With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 11: Christian Kirk #3 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs in for a touchdown after catching a 60 yard pass in the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Kyle Field on November 11, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 11: Christian Kirk #3 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs in for a touchdown after catching a 60 yard pass in the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Kyle Field on November 11, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

. Wide Receiver. Texas A&M Aggies. Christian Kirk. 27. player. 15

The New Orleans Saints have a young and hungry defense that’s already playing at a borderline elite level. It also has a multifaceted running game, a Hall of Fame quarterback, and a superstar—yes, superstar—wide receiver in Michael Thomas.

New Orleans desperately needs a legitimate No. 2 wide receiver to complement Thomas, however, which is why Christian Kirk is the pick.

Kirk is quicker than he is fast, but he plays with an excellent tempo and internal clock. He knows where to be and when to be there, and does an excellent job of making plays after the catch by anticipating angles and making quick decisions.

His presence could either extend Drew Brees’ career or help his heir apparent, as he can make the plays when the pocket collapses or a play simply breaks down.

The other form of appeal is that Kirk is a dangerous threat in the return game. He returned six punts for touchdowns during his collegiate career, as well as one kickoff—the type of numbers that should open even the most jaded of eyes.

New Orleans should be a sustainably strong team, but only if they plug the remaining holes and remain mindful of the future. This pick would achieve exactly that.

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