The Saints are going to draft DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE in this draft. That much we know. But who are the best defensive players anyway? I’ve listed twenty below, many of which we should be considering for the Saints at both 13 and 31 overall. These are the top 20 defensive players in the NFL draft according to ESPN’s scouts.com. Now as I think about “fit” for the Saints I think it’s important to think about a player’s skillset. The Saints are evaluating a number of things, but I think character, speed (Sean Payton has already said speed to the ball is a must) and how NFL ready they are (Payton mentioned this as another important factor) are the most important characteristics for the team right now. I also added NFL.com’s rank for comparison.
1. Leonard Williams, DE, USC (NFL.com rank: #1 defensive player)
He won’t be available at #13 but he’d be my first pick overall if the Saints had the choice. He looks like the complete defensive end that can pass rush and stop the run.
2. Dante Fowler, Jr., DE, Florida (NFL.com rank: #2)
He was going to the Saints at 13 in a lot of mocks prior to the combine. Once he blew up the combine, though, most mocks had him in the top 5. Everyone seems convinced he’ll become a double digit sack machine overnight. Too bad the Saints won’t have a look at him at 13, but as recent drafts have shown, the explosive one trick pony pass rusher is never a sure thing.
3. Arik Armstead, DE/DT, Oregon (NFL.com rank: #6)
He’s 6’7″ athletic freak that is all over the place in mocks. Some are in the top 5, others have him falling to the tail end of the 1st round. The reason why it’s so scattered is he’s not sure thing. His height and athleticism make him a high ceiling player, but he may not be NFL ready and he’s a little bit of a “tweener” in terms of the position he’d play. There’s a decent shot he’ll fall to 13 but I’m honestly terrified the Saints might take him. I just think he’s far from a sure thing. But since we talked about Payton wanting “NFL ready” defenders, my guess is he won’t be the selection.
4. Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska (NFL.com rank: #5)
Another freak pass rusher, but this was comes with some baggage. After a failed drug test at the combine and some drug history prior – Gregory to me is a guy that should be viewed as a high risk player. Yes, you could get an explosive and difference making pass rusher – but don’t we already regret investing in Junior Galette? He’ll probably be there at 13 and I’d pass. The Saints have met with him extensively, though, so if they select them you can rest assured they’ve done their homework and feel good about how he’ll mature.
5. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State (NFL.com rank: #8)
Some of you have been shy about this selection and I agree that corner is a position that takes more time that others to develop. But Waynes has size, speed, technique, physicality and smarts. I would be thrilled with this pick. He would be a starter in no time flat for the Saints and I do think he’s the best corner in this class.
6. Danny Shelton, NT, Washington (NFL.com rank: #7)
The Saints’ run defense has been awful for years and Shelton would fix that. He’s may be a bit of a one trick pony but he deserves very serious consideration if he falls to 13. The Saints do have Bunkley and Jenkins but if Shelton is at 13 he’d be an upgrade and it may be too good to pass up. At 6’2″, 339lbs, weight needs to be watched closely.
7. Malcom Brown, DT, Texas (NFL.com rank: #11)
At 6’2″, 319lbs he doesn’t have quite the size of Shelton. He’s a fantastic player and if he fell to 31 by some miracle he deserves immediate consideration. He’s physical, he’s big, and he’d be a good fit. I just don’t think I can justify him at 13.
8. Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri (NFL.com rank: #3)
A pass rushing beast. He was my selection in my latest mock draft and there’s a 50-50 shot he’ll be there at 13. The Saints need speedy linebackers and he definitely qualifies.
9. Landon Collins, S, Alabama (NFL.com rank: #9)
With Jairus Byrd, Kenny Vaccaro, Rafael Bush, Vinnie Sunseri, Pierre Warren, Marcus Ball and Jamarca Sanford this is the deepest position on the team. No need to consider him.
10. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington (NFL.com rank: #19)
Like Gregory this guy has huge question marks to go with all world potential. Some view him as better than Waynes in terms of raw ability. He was kicked off his team in college, though. Like Gregory the Saints have spent a lot of time with him. They’re certainly doing their research but at the end of the day this is another guy where I think the risk outweighs the reward.
11. Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State (NFL.com rank: #12)
This has potential at 31 if he falls. At 6’4″ 336lbs he is like Shelton in terms of girth. He will devour the line of scrimmage. I think he’s a great fit if he falls.
12. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest (NFL.com rank: #17)
He’s got the size, intelligence and traits to be a good 31st overall or even a 2nd round pick for the Saints. One to keep an eye on for sure.
13. Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA (NFL.com rank: #23)
Some mocks have him going 31st overall to the Saints. There is no question this is a position of need for the Saints. He has the speed and intangibles the Saints are looking for. He makes sense on every level. He’s a four down linebacker that can cover, too.
14. Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky (NFL.com rank: #14)
Larry Holder’s favorite player in the draft is one with freakish pass rushing skills. He’ll be available at 13 but not at 31. I would pass because while he has potential, he’s no sure thing. But he’s an intriguing prospect. He certainly looks awesome in shorts.
15. Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia (NFL.com rank: #13)
He’s another explosive pass rusher that had a lot of success in the ACC. I’ve seen Harold play a lot being in Charlottesville and while I like him, he’s too light in the pads to make an immediate impact. If the Saints don’t draft a pass rusher by round 2 – I’d consider him if he falls. Otherwise I wouldn’t reach.
16. Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut (NFL.com rank: #39)
Again he has the size and character the Saints are looking for. A very good fit. Could be taken at high as 31, or in the 2nd round, or he could fall to the 3rd round. That’s where I’d wait for him personally.
17. Hau’Oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington (NFL.com rank: #33)
I’m intrigued if he falls to the 2nd round and the Saints still haven’t taken a pass rusher. He’s a bit of a one trick pony but his production in college is impossible ignore. His injury history is a little scary.
18. Mike Bennett, DT, Ohio State (NFL.com rank: #16)
Likely too light in the pads to play nose. He’s got an explosive quick first move, though, and would be an excellent interior pass rusher. He’s not a terrible fit but I think other guys make more sense.
19. Jalen Collins, CB, LSU (NFL.com rank: #10)
It’s surprising to me that he’s highly regarded since he was a nickel at LSU. Then again, LSU’s DB’s are all NFL quality. The Saints have already expressed high interest in him because of his size and potential. Everything looks good on paper and he’s one to keep an eye on at 31. I’d love an LSU player but I think he lacks the playmaking ability.
20. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson (NFL.com rank: #4)
I literally cannot believe he’s this low. I’m floored. The Saints will be lucky if he falls to 13 and would be crazy not to take him. He’s my dream scenario.
NFL.com top 20 defensive players not listed on ESPN:
#15 Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
#18 Carl Davis, NT, Iowa
#20 P. J. Williams, CB, Florida State
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