10 players that make the most sense for Saints in round 2

While I’m very pleased with landing Sheldon Rankins, there’s much work to be done to improve the Saints roster. The cluster of talent at defensive tackle is an interesting dilemma in round 2 now that the Saints have a defensive tackle on board. On one hand you’re thinking there’s no way they double up in rounds 1/2 at defensive tackle, but what if that’s the best player available? Remember, Nick Fairley and John Jenkins are both on 1 year deals at this point. So while the addition of Rankins means depth at DT for now, they’ll need more in the future. So I don’t necessarily shy away from a defensive tackle in round 2 based on how much talent is left (Chris Jones, Jarran Reed, A’Shawn Robinson and Andrew Billings just to name a few) but the ideal scenario here is to get value and fill a need at the same time. Here’s my guys.

1. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA – With Jack it’s all about risk/reward and how you feel about his knee evaluation. I’m not a doctor and I don’t have access to his medical file but is he off the Saints board completely? Or will be eventually be taken by the Saints if he falls far enough? At some point you have to justify it. The dude is a top 5 player in this draft.
2. Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State – I probably have him higher than I would have before the Rankins selection but the urgency to take a guard with Garnett and Ifedi off the board is higher. Some think Whitehair is the best guard in the draft, though. If he falls to the Saints I almost feel like they have to take him – possibly over Jack.
3. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State – I’m not too optimistic he’ll be there when the Saints pick. In fact, i’m surprised he made it out of round 1. As the best pass rusher and most complete edge player left, he’d be a huge get.
4. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson – He’s pretty NFL ready. This would be a great pick.
5. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State – I just feel like DE and G are bigger needs, but man, Thomas is an appealing option.
6. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State – I wrestled with putting him ahead of Thomas here. It’s close. I think he fills a bigger need.
7. Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor – He would fill a different role than Rankins, although admittedly he’s lower on this list because the Saints took a DT. I assume he’ll be gone but if he isn’t? Maaaaan.
8. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State – Man, I wish the Saints could justify this pick. I think he’s going to be so good. With Rankins though? It’s tough.
9. Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State – 15 sacks last year speaks for itself.
10. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky – With him it’s all about the interview. I didn’t get to sit in on it, obviously, but if the Saints feel good maybe he shoots up this list.

I didn’t include Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson who I view as 2 down one dimensional solid DTs, but they’re in the mix too. They would compliment Rankins more than Jones, actually, so in some ways they possibly make more sense. I just love Jones’s potential. Vadal Alexander, Jalen Mills and Su’a Cravens also deserve honorable mention and possibly a look in round 3.