I put my GM hat on and decided to fix the Saints.
If everyone else is going to take their shot at mock drafts before the NFL Draft kicks off this month, then why shouldn't I? The Saints are a fun team to be in charge of. Following an electric end to the season, New Orleans has their signal caller of the future. Despite the losses of Demario Davis, Alontae Taylor, and possibly Cam Jordan, the addition of Travis Etienne in combination with Alvin Kamara is a hell of a 1-2 punch.
Throw in the fact that the Saints have the eighth pick in the first round, and a mock draft becomes increasingly fun.
Here is my seven-round mock draft using PFF's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 8 - WR Carnell Tate, OSU - Grade A
How could I resist? An Ohio State duo of Tate and Chris Olave. Tyler Shough will have a blast with the Saints' newest, flashy toy. Kellen Moore's offense will go up another notch with another stud receiver. The pair of Tate and Olave complements each other too well. Let's score some touchdowns.
Round 2, Pick 42 - WR Chris Bell, Louisville - Grade A-
You're not seeing double. Maybe you are, but I couldn't help myself from adding the high-rising Bell as the third receiver in this offense for Moore and Shough. Bell can move around, but as a "Z" receiver in three receiver sets? What a trio. Now this offense can reach the high-flying offenses of years past.
Round 3, Pick 73 - DL Domonique Orange, Iowa State - Grade A-
Orange you glad I addressed receiver and defensive line with the first three picks? Ok, I'm sorry about that, it was terrible. Either way, Orange offers a big boost for the Saints' defense at pick 73. The Iowa State defensive lineman fits perfectly.
Round 4, Pick 136 - CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin - Grade C+
I won't lie. I tried to trade out of this spot, but was unsuccessful, so I forced the reach of a pick for a needed cornerback in Demmings. The subpar grade reflects draft value and not the player. If Demmings can help fill the void left by Taylor, then the draft spot is irrelevant.
TRADE! Saints receive pick 137 & 153, and Philadelphia receives pick 132 and 172
I was able to successfully trade back in the fourth round AND move up in the fifth round.
Round 4, Pick 137 - LB Taurean York, Texas A&M - Grade B+
The final need was a linebacker with the loss of Davis. York was there, and although his big board rank was #145, the pick makes sense at 137. Through five picks, we have addressed the three main needs for the Saints with three more rounds to go.
Check out the rest of my mock draft, which finished with an A- grade!
