With The First Pick
Fansided

2016 Team Needs: NFC South

By jonfox

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Confetti falls as Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during his walk off the field following the game against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Confetti falls as Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during his walk off the field following the game against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Dec 27, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) center poses with guard Senio Kelemete (65) and tackle Zach Strief and center Max Unger (60) and offensive tackle Tony Hills (76) and offensive guard Tim Lelito (68) and tackle Terron Armstead (72) and guard Jahri Evans (73) and offensive tackle Mike McGlynn (77) following win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Jaguars 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) center poses with guard Senio Kelemete (65) and tackle Zach Strief and center Max Unger (60) and offensive tackle Tony Hills (76) and offensive guard Tim Lelito (68) and tackle Terron Armstead (72) and guard Jahri Evans (73) and offensive tackle Mike McGlynn (77) following win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Jaguars 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback. Cutting Brandon Browner only starts to fix the problem. Even though he’s a fit for Dennis Allen’s press system, it’s clear that he was merely stealing a check from the Saints. He mentally checked out of the season early on and stopped following his assignments.

They still need two starting caliber (or potentially starting caliber) press corners or Allen’s system will struggle. This shouldn’t be that difficult but just requires the will to do so and the abilty to find them cheap with the Saints’ cap situation.

Three names to consider: Xavien Howard (day 3 of the draft), Eli Apple (day 2 of the draft), Harlan Miller (day 3 of the draft).

Tight End. Their offense badly missed Jimmy Graham. Ben Watson posted a respectable 800+ yards receiving, but only had 3 games of 60 or more yards receiving. Also, he and Hoomanawanui are set to hit free agency without the Saints having any good young options to replace them. They need someone who can contribute now with Brees’ time almost up in the Big Easy.

Ideally, they would get a taller target since Brees is spraying the ball higher and higher as his arm strength declines but they’ll settle for an H-Back type as long as Brees can use him to gash opposing linebackers and safeties.

Three names to consider: Hunter Henry (day 2 of the draft), Tony Moeaki(free agency), Nick Vannett (day 3 of the draft).

Defensive End. The Saints, even with all the defensive coaching dysfunction, talent issues and switch to a 4-3 defense still got a good season from Cam Jordan rushing the passer. It’s far from enough and Allen’s defense needs quality at defensive end almost as much as it needs press corners to negate the short pass.

What they really need is a tweener who can penetrate either inside or out, someone who gives them 3 downs out of 4 either at 2 tackle or 5 outside end. And, of course, considering the Saints’ cap situation: he’ll have to be cheap.

Three names to consider: Jonathan Bullard (day 1 of the draft), Bronson Kaufusi (day 3 of the draft), Anthony Zettel (day 3 of the draft).

Next: Atlanta Falcons

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