4 Players the New Orleans Saints Must Start Circling on 2013 NFL Draft Board

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With 11 games left in the season, there is still some time left for the New Orleans Saints to turn it around and try to make the playoffs. Yes, the playoffs.

But, while focusing on what's at hand, a successful team always looks ahead at the future and what the organization can do to improve the team. So, the New Orleans Saints should start circling some college football players that they feel may help them in the future. With what we've witnessed from the Saints through five games this season, we kind of see what problems they need to address, or at least fans hope they address, in the draft.

Since it's too early to know where the Saints will land on the draft board, let's just take a look at a few players they should be looking at to improve their roster.

Bjoern Werner, Defensive End from Florida State

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The Saints' biggest flaw this season is the pass rush, or lack thereof. And even though the Saints have tried to address this problem by drafting defensive ends in the past, they haven't seen results they were hoping to get. Veteran defensive end Will Smith is a shell of his former self and is due big money in 2013; the Saints can't afford to keep him around. Cameron Jordan is solid against the run but isn't the solution to the Saints' pass-rushing problem. The other ends Martez Wilson and Junior Galette are getting rotated in until they develop into complete ends.

Bjoern Werner is a dominant defensive end, is naturally quick for a guy his size and can fly off the snap; he is also a very powerful end that can knock tackles back. He is both a strong run-stuffer and pass-rusher. He has shown ability to hold ground and shed off blocks nicely. Werner can be a nice addition to the New Orleans Saints defensive line.

Corey Lemonier, DE/OLB; Auburn

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Corey Lemonier is a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid. He can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme. With his 6'4", 242-pound frame, Lemonier has the size and speed to beat tackles upfield and the upper body strength and quick burst to take on and beat offensive linemen.

With the Lemonier's high-motor, adding the defensive end from Auburn can help boost the New Orleans Saints' pass-rush.

Xavier Rhodes, CB from Florida State

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The New Orleans Saints secondary has gotten burned a few times. Actually, more so than a Saints fan would care, or remember, to admit. A little more help in the secondary wouldn't hurt the Saints.

Xavier Rhodes from Florida State can give the New Orleans Saints a nice boost in their secondary. He's a 6'2", 217-pound physical cornerback. He is aggressive at the line of scrimmage and can jam more physical receivers off their routes. He has the speed and footwork to run with receivers down the field. His play is consistent and opposing teams tend to throw away from the corner.

Chance Warmack, Guard from Alabama

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Offensive guard for National champion Alabama, he did an excellent job as part of the line the run blocked for Trent Richardson.

Warmack is a big lineman at 6'3" and 320 pounds and can move for his size. He is athletic, powerful and is a tough run-blocker, which is something the Saints need help with since the team's run game has been struggling in the 2012 season. Warmack needs some improvement in pass protection but is still pretty solid.

 

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