NFL Draft 2011: New Orleans Saints' Needs Heading into the Draft

Fullback

Sean Payton loves to have flexibility at every position—even at fullback. Two years ago, the Saints gave their fans a head-scratcher when they released Mike Karney, only to sign Heath Evans. Evans, in my opinion, has not been as productive as the organization hoped.

The Saints are never going to go without a true fullback, but even with Evans, the Saints have used Dave Thomas in the backfield on many of the obvious running downs. It seems a younger, more explosive version of Evans is needed for the Saints to be all they can be on the offensive side of the ball.

Possible Fits: Stanley Havili, FB, USC. Honestly, the Saints should only make this move if it is to gain Havili. Because free agency is going to take place after the draft, if at all, the Saints don’t have to immediately release or not sign Evans. If Havili is available in the third or fourth round, they can select him—at which point Evans’ departure is inevitable.  

Defensive End

Most mock drafts have the Saints taking one of a number of different defensive ends in the first round. There’s little doubt that this is a position of need. Yet, with that said, the rookie who does get drafted at this spot likely will not come in and start.

He just needs to be an elite pass-rusher, who comes in on nickel downs. He needs to be a guy who can develop into an every-down player, as the Saints continue to use the Patriot/Colt/Steeler/Packer model of primarily building through the draft then letting those guys you’ve prepared, play when they’re ready.

Possible Fits: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State; Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa; Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri; Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.

The draft could go a number of ways. In fact, who's to say that if Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers were to get past 10, the Saints wouldn’t trade up to get him. But realistically, the four mentioned above have a better chance of wearing black and gold next season.

Heyward is of course the son of former Saint, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. So, this pick would be a bit sentimental, and to many, not make as much sense because they see the younger Heyward as a five-technique defensive end. But in my opinion, Heyward is scheme-versatile—plus, the Saints like to run a good number of three-man fronts.

Clayborn has been dropping down draft boards because of a childhood injury that is scaring many teams. But if Clayborn is available at 24, he’s way too good a player to pass up.

Smith, to some, is a 3-4 OLB, but draft expert Russ Lande likes Smith more as a 4-3 end. If he says so, I’ve got to agree with him. Smith should be an explosive edge rusher, who becomes a good overall player after he puts on some more weight on that tiny frame.

Kerrigan has been rising up draft boards, yet this draft seems as unsure a draft as I can remember, so who knows how true those rumors are. Kerrigan has been a very effective player at Purdue and would fit Gregg Williams’ aggressive attacking scheme and philosophy very well.

Outside Linebacker

Truth be told, the Saints probably have what they want at two of the three linebacker spots, yet if it were possible to upgrade at Scott Shanle’s spot, I don’t think they’d pass it up. But starting on the other side last year were a group of outcasts who were adequate but not great. For the defense to improve, a consistent and constant starter must be found.

Unfortunately, the draft seems dearth of answers. The top five outside linebackers are all 3-4 edge rushers.

Aside from drafting one of these 3-4 edge rushers—which is not out of the question—it is likely the Saints would want to take a chance on an inside linebacker who they see possessing outside linebacker skills.

Possible Fits: Nate Irving, ILB North Carolina State; Casey Matthews, ILB, Oregon; Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA; Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia.

Irving and Matthews would be third-day picks, whereas Houston or Ayers would be first-round guys. Ayers or Houston are great pass rushers who could even put their hands down in nickel situations. The other two would be nickel cover guys most likely.

Safety

Even if the Saints re-sign Roman Harper (I hope so) and Darren Sharper (likely not the best use of a roster spot, or money), depth and talent is going to need to be added to the safety spot.

I previously mentioned DeAndre McDaniel in this space, and I still believe he would be a great fit. With few good safety prospects in this draft, McDaniel stands out and seems a good fit.

Another good fit: UCLA S Rahim Moore, who is a ball-hawk although not great at tackling and does make a lot of mistakes. Both are likely second-round picks and will need a year as special teams players before they are ready to start anyway.

Cornerback

Cornerback is always one of the deepest positions in the draft because it’s pretty easy to come by sub-6 feet guys who are good athletes. Yet, even at the top, there are few great players at that position in this draft—or really in any draft.

But as the Saints have seen, you can never have enough bodies at that position. And with the likely retirement of Randall Gay and Malcolm Jenkins moving to safety at least semi-permanently (I still hope they officially announce his position as Rover), Patrick Robinson is (take a big breath and slowly exhale—okay now you’re ready) the nickelback. That spells doomsday for the Saints if they can’t find somebody in a hurry for that position. Quick—call Tennessee and offer a second-round pick for Alterraun Verner. Oh wait—because of the lockout, there are no trades allowed. BOOOO!

Possible Fit: Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State.

Of all the guys who are not likely first-rounders, Chekwa is probably the best athlete and, ultimately, corner. For some reason—likely his coming off an injury in the Sugar Bowl—he is not rated very high. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and has very good cover skills. If there’s any justice in football world, Chekwa will reunite with Malcom Jenkins to make a Buckeye-filled Saints defensive backfield for years to come (and I am not an Ohio State fan if you ask).  

Developmental Quarterback

Continuing to build on the Ron Wolf/successful drafting teams’ model, the Saints need to draft another QB to develop. Wolf was known for drafting one every year. In a year with a few potential sleepers and many overrated guys, why not draft one on the third day and develop them in order to either give them a backup job, trade them or hold onto them until St. Brees retires?

Just by noticing the QBs the Saints have brought in during the Sean Payton era, a few qualities seem to stand out. One, the player must be extremely intelligent, a hard worker and a leader. Second, he must be supremely accurate with the football. And he must be willing to sit behind Brees and learn.

Possible Fits: Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware; Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama; Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada.

Perhaps, the Saints have other needs that I failed to mention. Perhaps, I am making up some needs. What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.