The Saints currently have two picks remaining after trading up to land Vonn Bell in the 2nd round. Because they pick in the 5th and 7th round, they’ll have to sit through the entire 4th round and half of the 5th before they’re up to select again. Based on that, if they get lucky enough to land even one of these twenty players below I’ll consider it a win. Guard was my biggest need entering the draft and the biggest disappointment so far is that they haven’t addressed it. Now the Saints are left with just a 5th and 7th to get one. That situation is one to lament at a different time and post. Here’s my guys: Joe Dahl, Connor McGovern, Darrell Greene, Rashard Robinson, Alex McCallister,
- Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor: I don’t understand why he’s still available. It makes no sense. The fact that he’s still out there makes me nervous about taking him. Something must be wrong. He’s by far the best player left.
- Vadal Alexander, G, LSU: He’s the best guard left in my opinion and I’ve love to get a Tiger on the Saints. He’s enormous and powerful.
- Willie Henry, DT, Michigan: I don’t really want a defensive tackle but some of the ones left just grade so highly. Henry has the versatility to move around and I think he’ll be a good player.
- Harlan Miller, CB, Southeastern Louisiana: Good combination of size and ball skills, Miller is the best corner left in the draft. We know the Saints made a run Josh Norman and considered Vernon Hargreaves had he fallen to 12, so corner is on their radar.
- Miles Killebrew, SS, Southern Utah: The Saints drafted Bell but Killebrew plays closer to the box. He would be a backup to Vaccaro and a thumper on special teams. This guy brings the heat and punishes people like no one left in the draft.
- Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame: Another versatile player that can move around and grades highly.
- Christian Westerman, G, Arizona State: He’s such a good athlete that moves so well and has good pulling ability, he’d kill it in the zone scheme and screen game. A very good fit for Saints. He’s not the mauler Alexander or some other guards are – but I’m a fan.
- Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State: 20 sacks in one season at any level speaks for itself. Lead the NCAA in sacks last year. I think he’ll be gone after the 4th round, but if he falls to the 5th maybe the Saints will pass on a guard again?
- Sebastian Tretola, G, Arkansas: There’s a shot he’ll be there in 5th. He’s kind of the opposite of Westerman. A physical beast that mauls on the interior in the run game. He’ll need to work on his technique and pass protection moving laterally, but he reminds me a bit of Carl Nicks as a draft prospect.
- Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas: Health is a concern with him but he is so explosive on the interior.
- Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona: He’s not the biggest or fastest, but he’s a Sean Payton type of guy. Player that loves football and possesses A+ instincts. Good tackler, could be great on special teams, and would always be in the right place.
- Deiondre’ Hall, CB, Northern Iowa: Enormous for a corner at 6’2″ which you know the Saints like. He’s a great tackle with great ball skills. Extremely physical and he had 6 interceptions last season. On drawback is his lack of speed and fluidity.
- Landon Turner, G, North Carolina: Opinions differ greatly on this guy. Some think he’s the best guard in the draft and others think he’s a project. I think you almost have to take him in the 5th if he’s there. The potential is too high.
- D. J. White, CB, Georgia Tech: Doesn’t have the ideal speed or size the Saints would like but this guy is a true football player. Great instincts, skills, IQ and cover ability. Personally I value that a lot more than arbitrary measurables.
- Jeremy Cash, SS, Duke: Another thumper. Some think he’s the best safety in the draft. Fantastic run stuffer.
- Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State: Stout and solid. Don’t know that he’ll ever be a star but he’d come in day 1 and impress.
- Roy Robertson-Harris, DE, Texas El-Paso: A total project player but he has freak size at 6’7″ that has a high ceiling.
- Jatavis Brown, OLB/S, Akron: Tweener player that is probably best blitzing or in coverage. As fast as anyone in the draft. Would be a good sub package and special teams guy.
- Kentrell Brothers, OLB, Missouri: Could probably play outside or inside. Good ball finder.
- Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech: Reminds me of Darren Sproles. Small, but quick, great hands and deadly in space. I think other teams will rate him much higher but I wouldn’t hate him on the Saints. Running back isn’t a need but you know Payton could make him special – especially if Spiller can’t cut it.
- Alex McCallister, DE, Florida: Major potential if his head is screwed on right. I’d consider him in the 7th as a high risk guy. Big red flags character wise, though.
- Darrell Greene, G, San Diego State: Has some character question marks too. He’s a beast physically, though.
- Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU: Ideal size, speed and cover ability. Without the major red flags he’s probably a 1st or 2nd round corner. Like McCallister and Greene he’s a big risk with huge return potential. I bet one of these three guys will become a star and the other two will be out of the league in two years.
- Connor McGovern, G, Missouri: Not the biggest and doesn’t have great footwork. Still a good guard, though. I’d be ok with him. He’s very strong.
- Joe Dahl, G, Washington State: Played in a pass heavy offense so the Saints could be a good fit. Not the best athlete but another very solid player.
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