In 2008, the New Orleans Saints managed to miss the playoffs once again. Ending the season with an 8-8 record and finishing dead last in the NFC South, it is obvious what the Saints' needs are. I am going to break it down some more.

In 2008, the Saints' defense has shown some improvements, moving from 29th to 23rd. Not too much to be excited about though. They were ranked 23rd against the pass, 11th in the league in interceptions, fifth in pass deflections, and 22nd in the league in sacks. The Saints were also ranked 17th against the run.

In the 2009 draft the Saints need to invest 80 percent of their draft picks into the defense. They need help in all categories of the defense, but what I think is the most important thing to address is the pass rush.

With underachieving, overpaid defensive ends in Charles Grant and Will Smith only registering six sacks combined, it is an obvious need. The Saints could consider starting defensive end Bobby McCray, who registered six sacks last season. All three of the Saints linebackers only registered one sack each.

A dominant pass rush would better a Saints' secondary in no time. The truth is, if the Saints did draft a CB in the first round, how long is he going to have to cover his receiver if we don't have a pass rush? Dominant defenses can get to the quarterback, which will allow the cornerbacks and safeties to force more turnovers.

So, with the 14th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft the New Orleans Saints should select defensive end Everette Brown, who has recorded a total of 20 sacks in his last two seasons.

A pass rush will better any secondary; look what the New York Giants' secondary does for them.