We’ll have plenty of time to discuss how glorious the move to get Brandin Cooks on the Saints was, and that it was, but for the time being there’s still the rest of the draft to complete. Tonight we’ll get the 2nd and 3rd rounds. In the Saints’ case, that 3rd round pick is now gone as they shipped it off to Arizona in an effort to acquire Cooks at 20th overall. So the only pick the Saints have tonight, barring another trade, is the 26th pick in the 2nd round. I wouldn’t completely rule out the possibility of a receiver even though the Saints landed Cooks, but that seems less likely now that they’ve added the explosive playmaker. Removing the receivers from the equation, then, here are the fifteen prospects that I think fit the Saints best to keep an eye on with the 26th pick tonight in order of best to worst (58th overall):
1. Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri: I don’t think there’s any way he drops to 58th but you never know. Not quite as explosive as Junior Galette but he’d be a good rotational guy with some versatility. Like Galette his lack of power isn’t ideal but he is a good situational pass rusher.
2. Morgan Moses, T, Virginia: I didn’t like him as a 1st round pick, but in the 2nd round he seems like a great addition. He has the size and skill to be a starter for sure, and having him develop behind Terron Armstead and Zach Strief would be a great situation. He’s an immediate upgrade over Bryce Harris as the primary backup tackle in 2014, and I would feel good about him in an early spot start if necessary.
3. Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame: He reminds me a lot of Akiem Hicks. The Saints don’t need another interior/end guy in the rotation really so it doesn’t really fit a need. But he’s worth considering if available because he’s powerful and quick for his size.
4. Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech: He’s a well rounded player that is perfect for Rob Ryan’s defense. He can run, he’s fast, he can pass rush, and even cover a little bit. He needs to develop his strength but could contribute on special teams in year one. If Victor Butler can’t rebound from his injury this is the perfect replacement. Remember this name I think it’s a great fit and a great possibility if available.
5. Marcus Martin, C, USC: The Saints have Tim Lelito as their starting center currently. Enough said. Even if he doesn’t start in year one he has the versatility to play guard so he can back up other positions. That makes him a good fit because the Saints usually carry only one backup for all three interior offensive line positions.
6. Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska: The idea of a 6’3″ corner is already very appealing to everyone, but now that the NFC South has added huge targets in Mike Evans (Tampa) and Kelvin Benjamin (Carolina), Jean-Baptiste would be a nice answer to cover them with.
7. Cyrus Kouandjio, T, Alabama: I’d put him at the top of this list if it wasn’t for the knee condition that was flagged at the combine. The fact that he wasn’t drafted in the first round is concerning. At some point in the draft you have to roll the dice on a guy so talented though.
8. Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA: Expect to see some interior linemen on this list, there’s good ones still available and it’s a big need.
9. Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State: He seems like a quality person which usually elevates prospects for the Saints.
10. Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood: A playmaker with great hands and anticipation. He comes from a small school which has never been a concern to the Saints.
11. Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State: Another 3-4 outside linebacker prospect that graded pretty well overall. Character is a concern, though, as he’s had disciplinary issues.
12. Keith McGill, CB, Utah: See the write up on Stanley Jean-Baptiste above. McGill is even slightly taller.
13. Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU: He keeps dropping down my wishlist because I just think this is a highly graded prospect that will flop in the NFL. Still, he fits a need.
14. Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State: Arguably the best center in the draft. He has a 3rd round grade but since the Saints don’t have a pick why not maybe reach?
15. David Yankey, G, Stanford: Many mocks had him going 32nd to the Seahawks but his stock seems to have fallen of late.
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