New Orleans Saints Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

The hours are winding down until the 2015 NFL draft kicks off, and the New Orleans Saints are in final preparations for the team’s most important draft in recent years.

New Orleans, which finished 7-9 last season, heads into the event with nine total selections. If the team doesn’t make any trades, this year will mark the Saints’ highest number of picks since 2002. While general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Sean Payton will likely be focusing on shoring up the New Orleans defense, a few offensive picks are in order as well.

The Saints addressed some of their needs in free agency, but in order to return to playoff contention in 2015, they’ll need to reel in multiple instant contributors in this draft.

What positions will the Saints target? In what round will they target them? Continue reading for an in-depth look at what the New Orleans big board might look like at six critical positions of need.

Edge-Rusher

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When the Saints inked veteran cornerback Brandon Browner to a three-year deal this offseason, pass-rusher became the top position in need of an upgrade.

The Saints pass defense was undoubtedly atrocious last season, but the secondary didn’t receive much help from the edge defenders in coordinator Rob Ryan’s disappointing unit.

Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. is regarded by most draft analysts as this year’s best edge-rusher, and the Saints would likely have to pull off a blockbuster draft day trade in order to land him. The pass-rushers named below, meanwhile, could all be attainable for New Orleans, although the Saints might have to trade up if they want to land the No. 1 player on this board.

The team’s top pick, No. 13 in Round 1, is the most favorable spot for the Saints to pick an edge-rusher. Here’s a look at some of the top names in this year's class.

1. Vic Beasley, Clemson

If the Saints do any trading up in Round 1, the end result will likely be Vic Beasley holding up a black jersey as the newest New Orleans Saint. The Clemson product has a long list of desirable attributes as a pass-rusher, including speed, strength, agility, explosive power and body control.

A former running back, Beasley is one of the most athletic players in the draft at any position. He can get after the passer from a three-point stance as an end or from a standing position as an outside linebacker.

If he falls unselected to pick No. 13, don’t hold your breath waiting for the Saints to pass on him.

2. Bud Dupree, Kentucky

Another edge-rusher to keep an eye on is Bud Dupree. The Kentucky defensive end possesses better size than Beasley at 6’4” and 269 pounds, and although he isn’t quite as quick, he has more moves in his pass-rushing arsenal.

Dupree played well in an aggressive scheme under Mark Stoops at Kentucky, and Ryan would most likely utilize his talents in a similar fashion. Like Beasley, he can operate out of a two- or three-point stance, and he’s known for his relentless pursuit of ball-carriers.

My favorite aspect of Dupree’s game is that he closes like a freight train and thoroughly demolishes quarterbacks and running backs when he arrives on the scene. The former Wildcat standout is a very realistic possibility for the Saints at pick No. 13.

3. Randy Gregory, Nebraska

While Beasley and Dupree are both impressive prospects, Nebraska’s Randy Gregory may be the most complete package of all the pass-rushers on the board.

He displays fantastic speed and quickness off the edge, but he also has an extensive set of moves. At Nebraska, he did an excellent job of varying these moves throughout games, as he often mixed things up from one play to the next.

As many who closely follow the draft already know, Gregory comes with baggage. He failed a drug test at the scouting combine in February, and a positive drug test at such an important event can lead scouts to question a player’s commitment.

The Saints have a history of avoiding players with such question marks, at least in the early rounds. Whether they’ll pass on a top-notch talent like Gregory, if he’s available, remains to be seen.

4. Shane Ray, Missouri

Another pass-rusher who has recently joined Gregory as an undeniable talent with question marks off the field is Shane Ray. The defensive end from Missouri was arrested for marijuana possession Monday, and such a mistake just three days before the draft could affect his status as a can’t-miss Round 1 prospect.

On the field, however, there’s a lot to like about the All-SEC performer. He’s best known for his pedal-to-the-metal intensity coming off the edge, and he never lets up over the course of a game. He doesn’t have a large repertoire of moves like Dupree or Gregory, but his raw athleticism is off the charts.

5. Eli Harold, Virginia

If the Saints don't go edge-rusher at No. 13, their No. 31 pick would be an ideal spot in which to consider Virginia outside ‘backer Eli Harold. Although not quite as athletic as the other pass-rushers on this list, the former Cavalier standout makes up for it with his aggressive, attacking style.

