Black & Gold Xs & Os: New Orleans Saints Pick Six Mock Draft

You could say this is a response, or addition, to my needs column. You could also say this is just a necessary article, considering the fact I am both a Saints FC, and college scout (well an unpaid one but I still am one).

Truth be told, it is both.

When I say ideal, I mean that in a perfect world the Saints would get these players in that particular round, without having to trade picks for them. Of course, it's beautiful that the Saints are able to pick from the 32nd slot for the first time in franchise history.

While this means the opinion, on the selected players, of talent evaluators will be lower, it does not mean the Saints cannot select some good players at their final selection slot.

In fact, reason says the Saints should be able to find one or two starters from this draft. Of course, the most likely players to fill starting spots would be players selected in the first and second rounds, but given the Saints recent draft history it is possible such players could be found even in the late rounds.

With that idea in mind, here are my ideal picks (by round) for the Saints with their current six draft picks.

Round One (No. 32)-  Daryl Washington, OLB, Texas Christian

Paul Augustin Jr. made this pick in the Featured Columnist Mock Draft. I couldn't agree more with this selection. Given the players that are most likely to be available at selection No. 32, Washington figures to be the best player available.

Among the things I love about Washington, the main one is that he is always around the football. He is a physical football player. He takes very good angles to the football and is a violent tackler. He is very instinctive and versatile.

He is able to cover man-to-man and in zone coverage. Finally, he has the burst and finishing ability to be an effective blitzer.

Other players I considered in this slot: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida & Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida.

Round Two (No. 64)-  Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

The honest truth is that Hernandez is likely to still be available at No. 64 despite my insistence that I considered him at No. 32.

Hernandez can be an H-Back type of tight end. He is explosive and provides yet another weapon to an incredibly dynamic offense. Add him to the mix with Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas, and Co., and you can bet Hernandez will learn to block.

He makes the offense better now, but also in the future.

Other players considered in this slot: Nate Allen, S, USF (Probably gone); George Selvie, DE, USF; Benny Sapp, DE, Clemson; Brian Price, DT, UCLA; Corey Wooton, DE, Northwestern.

Round Three (No. 95)-  Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson

It's possible Sapp will not be available in this spot. But if he is, he is a must pounce.

Sapp is an underrated talent at the defensive end spot. He figures to become a great pass rusher. With Anthony Hargrove re-signing and figuring to play some DE on run downs, Sapp can be an adequate backup at the spot and potentially become a pass rusher on nickel downs.

Other players considered in this slot: Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh & Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse.

Round Four (No. 130)-  Boo Robinson, DT, Wake Forest

Beyond the obvious, that the Saints selected two Wake Forest defenders in last years draft, Robinson seems to be a logical choice for the Saints in the fourth round for a number of reasons.

Robinson has good size (6'1", 295 pounds) with good mobility for his size, yet possesses an ability to take up space. He is effective versus the run, which is clearly something the Saints need.

This choice makes almost too much sense.

Other players I considered in this slot: Garrett Graham, TE/FB, Wisconsin; Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon; Dennis Pitta, TE/FB, BYU; and Charles Scott, RB, LSU.

Round Six (No. 201)-  Jonathan Crompton, QB, Tennessee

It's almost eery. Tom Brady was selected with the 199th selection in the draft. Crompton could go 201. He comes from a similar situation as did Brady. He has similar upside, despite never really living up to his potential at Tennessee.

By no means do I see Crompton becoming Brady anytime soon. And in reality, I have no desire for him to see the field anytime soon in New Orleans, save for preseason.

But, when Drew Brees' time does come to retire, how sweet would it be for Sean Payton to simply hand the keys over to Crompton as if nothing ever happened?

I might be higher on him than most people but I do see Crompton similar to a Matt Schaub or Charlie Whitehurst (someone who could be a backup for several years before then ascending to starter for another team, or your own like Tony Romo). In the sixth round, it's a no-lose situation drafting a player such as Crompton.

Other players I considered in this slot: Brandon Minor, RB, Michigan; Derek Hardman, OG, Eastern Kentucky; JMarcus Webb, OT, West Texas A&M; Nick Polk, S, Indiana; Robert Vaughn, S, Connecticut.

Round Seven (No. 239)-  Josh Pinkard, S/CB, Southern California

Pinkard is a very talented, yet inconsistent and often-injured defensive backfield player. He can play both corner and safety, so he gives you tremendous versatility.

He figures to be more of a safety at the defensive level. Realistically, he should be a very good backup and special teams player. But there is nothing wrong with that. If you can find that in the seventh round, you take it.

Other players I considered in this slot: Kevin Thomas, CB, Southern California; Devin Ross, CB, Arizona; Jordan Pugh, CB, Texas A&M; Jan Jorgensen, DE, BYU; Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State; Auston English, DE, Oklahoma; Doug Worthington, DT, Ohio State; and Michael Smith, RB, Arkansas.

Any of those final guys could be good players for the Saints to look at in free agency when the draft ends. Remember the Saints have done very well at the bottom of the draft, in addition to college free agency.

This is a very deep draft, so there will be some starters who don't even get drafted. If the Saints are able to find some of them, they look to have a better chance to stay on top of the NFL.