New Orleans Saints Mock Draft: Updated Day 3 Predictions

The New Orleans Saints are slated for four selections on Day 3 of the 2015 NFL draft, and they'll be looking to find some late-round gems as the three-day event winds down. 

New Orleans, which entered the draft with nine selections, started things off with the first-round selection of offensive tackle Andrus Peat at No. 13 overall. The 6'7", 313-pounder from Stanford is expected to plug right into the Saints' starting offensive line in 2015. 

With their second first-round pick, New Orleans went with Clemson inside linebacker Stephone Anthony, who brings speed, power and coverage skills to the Saints linebacking corps. 

The Saints started off Day 2 by picking outside 'backer Hau'oli Kikaha with pick No. 44. The Washington product is one of the draft's best pure pass-rushers, and he fills a need for New Orleans on the edge.

In Round 3, New Orleans selected Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson with pick No. 75. The highly accurate passer needs some polishing, but he could be Drew Brees' successor as Saints' signal-caller. 

Three selections later, the Saints went back to defense and grabbed cornerback P.J. Williams of Florida State. The 6'0" cover man is shifty, physical and versatile, and his selection should further strengthen an already improved New Orleans secondary. 

The Saints head into the third and final day of the draft looking to find more contributors on both sides of the ball. Although they don't pick in Round 4, they're scheduled to make two selections in Round 5. 

Continue reading for a mock draft of the Saints' remaining picks. 

Round 5

Pick No. 148: Leterrius Walton, Defensive Tackle, Central Michigan

It wasn't necessarily a pressing need, but the Saints have yet to address their interior defensive front in the draft, and it's certainly an area they could stand to improve upon. 

Central Michigan's Leterrius Walton has ideal size at 6'5" and 319 pounds, and he's shown flashes on tape of the potential to play various positions, similar to current Saints starter Akiem Hicks. He's still raw at this point, but he's an athletic player who can give the Saints some depth on the defensive line.

In time, he could potentially develop into a solid contributor on coordinator Rob Ryan's defense.

Pick No. 154: Jarvis Harrison, Guard, Texas A&M

Saints right guard Jahri Evans will return in 2015, but beyond then, his future in New Orleans is uncertain. On the left side, 2014 backup Tim Lelito is currently expected to get the starting nod, but that isn't an absolute certainty at this point.

By bringing in Texas A&M guard Jarvis Harrison, the Saints could continue to build depth on the offensive line, while potential providing Lelito with some competition. 

The powerful 6'4," 330-pounder has the size and strength to develop into an effective road-grader, and the Saints should give him a look in Round 5. 

Round 6

TIM SHARP/Associated Press

Round 6, Pick No. 187: James O'Shaughnessy, Tight End, Illinois State

With Jimmy Graham no longer in the fold, Saints tight end Josh Hill is expected to see a significant increase in playing time and receptions in 2015. While Benjamin Watson is also still around, his primary contribution will be as a blocker. 

New Orleans should therefore look to add another receiving tight end on Day 3, and Illinois State product James O'Shaughnessy could prove to be a steal at this spot. 

The 6'4", 245-pounder has nice hands and impressive athleticism, and he could prove to be a dangerous downfield threat on the seam route that the Saints love to utilize. If he's still around in the sixth round, New Orleans shouldn't hesitate to grab him. 

Round 7

Pick No. 230: Shaquille Riddick, Edge-Rusher, West Virginia

Two pass-rushers in the same draft? Absolutely. The Saints added Hau'oli Kikaha in Round 2, but it wouldn't hurt to bring in another athletic outside 'backer in Round 7. 

Shaquille Riddick is an interesting prospect in that he's a fiery, competitive player who's relentless in his pursuit of quarterbacks. He's also an impressive athlete, which doesn't hurt, either. 

By drafting the 6'6" 242-pound Riddick, the Saints would score another athletic pass-rusher to pair with Kikaha. He's still a bit raw, but in the seventh round, Riddick could prove to be well worth the gamble as a project player.