Black and Gold X's and O's | What Are the Saints' Draft Needs?

We're now less than two full weeks until the NFL Draft (Saturday, April 25, noon somewhere on ESPN or NFL Network).

The rumors over what team is going to take who is, to say the least, getting old. I'm getting to the point I just want to shout "We're all a bunch of morons who nothing."

The truth is, none of us know who is going to take who. We can try to find patterns, like the Saints using two of their past three First Round picks on Trojans from Southern Cal.

Of course, if we do that, then it means this year's pick would be from the University of Tennessee. Unless something happens that nobody can predict, that's not going to happen.

So instead of trying to guess who that guy is going to be, let's simply look at some positions that it could be. Even doing that, is merely a shot in the dark. But at least it's a little more educated guess.

Running Back

I am of the opinion the Saints really do not need a "power back," at least not with the first pick in the draft.

I really like Pierre Thomas, and think between he, Heath Evans, Mike Bell, and Lynell Hamilton, the Saints surely can find a guy who can convert in short-yardage situations. I think Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis are simply trying to send a smoke signal when saying they are seriously considering a RB at No. 14.

Center

At No. 14, taking a center would be a reach, but with a trade down, a center may be appropriate if picked in the 20 range, or in the second or third round.

Whether Jahri Evans resigns or not could effect this, as someone like Alex Mack or Eric Wood would be able to slide over and play guard right away if asked to.

Because the Saints most likely will not be drafting a guy who needs to come in and start on Opening Day, picking a potential long-term solution at the center position does make some sense for Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis.

Pass Rusher 

Because of Gregg Williams defensive scheme, this could be a linebacker or a Rush End.

I am not on board with the talk that says trade Charles Grant. My opinion is that he is very valuable as a run stopper, and will likely produce better pass-rushing stats this season, once again because of the scheme.

But as the baseball saying goes, "you can never have enough pitching," I believe this adage applies to football in that "you can never have enough pass rushers" or coverage guys.

Because the NFL now revolves around throwing the football and being able to stop the pass, you need the personnel to do so.

The easiest way to do so is to not allow the quarterback the time to throw.

Cornerback/Safety

As I just mentioned, it is absolutely necessary to stop the pass in today's NFL. Obviously you would like to have DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, and LaMarr Woodley all going after the quarterback, but the reality is that will not happen. In at least a couple of games, your corners are going to have to cover somebody.

You don't need me to tell you that the Saints didn't do a very good job of that a season ago. While they've attempted to completely overhaul the secondary, there is still no guarantee those players are going to hold up.

According to the scouting report I wrote on Malcolm Jenkins, "there is very little chance he's a bust." I personally believe this year's defensive backs class is a pretty weak one with few guys who are going to stand out. But, it does provide a number of guys who have the ability to move to safety if they struggle at corner.

At some point in the draft, New Orleans should find a way to grab one of these tweener guys who can play either corner or safety. I say this, because I firmly believe you can never have enough cover guys.

Punter

I know this may sound odd, but there is little doubt that special teams have a huge impact each Sunday on who eventually wins a football game. I feel the Saints have found their field goal kicker, but am not confident they've found that guy who will consistently change field position.

Who is the next Mike Scifres or Shane Lechler?

Whoever it is, I hope the Saints can find him. A guy like that can only help you in the playoffs and in key games, where field position is so key.

A personal favorite to watch for is a guy named Aaron Perez out of UCLA. He has a tremendous leg and has pretty good "touch," as in being able to pooch the ball and get that backspin so that the ball hits around the one and comes back in to the arms of an eager gunner.

There are some higher-rated guys, but I think punters and kickers are as much, if not more, or a crap shoot than any other position.

This is a position I would really like to see the Saints address in the draft or through signing a priority free agent.  

Tuesday evening the NFL schedule will be announced. My column on Wednesday will give a brief, and much too early, preview of what to expect in each game.

Until then, Geaux Saints!