The author of "The Beast' draft guide dropped his seven-round mock draft
What do you do after dropping what many people consider to be the most comprehensive draft guide out there? You select a full 256-pick mock draft. The Athletic's Dane Brugler is in his element promoting his work on his draft guide and producing draft content.
The closer we get to draft day, the more mocks that include the Saints selecting a wide receiver with the eighth pick. More and more analysts are honing in on Carnell Tate from Ohio State, who would be a stellar selection to help Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, and Kellen Moore. Brugler agrees and has Tate heading to New Orleans in the first round.
New Orleans Saints
1 (8). Carnell Tate, WR, OSU
2 (42). Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
3 (73). Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
4 (132). Brian Parker, OL, Duke
4 (136). Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana
5 (150). Justin Jefferson, LB, Alabama
5 (172). Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati
6 (190). Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
Zion Young is very talented, but the questions are about his maturity. The Missouri EDGE rusher had issues before his bowl game, with other issues during his college career popping up. At 42, the selection is fine. The player has talent and could be a long-term answer at one of the two EDGE spots.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes Keith Abney II is similar to Taron Johnson and writes:
"Feisty boundary corner with the makeup to slide inside and become a problem for offenses as a pro nickelback. Abney’s coverage IQ and competitiveness are loud on tape. He pairs impressive instincts and recognition with the ball skills of a receiver. He’s physical in press, but he loses ground and picks up penalties when it hits the third level. His top-end speed and closing quickness from depth are average. He’s also average in mirroring a shifty release, so rookie reps inside could be a little bumpy. Abney profiles as a zone-match nickelback with a physical press presence."
Kaleb Proctor is an athletic freak, but he will have to add to his bag of tricks in the NFL.
Zierlein writes:
"As an interior defender, Proctor is an elite athlete with rare playmaking range. He’s an elusive rusher with an explosive first step and the ability to unlock openings with varied approaches and angles. He’s also very undersized with limited recourse once linemen have him squared up and put hands on him. He lacks the anchor or contact balance to withstand power. Proctor needs to find a fit in a move-based defensive front where he can try to mismatch interior protection with his quickness and athletic gifts."