He also plays with excellent technique. After setting up opposing blockers with repeated attempts to turn the corner, he can turn the tables and beat them with an unexpected move to the inside.

Harold definitely needs to get stronger, but he could develop into a reliable pass-rusher in Ryan’s scheme.

Inside Linebacker

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For the first time since 2011, Curtis Lofton will no longer patrol the middle of the Saints defense. The Saints cut the three-year starter at inside linebacker this offseason, and David Hawthorne is expected to slide over and man Lofton’s vacated spot as New Orleans' primary run-stopper at the second level.

New Orleans acquired the versatile Dannell Ellerbe in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, but the Saints are still very thin at the inside ‘backer spot. An injection of athleticism at this spot would do wonders for Ryan’s defense in 2015, and it will be a major surprise if New Orleans enters the third round of the draft without addressing this position.

It just so happens that there are numerous inside ‘backer prospects who are projected as late-first- and early-second-round picks.

1. Eric Kendricks, UCLA

UCLA’s Eric Kendricks is a prime candidate to be taken by the Green Bay Packers just a slot ahead of New Orleans at pick No. 30 in Round 1. If the Packers pass on him for an outside linebacker, which they also need, don’t expect the Saints to allow Kendricks to make it into Round 2.

The former Bruin is a tenacious run defender, and his instincts and play recognition are a big reason why. He’s relentless in pursuit, and his ability to cover ground in pass coverage makes him a desirable commodity in the late-first, early-second-round range.

If the Saints land Kendricks, they would instantly upgrade their athleticism at the inside linebacker spot. The 2014 All-Pac 12 selection may even be able to push Ellerbe as early as fall camp for the starting position opposite Hawthorne.

2. Denzel Perryman, Miami

If the Packers happen to scoop up Kendricks at pick No. 30, there’s a good chance the Saints can address a different position with the No. 31 pick and still grab the impressive Denzel Perryman at No. 44.

Standing just 5’11,” the inside ‘backer out of Miami doesn’t have ideal height for the position, but he has plenty of other desirable traits that more than make up for it.

On film, the most noticeable of these is his unyielding physicality. To put it in simpler terms, Perryman loves to hit people. His highlight reel is loaded with bone-jarring tackles, and he explodes through ball-carriers with violent intensity.

He’ll need to improve his pass-coverage skills at the next level, but his aggressive mentality and obvious love for the physical aspect of the game would be welcomed warmly in New Orleans.

3. Stephone Anthony, Clemson

Clemson’s Stephone Anthony is another athletic inside linebacker who could be a candidate for New Orleans at either pick No. 31 in Round 1 or No. 44 in Round 2.

The 6’3,” 243-pounder has excellent size, and he wowed scouts at the combine with his speed and agility. He’s a highly physical player with a desirable mean streak. He’s also known for his work ethic and willingness to take coaching.

Anthony could stand to improve on some things, such as his pursuit angles and his play recognition. With time, however, he could develop into a solid starter in Ryan’s 3-4 scheme.

4. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

Another option for New Orleans at pick No. 44 is Benardrick McKinney. The 2014 All-SEC performer has excellent height at 6’4,” and he displays nice instincts for the inside ‘backer position.

The former Mississippi State Bulldog has decent skills in pass coverage, but it’s his abilities as a run defender that make him a projected second-round pick. He’s an explosive tackler who demonstrates proper technique, and if Kendricks, Anthony and Perryman are all taken, he would be a solid pickup for New Orleans in Round 2.

Wide Receiver

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There’s no argument that New Orleans needs help in multiple areas on the defensive side of the ball. The team has ridden on the wings of a highly productive passing attack throughout the Payton era, however, and it’s doubtful that Payton intends on letting his offense slide any time soon.

Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills are no longer in the mix as popular receiving targets for quarterback Drew Brees, and if the Saints are to remain one of the league’s elite offenses in 2015, they’ll need to add another capable wide receiver.

Due to their strong need for defensive help, the Saints aren’t likely to address the position at pick No. 13. That means they’ll probably watch as Amari Cooper of Alabama, Kevin White of West Virginia, DeVante Parker of Louisville and Breshad Perriman of Central Florida all get swiped off the board.

