NFL Draft 2011: Mike Mayock Projects Phil Taylor to Saints

NFL Network analyst and NFL Draft guru, Mike Mayock, is calling for the New Orleans Saints to draft Baylor defensive tackle, Phil Taylor in the 2011 NFL Draft. Unlike many of the draft analysts and media members, Mayock has only put out one mock draft this season.  One can assume this is because he takes it so seriously and we know he has done his homework.

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"At this point, the entire defensive side of the Saints’ draft board has been decimated. But pairing Taylor with Sedrick Ellis on the inside of the defensive line creates a formidable, young duo. At 335 pounds, Taylor is a dancing bear who gives the Saints the ability to be both stout against the run and provides a push in the pocket".

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The Saints are expected to address a need in the front seven of their defense with the No. 24 pick. Ryan Kerrigan, Da’ Quan Bowers, Adrian Clayborn, and Cameron Heyward have got the most mention as pass rushers. Adding Taylor to the inside of the line next to Sedrick Ellis makes for a very intriguing addition. If the Saints went with the big defensive tackle (335 pounds), they could still address defensive end or linebacker in the late second. Just the addition of Taylor could assist the pass rush.

Check out Mayock’s full mock HERE.