2012 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round New Orleans Saints Predictions

When the New Orleans Saints are on the clock in April, fans can expect to see mostly defensive players chosen in the 2012 NFL draft.

Due to a trade in last year’s draft that allowed the Saints to draft Mark Ingram in the first round, the New England Patriots will have the Saints' first-round pick this year. That means that the Saints don’t have a first-round pick, but they still have seven picks because of the trade they made with the Washington Redskins for Jammal Brown a year-and-a-half ago.

Assuming that the Saints win the Super Bowl, they will have the last pick in every round, but that shouldn't affect this coaching staff's ability to draft great talent.

I firmly believe that this staff is the best when it comes to evaluating talent, with picks like Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Tracy Porter, Malcolm Jenkins, Jermon Bushrod, Jimmy Graham, Roman Harper, Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans in years recent.

The coaching staff will be eyeing defensive players to emerge into superstars for Greg Williams' defense, and there's some quality defensive players in this draft.

With the Saints looking to upgrade their defense, these are the picks that will do just that.

Round 2, Pick 64: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

This is a stretch, but the Saints need to land Jayron Hosley.

The reason this is a stretch is because I’m not so sure Hosley will stay on the board for this long. If that isn’t the case, I think the Saints need to trade up and get this guy.

The Saints have shown improvement in their secondary as of late, with Jabari Greer playing well and Patrick Robinson stepping up, but Hosley is a future superstar.

If you watched the Sugar Bowl the other night, you saw a young man wearing a No. 20 Virginia Tech uniform all over the field. Whether he was returning kicks, breaking up passes or making tackles, he was everywhere for the Hokies.

Hosley’s production was down in 2011, and because of that, he’s sneaked down on some draft boards. Because Hosley was dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, he only had three interceptions this season. That’s not a bad stat by any means, but this is the same guy that recorded nine interceptions in 2010. The drop-off in interceptions could become a blessing for the Saints if Hosley drops late into the second round.

Round 3, Pick 96: Audie Cole, LB, NC State

With Jon Vilma battling injuries all season long for the Saints, New Orleans will need to add depth to their linebacking core.

Jonathan Casillas stepped up and played well with 43 tackles and three sacks, but an addition like Audie Cole could do wonders for this defense.

Cole impressed many at NC State, as he turned in a great senior year for the Wolfpack. He posted 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 107 total tackles for NC State.

Greg Williams could have a lot of fun with Cole filling one of those linebacker positions on his defense.

Round 4, Pick 128: Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State

Did I mention the Saints are looking to upgrade their secondary?

It’s been a position the Saints have targeted every NFL draft as of late, and 2012 will be no different.

In the fourth round, the Saints should have a chance to draft a ball-hawking cornerback in Omar Bolden. What Bolden lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism and speed. And did I mention he has some skill in the return game as well? Take a glimpse at the video and check out Bolden's explosiveness.

While he made big plays as a return specialist, most of his big plays came at cornerback.

The 5’10", 195-pound corner made 138 tackles and seven interceptions in his career at Arizona State, and with the right scheme, he could find success in a black and gold uniform.

Round 5, Pick 160: Malik Jackson, DL, Tennessee

Malik Jackson didn’t have the senior season most people thought he’d have, but that was a common theme for the Tennessee Volunteers in general.

However, that doesn’t mean the defensive lineman didn’t produce, as he recorded 57 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble for the Volunteers.

His sack total was down from the 2010 season in which he totaled five sacks and recorded the only interception of his career.

On a defense that struggles to constantly get in the face of the opposing quarterback, Jackson could provide that need at a defensive end spot

Round 6, Pick 166: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

Simply put, I’m a fan of this guy.

I had the opportunity to talk with Casey Hayward at last year’s SEC Media Days, and I have to say, I was impressed with his demeanor and attitude toward the game of football. Not only is he a class guy off the field, Hayward made his mark on the football field in the nation’s toughest conference.

Hayward turned in a phenomenal senior season, with 62 tackles and seven interceptions with the Vanderbilt Commodores. In his career with Vanderbilt, this 5’11", 188-pound corner recorded 198 tackles and 15 interceptions.

In other words, he would be a steal in the sixth round, which is something the Saints have a knack for.

Round 6, Pick 192: James Carmon OT, Mississippi State

James Carmon upped his stock with his move to offensive guard, and because of the move, he could find himself playing professional football near his alma mater.

Carmon went from playing on the defensive line as a junior to playing on the offensive line as a senior, and he’s done a great job for the Bulldogs.

Composed of 320 pounds and a frame of 6’7”, Carmon is a beast.

It’s always great to have a quality backup behind your offensive line, and the Saints would be getting just that with Carmon.

Round 7, Pick 224: Chris Marve, LB, Vanderbilt

Chris Marve’s new nickname will be Mr. Irrelevant when the Saints take him with the last pick in the draft.

Marve turned in an outstanding career as a Vanderbilt Commodore with 398 tackles, 10 sacks and an interception.

In a league that features so many great athletes on defense, Marve was widely considered as one of the league’s best.

Marve would add much-needed depth for the Saints linebackers next season. He’s a versatile linebacker that could have a tremendous impact on the game, and Williams would love to scheme around this great athlete.