2011 Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints Revised, Mo' Better Edition

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As we edge closer to the 2011 NFL draft, many of the players have settled into their respective draft spots. It's becoming more and more clear just where each person will go, and that enables us to evaluate just who each team might be eyeing. Here is another look at what might play out at the 24th pick for the New Orleans Saints. 

Make no mistake that, if it were me, Reggie Bush would be traded for more picks and another running back would be selected in Round 3 with the 88th pick of the draft. However, it's still unclear as to what will come of Reggie in NOLA, and I must consider the possibility that he will remain with the team for the 2011-2012 season. This is my newest mock draft going on those assumptions.

My picks are not only based on position of need and best pick available, but also players that can contribute right away with limited amount of time spent on the bench.

1st: Justin Houston DE Georgia 6'3", 270

The Saints can't afford to let this picture play out again in Georgia.
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It's seeming more and more likely that Ryan Kerrigan is going to find a home in either Jacksonville or Tampa, (crap). Of all places he could end up right?

Any way, getting more production from the end position has to be priority No. 1 for the Saints this year. Seeing that Kerrigan is off the board, the Saints will turn their eyes to pass-rushing specialist, Justin Houston from Georgia. 

He might be asked to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle, but he would most likely take over for Alex Brown right away. Keeping him from Atlanta at pick No. 27 is another added bonus.

2nd: Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina 6'2", 241

Bruce Carter is very athletic and versatile.
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A few people might be wondering why I would select Carter over better pass rushers like Brooks Reed or Dontay Moch.

Carter offers much more in pass coverage over those guys and has been playing OLB his entire college career. He would have a much smaller learning curve and should be used on all three downs.

3rd: James Carpenter Tackle Alabama 6'4", 321

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A fellow fan has convinced me that we need to target an offensive tackle in the third round over a running back. We're also both in agreement that James Carpenter would be the best tackle on the board. This would mean that Carpenter, Brown and Bushrod would compete for the position if Bushrod is to return.

3rd: 88th Pick Rob Housler TE Florida Atlantic 6'5", 248

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If you missed this guy at the combine, you really missed out on something special.

He seemed to catch everything that came his way while showing great feet and route running. He also ran an amazing 4.46 40 yard dash at 6'5". Jimmy Graham greatly helped Brees out many times last year with some amazing catches, showing how important adding weapons at every position really is.

 
With the release of Jeremy Shockey, it would be a great idea to add another pass-catching tight end. Yes, I know Shockey was a great blocker, but my idea is not to duplicate the team of last year, but to make it better. I think most teams know that Payton wants to throw the ball whether David Thomas (second string tight end) is in the game or not. Adding Housler would give teams fits trying to figure out if they should cover him with a LB or an extra DB. If you need more proof that two pass-catching tight ends can work well together just look to New England.

7th: Dejon Gomes SS Nebraska 6', 208

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Very little is ever said about Dejon Gomes, and that's a good thing for the Saints.

He's a junior college transfer that only played two years at NU. Those two years were very productive however. He was responsible for 12 turnovers and 145 tackles in just two years at Nebraska.

He could possibly challenge Roman Harper for a starting role or at least keep him on his toes.