Even after all these players are spoken for, there will be a nice crop of receivers to choose from, and many of them are projected to go from the late-first through the third round.

1. Phillip Dorsett, Miami (FL)

Picking for the Saints, I was able to snag Phillip Dorsett at No. 44 in Bleacher Report’s community mock draft, although it now seems unlikely that the speedy Miami wideout will be available in the second round.

With each glimpse at his highlight reel, it becomes more and more apparent that he’s one of the most explosive wideouts in the class. He accelerates to full speed almost instantly in the open field, and he also displays excellent hands.

Despite the presence of Brandin Cooks in New Orleans, there’s room for another fleet-footed deep target in the Saints lineup, especially with Stills no longer in the fold. Dorsett may indeed last until pick No. 44, but thanks to his blinding speed, that isn’t a safe bet.

2. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State

Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong is one of the more well-rounded wideouts in the draft. Possessing sturdy build at 217 pounds, the 6’2” possession receiver doesn’t do anything great, but he does a lot of things well.

He can come up with the tough catches in traffic, and due to his physicality, he can be tough to bring down after the catch. He’s also a decent route-runner who can be a strong asset in the short passing game.

It’s not difficult to envision Strong developing into a reliable target in the New Orleans offense. He may not hear his name called until after pick No. 20, but it will be somewhat of a surprise if he’s still around at the start of Day 2.

3. Nelson Agholor, USC

Another fast wideout expected to hear his name called in Round 2 is USC’s Nelson Agholor. The Nigerian-born All-Pac 12 performer not only has adequate straight-line speed, but he also displays exceptional quickness in small spaces. This helps him get separation from defenders on his routes, and it enables him to juke defenders for extra yards after the catch.

In addition to his offensive skills, he’s a capable return man. This alone makes him an intriguing prospect for the Saints, as Jalen Saunders needs a bigger body of work before New Orleans settles on him as the team’s punt and kick returner of the future.

4. Devin Smith, Ohio State

Ohio State’s Devin Smith isn’t quite the burner that Dorsett is, but he still demonstrates impressive football speed, and he could be a formidable deep threat in the Saints pass offense.

In addition to his impressive big-play potential, he’s also a solid route-runner.  He needs to add some weight to his frame, but there’s no question that Smith has the explosive speed to fill the void left by Stills in New Orleans’ downfield passing game.

5. Sammie Coates, Auburn

If the Saints decide to wait until Round 3 to bring in a wideout, Sammie Coates could be the man who gets the call.

The 6’1,” 212-pounder made a major impact in Auburn’s deep passing game during each of the last two seasons, although he’s still a bit raw as far as all-around skillset goes.

Coates has a nice combination of size, strength and quickness, and he’s also a capable blocker. Like Dorsett, Agholor and Smith, he’s tremendously talented as a vertical receiver, and he would instantly upgrade the New Orleans receiving corps. 

Defensive Tackle/Nose Guard

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The interior defensive line is an interesting spot for the Saints heading into the draft.

Brodrick Bunkley has had his moments over the past couple of seasons manning the nose guard spot, but it’s certainly no stretch to say that New Orleans could do better. After all, the team’s run defense was gashed early and often last season, and the Saints often had difficulties filling the A-gaps.

As for Bunkley’s backup, 360-pound John Jenkins has the unquestioned look of an NFL nose guard. He was, at best, inconsistent last season, however, and he was taken out of the play far too often. The Saints don’t appear to be ready to move on from him just yet, but no one can fault them if they decide to attempt to upgrade at this position.

1. Danny Shelton, Washington

Projected top-five pick Leonard Williams of USC is without question the top interior defensive lineman in the class, but Washington’s Danny Shelton is the draft’s best pure nose guard.

At 6’2” and 339 pounds, he has the size needed to overwhelm centers and guards at the point of attack. He also moves much better than his frame would suggest, and his lateral movement is sometimes stunningly quick.

Shelton is adept at taking on double-teams, which makes him a desirable prospect for any team seeking a true nose guard. In addition, he’s a better pass-rusher than one would expect for a man of his size.

If New Orleans selects him, it will be acquiring a legitimate run-stuffer who can pursue ball-carriers from sideline to sideline. Despite the Saints’ glaring need for an edge-rusher, there’s a realistic chance they’ll take Shelton at No. 13 in Round 1.

