You thought I was done, think again! I gave you ESPN’s top 20 rated defensive players yesterday and I’m giving you 21 through 45 today. Once again I examine their fit for the Saints. The first list is of course the focus, but with 5 picks in the first 3 rounds you have to imagine guys lower on this list will be targeted too. Here we go:
21. Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami (NFL.com rank: #32 defensive player)
He’s a thick inside linebacker that lays the wood. The kind of force he brings with his hits is definitely something the Saints could use. Looking at him as high as #31 overall could happen, but the 2nd round makes more sense. He starts to be a no brainer if he falls in the 3rd round.
22. Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma (NFL.com rank: #15 defensive player)
He’s 6’5″ 329. You think Shelton and Goldman were big… NFL.com has he rated higher than ESPN, so he’s a bit all over the place in mocks too. He’s been a little less consistent than the other two in terms of production, but when he is motivated he’s shown the ability to dominate.
23. Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State (NFL.com rank: #26 defensive player)
The Saints need defensive end depth, and I think they could look for some as early as 31st, but definitely in the 2nd and 3rd round. Smith is a good fit and a nice all around rotational player that won’t be a liability or a superstar in any one area.
24. Carl Davis, DT, Iowa (NFL.com rank: #18 defensive player)
Yet another mammoth defensive tackle. There’s several of them in this draft, so if you wanted one you don’t have to take Shelton early. With Bunkley and Jenkins on the roster I question how big of a priority this is, but Davis is another monstrous player. He’s almost 6’5″ and 320lbs. While he has the measurables, though, Davis seems to have less endurance and energy than the other above him. I’d pass on him.
25. Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson (NFL.com rank: #28 defensive player)
Many Saints bloggers are gushing over this guy with good reason. He raised his stock with an incredible showing at the combine, which includes one of a kind speed. The guy is a 4 down linebacker that can cover and has the speed to cover some really serious ground. The Saints should absolutely take him if he’s available with their 2nd round pick. I believe he’ll be starting for someone his rookie season.
26. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA (NFL.com rank: #26 defensive player)
NFL.com and ESPN agree he’s the 26th best defensive player in the draft. He’s another guy I consider at both 31 and in the 2nd round. He’s a stout lineman that can play the run extremely well. He’d come out on passing downs because he’s not a difference making pass rusher, but he would make the Saints a better run defense overnight.
27. Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson (NFL.com rank: #25 defensive player)
He’s not big enough to play the 3-4 nose so I don’t think he’s a great fit for the Saints.
28. P. J. Williams, CB, Florida State (NFL.com rank: #20 defensive player)
His stock is dropping due to a recent DUI. He has the size the Saints like in corners, though. He’s strong and pretty athletic and I think he’d be a good fit. If he drops to the 3rd round because of this DUI and the Saints still haven’t taken a corner, I would take him in a second.
29. Eric Rowe, CB, Utah (NFL.com rank: #56 defensive player)
He has great size, one of the biggest corners in this drat. NFL.com likes him a lot less than ESPN, though, so his evals are all over the place. Reminds me a bit of Stanley Jean-Baptiste. He’s a gamble that either pays off big, or becomes a huge bust.
30. Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State (NFL.com rank: #21 defensive player)
Not as physical as some of these corners listed above but he has world class speed. One of the fastest corners in the draft and he can stay with anybody. I’m not sure he’s enough of a “football guy” for Payton, though.
31. Bernardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State (NFL.com rank: #24 defensive player)
Not the fastest guy but he’s thick, powerful and big. A real thumper in the middle. If the Saints want to be better at stopping the run, looking at him in the 2nd or 3rd round is worthwhile.
32. P. J. Dawson, OLB, TCU (NFL.com rank: #22 defensive player)
From a scheme standpoint he’s probably a weakside 4-3 linebacker, so that makes me question his fit in the Rob Ryan defense. Additionally there are some character concerns, so I’d be surprised to see the Saints draft him at all.
33. Mario Edwards, Jr., DE, Florida State (NFL.com rank: #51 defensive player)
Defensive end that is all potential with questionable production. In a 3-4 he’d be an end that leans more run defense than pass rushing. I’d pass on him. Like Rowe he’s a gamble that’s all over the place evaluation wise.
34. Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington (NFL.com rank: #29 defensive player)
He’s very fast and has a nose for the football. I like him as a player and he’s one of Brian Pavek’s favorite prospects. I just don’t think he’s a fit in the Rob Ryan defense.
35. Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas (NFL.com rank: #45 defensive player)
He’ll need to add size to make an impact as a 3-4 defensive end. Not a great fit.
36. Markus Golden, DE, Missouri (NFL.com rank: #69 defensive player)
Probably a rotational d-lineman. Not a likely target unless he falls to round 5.
37. Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State (NFL.com rank: #50 defensive player)
This is the one position the Saints need not draft.
38. Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU (NFL.com rank: #55 defensive player)
I love Kwon but he’s a 4-3 weakside player pretty much exclusively.
39. Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH) (NFL.com rank: #30 defensive player)
I think this guy could be a real solid player. His basketball experience gives him good footwork, good anticipation and good hands. He’s a bit of a question mark and not the fastest player, though. If he falls to the 5th it’s a no brainer.
40. Nate Orchard, OLB, Utah (NFL.com rank: #31 defensive player)
Reminds me of Junior Galette in terms of skillset. With Kasim Edebali as a good prospect on the roster and similar traits, I wouldn’t draft him.
41. Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU (NFL.com rank: #34 defensive player)
A poor man’s Barkevious Mingo. He’ll make you gush over his explosiveness but he’ll get pushed around in the NFL. Too much of a developmental project, though the ceiling is high.
42. Henry Anderson, DE, Stanford (NFL.com rank: #46 defensive player)
Decent fit as a 3-4 end. I would consider him in the 5th round but the 3rd feels like a reach and the Saints don’t have a 4th round pick. He doesn’t have the athleticism but he’s got the size and hustle. Would be a good rotation guy.
43. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon (NFL.com rank: #47 defensive player)
He’s coming off a serious knee injury and he’s 5’9″. But if the Saints don’t have a corner after 4 round, I’d consider him in round 5. He’s like Jabari Greer except with hands. I think he’ll be a good player if he can recover from his ailment.
44. Anthony Harris, S, Virginia (NFL.com rank: #49 defensive player)
Again, not a position of need.
45. D. J. Smith, CB, Florida Atlanta (NFL.com rank: #43 defensive player)
Decent player. Doesn’t have ideal size or speed, but he could compete with Brian Dixon for a roster spot.
NFL.com players in top 45 not listed on ESPN’s top 45:
#35 Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville
#36 Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville
#37 Marcus Hardison, DE, Arizona State
#38 Bobby Richardson, DT, Indiana
#40 Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss
#41 Derron Smith, FS, Fresno State
#42 Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn
#44 Frank Clark, DE, Michigan
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
