New Orleans Saints 2015 NFL Draft Preview
By Zac Snyder
Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the New Orleans Saints, I got together with John Hendrix of Who Dat Dish. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"The Saints addressed several needs during this offseason, and figures to only add what they’ve accomplished through additions from free agency. The team’s biggest needs still figure to be adding depth at linebacker, the offensive line, and a toss up between the wide receiver and cornerback position."
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2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"Keeping draft picks and seeing their impact. The Saints lost over 50 percent of their drafted players last year: Brandin Cooks and Vinnie Sunseri (injuries), Tavon Rooks and Khairi Fortt (cuts). Ronald Powell and Stanley Jean-Baptiste didn’t see many snaps on defense last year. Seeing drafted players making immediate contributions is exactly what Sean Payton wants to see."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"Drafting a cornerback or guard in the first round. The Saints have committed to their top duo of Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner, so it doesn’t make sense to take another cornerback if Trae Waynes or Kevin Johnson would be available at 13th or 31st. They also signed Kyle Wilson to help with slot and nickel duties. Despite some young talent behind these three, the team has ample depth at corner to avoid drafting one early. As for the guard position, the belief is that Tim Lelito is ready to step in for Ben Grubbs."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"The Saints will not trade or draft an edge rusher early. I’ve changed my tune around the Saints need to drafting an edge rusher with the recent addition of veteran Anthony Spencer. I believe drafting an edge rusher would be a mistake with the early pick, as it would peg the team with six outside linebackers. The Saints have second-year players Kasim Edebali and Ronald Powell set to make a larger impact."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"Defensive Tackle. The Saints lost a huge impact player on their interior line when restricted free agent Tyrunn Walker left for Detroit. The Saints interior has huge durability concerns with John Jenkins and Brodrick Bunkley, which only puts second-year nose tackle Lawrence Virgil out there. I’ve been a high advocate of drafting Washington’s Danny Shelton, and believe defensive tackle is the way to go at 13th overall."
For full Saints coverage, check out Who Dat Dish.
Next: 2-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft