explosive interior pass rusher. Can get pushed around in the run game so he might be a pass rush sub at first.
64. Landon Turner, G, North Carolina (77)
I think his fit with the Saints is a little worse than some of the guards because he doesn’t move as well, which affects pass protection and pulls. He’s a monster, though, and his run blocking is plus plus.
65. Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State (83)
Everyone is foaming at the mouth of him because of his measurables and that’s great and all but he doesn’t know the position that well and he hasn’t produced yet. He’s lower on my list.
66. Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State (85)
No question he’s a good player but he comes with character concerns.
67. Josh Doctson, WR, TCU (39)
Reminds me a bit of Jarvis Landry coming out of the draft. He’s going to surprise some people.
68. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame (15)
For me it’s all about the injury with him. It wasn’t for possible nerve damage, he’d be the #1 player on this list. It’s impossible to know if he’ll ever be the same player and for that reason you can’t invest a top 3 round pick on him.
69. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State (24)
He’s moving up my list by the day. Based on the combine he’s the… complete package… He’s a little more raw than some but he has the potential to be huge with work.
70. Deiondre’ Hall, CB, Northern Iowa (128)
His 6’2″ frame is really appealing… but SJB nightmares abound.
71. Artie Burns, CB, Miami (64)
He’s all potential at this point. Inconsistent on tape, flashy in shorts.
72. Germain Ifedi, T/G, Texas A&M (44)
Once again he’d make sense at guard for the Saints. He is enormous, but I worry about his 6’6″ height with Brees at QB.
73. Denver Kirkland, G, Arkansas (350)
Speaking of enormous, 6’4″ 335lbs. What’s not to like? He doesn’t have the strength of his teammates Tretola though. He’s rated low on NFL.com but I’ve seen him play and he’s much better than they give him credit for.
74. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State (138)
The DUI thing is really stupid and he may fall out of my top 100 because of it soon. But I’ve always been a huge fan of the guy. Massively underrated.
75. Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State (68)
He’s a really solid all around tight end. I don’t think the Saints will draft this position but he’d be a welcome addition.
76. Jack Allen, C, Michigan State (109)
He’s small but everything you want in a leader and locker room guy. When you listen to the Saints describe what they’re looking for in a player, he fits every description.
77. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss (19)
Way down my list due to character concerns. I wouldn’t mess with him. But if he’s around in the 4th round, sure, I’d take him.
78. Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia (166)
Character concerns are major with him. Otherwise, he’s a stud. Ballhawk, good size, all of it. If he’s available late you take him and hope he can keep his head on straight.
79. Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor (82)
He’s a project, but 6’8″ 287lbs is a great place to start.
80. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (79)
He’s a playmaker but I’m not as high on him as most. He gambles too much and reminds me of Jason David.
81. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State (51)
Nice prospect, he’ll be drafted likely much earlier than where the Saints would consider taking him.
82. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama (30)
Ditto with Cook, I just don’t see the Saints drafting at this position.
83. Jerald Hawkins, T, LSU (113)
He’s a good prospect. Could see him making sense later in the draft.
84. Von Bell, FS, Ohio State (70)
He is going up my board. The question will be: can he play special teams?
85. Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State (116)
Decent looking receiver that Brees could potentially maximize. I like his tracking ability.
86. Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina (165)
I like his speed and size. If he can get more consistent he moves up this board.
87. Tyler Matakevich, OLB, Temple (200)
Fits the Saints locker room perfectly and would be a beast on special teams.
88. Kentrell Brothers, ILB, Missouri (65)
Reminds me a bit of Curtis Lofton. Not a great fit, but a good player.
89. Anthony Zettel, DT, Penn State (175)
He’s undersized but he’s all effort.
90. Jeremy Cash, SS, Duke (74)
A thumper that needs to play close to the line of scrimmage. Would be a good special teamer.
91. Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State (86)
His lack of size and his ACL injury plummet his stock, but his ceiling is real high. High risk, high return type pick.
92. Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State (162)
Good player but you’d want him either backing up Anthony or moving him to SLB/WLB.
93. Devontae Booker, RB, Utah (67)
He’s not big and he’s not fast but he can do it all.
94. Spencer Drango, G, Baylor (222)
Nice size guard that plays hard.
95. Max Tuerk, C, USC (81)
Would need to move to guard. He’s undersized but very athletic.
96. Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia (59)
A very good fit for the Saints. Has size and injury concerns or he’d be higher. But he plays tough, he’s a good leader and he can move around. Perfect replacement for Rafael Bush.
97. Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas (29)
Endurance and injuries are the concern with him, but he’s a 3 down player, potentially.
98. Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma (139)
Might be too small, but a good coverage linebacker at WLB.
99. Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers (170)
Underrated player. Produced enormous numbers in college.
100. Shon Coleman, T, Auburn (52)
Could be a good right tackle.
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