This has been a pretty wild and exciting offseason for the Saints and there are still possibilities looming for even more excitement before draft day.

The direction the Saints are taking is bold and it’s needed because there was some complacency, which happens when you have been with a team for a few years.

The result of being comfortable last season was a 7-9 record for the Saints and massive under performance from every player on the team. Trading Jimmy Graham, Ben Grubbs and Kenny Stills, then cutting Curtis Lofton surely had to make a lot of players pretty uncomfortable, which is the best thing that can happen to them.

This is a daring approach they are taking which can work in a big way, but the question is how soon will be the payoff? By no means should Saints fans write this season off because there is a strong possibility that they will make the playoffs.

This is an important draft for the Saints and they need to hit big on the defensive side of the ball. So hopefully they will choose wisely.

1. Vic Beasley OLB 6’3” 246 LBS Clemson

Beasley could be drafted anywhere from the 3rd overall draft pick to the 25th overall. Since the 12 teams drafting ahead of the Saints all have multiple needs it’s more than likely Beasley will be still on the board at 13.

1. Benardrick McKinney ILB 6’ 4” 246 LBS Mississippi St.

This has been a pretty wild and exciting offseason for the Saints and there are still possibilities looming for even more excitement before draft day. 

The direction the Saints are taking is bold and it’s needed because there was some complacency, which happens when you have been with a team for a few years. 

The result of being comfortable last season was a 7-9 record for the Saints and massive under performance from every player on the team. Trading Jimmy Graham, Ben Grubbs and Kenny Stills, then cutting Curtis Lofton surely had to make a lot of players pretty uncomfortable, which is the best thing that can happen to them. 

Another possibility for the Saints could be to trade away this pick and acquire more picks, which is a better move. But in the event the Saints keep this pick, it’s no secret that David Hawthorne and Dannell Ellerbe are not long-term answers at ILB for the Saints.  Because it’s an important position it makes sense to pick at least one of the best available ILB’s in this draft. McKinney will be a great pick up for the Saints he will be a leader on the Saints defense pretty quickly. 

2. Kevin Johnson CB 6’0” 188 LBS Wake Forest

Johnson is another player who could be drafted much sooner or later than anticipated but it’s very possible that he will be available and the Saints need to take him quickly.  Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner are the starting corners but the defense will still need both nickel and dime corners which essentially are starters also. Plus you can never have too many good cornerbacks on your team.

3. Kwon Alexander OLB 6’1” 227 LBS LSU

The Saints need speed, depth and athleticism at the LB position and Kwon Alexander provides that for the Saints. He can drop in coverage, good tackler, and he can cover the field well. Hopefully the Saints will keep him home in Louisiana.

3. Tre’ Jackson OG 6’4” 330 LBS Florida St.

The Saints are in need of a guard for both competition and depth for Tim Lelito. Tre’ Jackson provides both, along with being a candidate to replace Jahri Evans next season. The Saints could draft a TE or WR in this position also.

5. Tyler Kroft TE 6’5” 246 LBS Rutgers

If Kroft can add muscle to his body and keep improving he could be a steal. Working with Drew Brees will make him a better receiver plus he is a strong blocker, which could make him a complete package.

5.  Lynden Trail, DE/OLB, 6’ 7” 269 LBS Norfolk State

A super versatile player who can play DE/OLB/TE and he can contribute on special teams as well. Trail is an intriguing player that the Saints should not hesitate to draft if he is on the board.

6.  Leterrius Walton, DT, 6’5” 319 LBS Central Michigan

After losing Tyrunn Walker the Saints are need of depth along the defensive line. Walton has a high motor just needs more work and he can become a pretty good defensive lineman.

7. Dezmin Lewis WR, 6’4” 214LBS Central Arkansas

Dezmin Lewis could be a surprise late round pickup for the Saints, he is a big receiver with good speed and capable of making big plays. Since the Saints have five other WR ahead of Lewis it will give him time to improve his skills during his rookie season. Then again it’s very possible he could see a lot of playing time with such a young crew of WR’s.

Greg Barber

Follow me @IntenseGB