2. Malcom Brown, Texas

Malcom Brown isn’t too far behind Shelton in terms of ability to control the point of attack. The Texas product is extremely athletic for a 319-pounder, and like Shelton, his quickness is one of his best attributes.

Like similarly built Saints starter Akiem Hicks, Brown can line up at multiple positions along the defensive front.

He consistently improved for the Longhorns as the 2014 season wore on, and if he’s around at pick No. 31, New Orleans could pull the trigger and make him a Saint.

3. Eddie Goldman, Florida State

While not quite as dominant a player as Shelton, Florida State’s Eddie Goldman is another tone-setter at the line of scrimmage. The 6’4” 336-pound former Seminole is strong and powerful, and he uses his hands extremely well. He’s also a decent tackler.

He’s a little inconsistent as a pass-rusher, but he’s still able to push the pocket back on occasion. Goldman could hear his name called anywhere from the late-first to the late-second round, and the Saints could take a hard look at him at No. 44.

4. Tyeler Davison, Fresno State

If New Orleans opts to wait until Round 3 to target a defensive tackle, Fresno State’s Tyeler Davison could be the pick.

Like the aforementioned prospects, he has good size for the position at 6’2” and 316 pounds. He’s not as versatile as Brown, but he’s a strong interior lineman who holds his ground well.

Davison probably may not be able to come in and instantly contribute, but he could provide some much-needed depth to the Saints defensive line.

5. Ellis McCarthy, UCLA

UCLA’s Ellis McCarthy is a potential late-round project for the Saints at defensive tackle. The 6’5,” 338-pounder has unique size, and despite his enormous frame, he can play numerous positions along the line.

He can take on double-teams, and he’s also a capable pass-rusher. He doesn’t play with the same amount of intensity from play to play, however, and he battled injuries throughout his collegiate career.

If New Orleans is looking to fill out its draft with a strong, versatile defensive lineman, McCarthy may get a look in Round 6 or 7.

Cornerback

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There’s a strong likelihood that the Saints will take a cornerback somewhere in the draft, although it’s far from certain when they’ll choose to do it.

Given the fact that they signed Brandon Browner to a free-agent deal, it probably won’t be in Round 1. With the signing of Browner, along with the free-agent additions of Kyle Wilson and Delvin Breaux, New Orleans simply has too many needs to address in its front seven to go corner in Round 1. This would take Michigan State’s Trae Waynes, Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson, Connecticut’s Byron Jones and Washington’s Marcus Peters off this Saints’ first-round radar.

Admittedly, all of these corners are capable cover men who are most likely at or near the top of New Orleans’ actual cornerback big board, and any of them would make a nice addition to the Saints secondary. In this slide, however, we’ll stay with corners who are mostly projected as second- and third-round picks.

There’s a small army of corners who could be picked on Day 2, but some of them may well end up as safeties. These include Eric Rowe of Utah, P.J. Williams of Florida State and Quinten Rollins of Miami (Ohio).

Here, we’ll limit our focus to five corners who would make for nice fits in the Saints' primarily man-based coverage scheme.

1. Ronald Darby, Florida State 

Speed is always a huge plus for a cornerback, and Ronald Darby has plenty of it. He also displays above-average agility, and his quickness and change-of-direction abilities are equally impressive.

Due to these physical attributes, he’s an excellent candidate to be selected by a team that requires lots of press-man coverage from its corners. The Saints happen to be one of those teams, and Darby would thus make for a nice fit in Rob Ryan’s aggressive scheme.

2. Jalen Collins, LSU

When evaluating cornerbacks in this class, it’s difficult to look over Jalen Collins due to his impressive size. Standing 6’1” and weighing 203 pounds, Collins towers over some of the other cover men in this year’s draft, and his relatively thick frame aides him in run support.

Collins started only 10 games at LSU, but he demonstrates adequate man coverage skills on tape.

The big knock on Collins this week has been the reports claiming that he failed multiple drug tests while in college. This may or may not jeopardize his draft status, but with so many other capable corners projected to go on Day 2, New Orleans may elect to pass on him.

3. D’Joun Smith, Florida Atlantic

Another corner to keep a close eye on in Day 2 is D’Joun Smith. The Florida Atlantic product didn’t face tough competition week in and week out, but he has numerous intangibles that make him an appealing prospect.

