As you watch the combine, I thought I’d give you the 10 players most likely to be selected by the Saints at 13 right now, along with a write up. I firmly believe one of these ten guys will end up being in black and gold come mini camps. Here’s who we should all be paying closest attention to:
1. Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida
His stock is rising by the minute but many mock drafts have the Saints taking Fowler. But will he be available? He could project as an outside linebacker in the Saints scheme and his pass rushing ability is raw but significant.
2. Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
At 339lbs he’s a beast in size. If the Saints part ways with Brodrick Bunkley, Shelton could work in tandem with John Jenkins to really shore up the interior. A lot of people think Shelton will go before 13 because he posted 9 sacks despite his big size last year. This guy will be a major impact player for someone.
3. Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
I don’t think he’ll drop to 13 but he almost has to be the choice if he does. He had 14.5 sacks last year and he’s the complete package as a pass rusher. He’s extremely fast, extremely strong, and dominates. The Saints could play him immediately and get a huge boost defensively.
4. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The consensus best corner in the draft. At 6’1″ he has tremendous size for a corner, which we know the Saints require, and he has the elite speed to go with it. Unless the Saints address corner in a serious way in free agency, he’s almost a must to select. I believe he’ll be there at 13.
5. Brandon Scherff, G/T, Iowa
Can play either guard or tackle. This guy reminds me a lot of Carl Nicks. He is big, strong as anyone, and just dominates in the trenches. He’s as sure ticket of a future Pro Bowler as there is for an o-lineman. I’d have a hard time selecting an offensive player over defense given the Saints’ current needs, but if free agency goes well this would be a huge boost to the Saints’ interior. I know Brees would appreciate this selection.
6. La’El Collins, T/G, LSU
If you watched LSU play at all and watched what he did to their running game, you’d know this guy is fantastic. I think Scherff fits the Saints needs and style maybe a little better, but I’d love Collins for homer reasons. He’s an awesome player and will be an NFL star in my opinion. He’s maybe a little bit more power than speed, though, and we know the Saints like linemen that can move well.
7. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
3-4 outside backer that’s been as productive from a sack perspective as any player in the draft. I’ve seen him go to the Saints in a few mocks and I would love this pick. He’s just 100% pure pass rushing. But he’s also more athletic, fast and versatile than Junior Galette. He finished his college career with 33 sacks!
8. Bud Dupree, OLB/DE, Kentucky
Freakish in size for a “linebacker” this guy’s ceiling might be highest of everyone listed here. He’s raw but he has everything. Pass rushing, coverage, tackling, speed, size, you name it. He may not make the impact on day 1 that some of these guys will and may need a little seasoning.
9. Andrus Peat, T, Stanford
At 6’7″ he’s as big of an o-lineman as you’ll find. For his size he also moves well. He’s a smart player that is well rounded.
10. Randy Gregory, OLB/DE
Huge in size for a defensive player and he immediately stands out on the field. Some think he’ll go before 13 and he’s got great potential, but I’d honestly prefer all the guys I’ve listed above.
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