2012 New Orleans Saints Seven Round Mock Draft
**First round pick traded to New England (Mark Ingram trade, 2011)
**Second round pick forfeited (Bountygate)
1. Third Round, 89th overall: Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
Perhaps a bit of a reach here, but the Saints lost Robert Meachem and they really don’t have many needs on the team right now. I think Childs would have a chance to be really productive for the Saints, and hopefully with Drew Brees as his quarterback for the next few years. He has great size and insane athletic ability with deceptively good speed. He could be a real value pick if he winds up contributing early on.
2. Fourth Round, 122nd overall: Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
Saints get a local product and a guy who could come in and contribute almost immediately to their team. Taylor has the potential to develop into a very good safety. Some think he has a pretty solid third round grade right now, but if he were to fall to the fourth round I don’t think the Saints would complain. Coming from a defense like LSU will really help him transition to the NFL.
3. Fifth Round, 162nd overall: Lucas Nix, OL, Pittsburgh
It seems like the Saints could use some depth help on the interior offensive line, so going after a player like Lucas Nix at this point of the draft could be a nice move unless someone is available that shouldn’t be.
4. Sixth Round, 179th overall: Markus Zusevics, OL, Iowa
The Saints continue to add depth on that interior offensive line. Zusevics has some injury concerns, but he is a fundamentally sound player who can play all over the line. I think if he’s given time, he could develop into a very solid player in the league, maybe starting someday.
5. Seventh Round, 234th overall: T.J. Graham, WR, North Carolina State
Speedster who can make plays down the field. In the later rounds of the draft, you’re looking for depth, upside, and special teams ability. Graham offers all three, in my opinion.
The Saints’ true draft came in free agency, where they signed Ben Grubbs, David Hawthorne, Curtis Lofton, and Brodrick Bunkley. All four players will be immediate starters and immediate impact players. Those are some big moves for a team that is in such trouble with the league.