2011 NFL Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints Patch Up Defense, Draft Aldon Smith
By on April 24, 2011
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2011 NFL Mock Draft Gives Saints Defensive End Aldon Smith To Boost Pass Rush
The New Orleans Saints were embarrassed in the playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks. More specifically, the defense was embarrassed in the playoffs. They gave up 41 points to a team that hadn't scored more than 18 points in their final three regular season games.
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The biggest reason for that defensive ineptitude was an inability to put pressure on the quarterback. This has been a problem for the Saints for years, but it finally caught up to them late last year.
Aldon Smith has the height and speed that will make him an ideal fit for this Saints defense. Scouts think that he needs to add a little more bulk to his frame, but playing on the turf in the Superdome will allow him to use his speed and quickness to run around defenders.
Smith is a very versatile player, able to play in the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. That versatility makes increases his value, and is the biggest reason the Saints are happy to scoop him up with the 24th pick.
| 1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton 2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus 3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller 4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green | 17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan 18. San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt 19. New York Giants: Mike Pouncey 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn |
| 5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert 6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn 7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson 8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley | 21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi 22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo 24. New Orleans Saints: Aldon Smith |
| 9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith 10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones 11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara 12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker | 25. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Smith 26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward 27. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Harris 28. New England Patriots: Justin Houston |
| 13. Detroit Lions: Da'Quan Bowers 14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget 15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram 16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan | 29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod 30. New York Jets: Stephen Paea 31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams 32. Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers |
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