He’s a highly confident player who enjoys getting physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage. He also displays excellent ball skills, which is a trait that should never be overlooked in a cover corner.

In addition, Smith is more than willing to do his part in run support, and he would be a quality addition to the Saints secondary at pick No. 75 in Round 3.

4. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu’s name has popped up on multiple Saints mock drafts over the past few months, and a quick review of his game film makes it easy to see why. The former Oregon corner has the hips necessary to play on the outside in man coverage. He also displays great instincts for the position, and like Smith, he has adequate ball skills.

Ekpre-Olomu isn’t a particularly large corner at 5’10” and 192 pounds, but he has no qualms about sticking his nose into the fray in run support. He’s coming off a knee injury suffered at the end of the 2014 season, but that shouldn’t scare away a team like New Orleans that already has two starting corners penciled in for next season.

5. Senquez Golson, Ole Miss

When watching Senquez Golson on tape, the words “tenacious” and “explosive” immediately come to mind. The former Ole Miss standout may lack ideal height for the position at 5’9,” but he’s strong and sturdily built, and he makes up for his lack of length with his excellent hips and an obvious feel for the game.

He snagged nine interceptions for the Rebels last season, and he’s an aggressive tackler to boot. Golson played a lot of zone in college, but all of his attributes suggest he could play press-man at the next level. 

Guard

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The Saints parted ways with starting guard Ben Grubbs this offseason, trading him to the Kansas City Chief in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.

New Orleans probably wouldn’t have made the move if the front office didn’t feel confident in Tim Lelito’s ability to step into Grubbs’ position at left guard and perform. Lelito played well at times last season, particularly when he subbed in at guard (as opposed to center).

As for the right guard spot, veteran Jahri Evans is back for another year, although his time in New Orleans may not last beyond the 2015 season.

The Saints could opt to bring in another guard in the draft, with hopes that the newcomer can push Lelito come fall. Of course, they could also be looking to draft Evans' eventual replacement.

This year’s draft class is a little light on guard talent, but there’s still a good chance New Orleans will take one at some point in the three-day event. We’ll take a look at some of the more prominent names that would make for good fits in New Orleans.

1. La’el Collins, LSU

If the Saints spend a first-round pick on an offensive lineman, be it at pick No. 13 or No. 31, La’el Collins seems the most logical choice. The LSU product started at tackle for the last two seasons, but he’s played guard in the past and will probably play it again during his first couple of years in the league.

He’s a skilled run-blocker who takes pride in punishing his opponents until the whistle blows, and he displays one of the most noticeable mean streaks of any lineman in the draft.

The Saints have more pressing needs to address in the first round than the guard spot, but if they can’t get the pass-rusher they want, Collins would be a safe pick.

2. Laken Tomlinson, Duke

With the Saints seemingly positioning themselves to run the football more in the coming seasons, adding a road-grader such as Laken Tomlinson wouldn’t be a bad move in the second round.

The former Duke Blue Devil is a heady player with a thick frame who clearly enjoys the physical, one-on-one aspect of the game.

Tomlinson could stand to improve his pass-blocking footwork, but in time, he could develop into a solid starter who might eventually replace Evans.

3. Ali Marpet, Hobart

Round 3 is perhaps the most appropriate time for New Orleans to address the guard position, and Ali Marpet is an intriguing name to consider at pick No. 75.

He obviously didn’t face top-level collegiate competition at Hobart College, but there’s no denying that Marpet brings a lot to the table. He displays great quickness off the snap as a run-blocker, and he possesses exceptional strength.

Despite the fact that he played at a small college, Marpet performed well against his peers at the Senior Bowl, and he would be a fine addition for the Saints in the third round.

4. John Miller, Louisville

Should the Saints happen to miss out on Marpet at No. 75, they could probably still land John Miller at either No. 75 or No. 78.

Although he doesn’t have a lot of size at just 303 pounds, the Louisville product has tremendous upper-body strength. He uses it to his advantage as a run-blocker, as he often smashes opposing defenders off the ball with his hands at the snap.

If the Saints are truly committed to running the ball during the next few seasons, Miller could be a strong asset as a road-grading guard.