We are now less than a week away from the 2015 NFL draft. That means it is once again time for me to wrap up my draft coverage until after the draft is over by making my yearly (its only my second year but it counts) top 5 players for the Saints. Last year I was looking at the players who would fit best for our first round pick and this year will be the same. Without any further yammering on my end here are my top 5 targets for the Saints at both 13 and 31.
13.
#5: La’ell Collins
Collins is at number 5 here only because of the fact that the depth for the Saints both already on the team and in the draft at Guard is very good and that is the position he would be playing. Collins is a worthy pick, but the fact is that we can get a guard who is a close approximate to him later, but the top of this draft is really the only place with elite talents on defense and we need one. Tackle depth is also important, but if the Saints can land a defensive playmaker I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take one higher than many might expect, but then again maybe they have some small school gem in mind. You just never know with them when it comes to offensive lineman. The bottom line here is that while Collins is a top tier talent, he isn’t going to bring enough value at 13 to supersede the other four guys on my list in my opinion (that said if he is the only one left he is still a GREAT pick).
#4: Devante Parker
The next three names will all be defensive guys, but Parker at least has the potential to be a superstar in the league and his skill set fits the Saints offense very well. I personally like a couple of other receivers in this draft better (who will also be available at either 31 or 44), but there is no denying Parker’s abilities. I believe that PayLoo have a plan, and if they decide to pull the trigger on Parker at 13 there is a reason for it. I still greatly prefer defense, but will not make any judgments until I see the whole draft. Parker will most likely be the third receiver taken in this draft and if the top defenders are all gone I think he is a very safe pick for the Saints both immediately and in the long term.
#3: Bud Dupree
I have not been shy about my position that I think Dupree is the Saints ‘guy’ at 13 and that he will be an amazing pick up for the team. I stand by that. However, Dupree may not bring as MUCH of an immediate impact as the next two players. I also have him at the top of my board so often because I believe him to be the guy most likely to be available for us to pick at 13. In my opinion Dupree is the best OLB prospect in this draft and if he can refine his technique even a little bit…he could be borderline unblockable. Dupree is a freak of an athlete as well as an excellent character guy which is exactly what this disaster of a defense needs.
#2: Danny Shelton
Danny isn’t number one on my board for one reason and one reason only… depth. There is more depth at his position than there is than the guy at 1. That is it. Either way he is a monster of a man and could be a transformative player for the Saints defense. The idea of having him, Hicks, and Cam all on the same line is actually pretty terrifying (in a good way). Shelton is an ideal nose tackle with great size, solid technique, great power, and just enough athleticism to allow him to do more than just plug holes. Getting Shelton should improve the Saints defense significantly instantly and it shores up the second weakest area on our roster (in my opinion obviously).
#1: Vic Beasley
He was my guy several months ago, he is my guy now, and if he somehow is there at 13 on Thursday he will be the Saints. Beasley is the best pure pass rusher in this draft by a mile. He has the measurables to turn into a more than solid OLB and has the discipline and character that will allow him to turn his talent into production. Beasley is the one player that if the Saints move up from 13 (within reason obviously) to get I will be in 100% support of acquiring. I’m actually going to tentatively predict (read: hedging) that the Saints trade up with Washington to get him. There are only 3 elite pass rush talents in this draft (maybe 4) and among them Beasley is the only guy who I believe if the Season started in two weeks, he could go out and get sacks right away. That’s why he is number one.
31.
#5: Jaelen Strong
Marques Colston is at the tail end of what is, was, and will always be a legendary Saints career. He is a champion both on and off the field and one of the best men to ever wear the uniform. That said, the quiet storm is definitely nearing the end of his career. The Saints need a new guy who can provide both the elements of a field stretcher (not a game breaker, but a guy who can get you 20-30 on a single play consistently) and a possession receiver. Strong brings those elements to a T. He is actually very similar to Colston and just so happens to be pretty phenomenal at back shoulder catches…one of the specialties of Brees and a mainstay in Payton’s offense. There are other players who the Saints should/will be looking at ahead of Strong, but if those guys are gone, he could be an excellent pick up at the end of the 1st round.
#4: Eddie Goldman
Goldman was near the top of my list on my ‘where’s the beef’ article a couple of weeks ago, and with good reason. If the Saints either can’t get Shelton at 13, or elect to go another route, Goldman is an excellent second choice. He brings with him excellent size and mobility as well as some positional versatility (something that Shelton does not). Goldman can play all over the defensive line and wherever he lines up you can be sure of at least one thing…he is going to have an impact.
#3. Devin Smith
The receiver out of Ohio State is as close to a perfect replacement for Stills as there is. He has incredible deep play ability, excellent YAC ability, and is also a great punt/kick returner. Smith brings excellent value and depending on who the Saints take at 13 they could very well decide to bring the playmaker this offense needs opposite of Cooks. Smith is most likely going to be a true gamebreaker and I could easily see a WR core of him and Brandin doing very nasty things to the Saints opponents for a very long time.
#2. Stephone Anthony
Anthony is easily the most athletic linebacker in this draft. He is strong against the run, has tremendous quickness for his size (Payton said he wanted speed to the ball), and not only shows great room to grow, but is already competent against the pass. Anthony is a leader on and off the field and could be a tremendous addition to what is currently the worst linebacking core in the league (at least it was last year). Whether he is there at 31 or 44 Stephone Anthony should be near the top of the ‘want’ list for both Saints fans and the front office.
#1: Eric Kendricks
He is the best player in the draft at the Saints biggest position of need. Kendricks excels everywhere the Saints are weakest. He is a sure tackler, consistent (yes please!), and phenomenal against the pass. In a league that is trending more and more towards that end of the game Kendricks has the potential to be a star in New Orleans. His measurables aren’t quite as high as those of Anthony, but his tape is second to no one’s. I said it before and I’m saying it here; if Kendricks is available at 31 (and even if they trade up from there to get him) I think the Saints should skip over to hand in that ticket. Linebackers are the core of any great defense and Kendricks is the best we could get. That’s hard to top.
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