re: 2013 NFL Draft -- Saints Mock Draft Compliation

post combine ones rolling out now...

kenny wilkerson

15. New Orleans Saints - If the Saints let LT Jermon Bushrod go this offseason (unlikely), they'll regret it in this scenario, where the top three offensive tackles are gone. New Orleans native Alabama RT DJ Fluker is the next man up, but is a prototype power run right tackle - not a great fit for the Saints.

In the previous two mock drafts, we picked Montgomery and then Jenkins for the Saints, who need to re-tool at linebacker and don't have a true nose tackle on the roster. The 3-4 nose tackle is one of the most challenging positions in all of football, and heading into the new formation without a two-gap run stuffer is impossible.

Is 4-3 DT Brodrick Bunkley up to the challenge at nose tackle, or can the Rob Ryan scheme away from having that two-gap plugger in the middle? The Saints will look to address the difficult no-glamour position in free agency first. Standard operating procedure for Mickey Loomis would be to address nose tackle on the veteran market, as the Saints' GM never enters a draft with gaping holes in a depth chart.

Top front-7 prospects on the board now are both LSU pass rushers Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montogomery, Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson, Alabama DT Jesse Williams, Georgia DT Johnathan Jenkins, and Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins.

Texas S Kenny Vaccaro is also a legitimate consideration here, especially if the Saints choose to eliminate Roman Harper's contract and save $3.6 million in cap space. If released, Harper would still cost the Saints $2.5 million in cap space, so it makes sense to keep Harper. Vaccaro is an excellent all-around safety with top notch cover skills and tackling power, but front seven issues are more pressing if Harper remains a Saint. Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks here is a top cornerback prospect and a good value pick, but only if the Saints ignore the needs of the new defensive scheme.

Of the defensive tackles Richardson would be the least scheme fit for the Saints, while Williams, Jenkins and Hankins are wide-body run defenders better suited for a 3-4 scheme. Any would provide competition and youth to the new defensive front, but would have less impact than a potential star at edge pass rusher.

With the best available player strategy, Mingo has to be in consideration. At 6'4, 241, Mingo has a tall, lanky frame, blazing speed and played defensive end at 4-3 pro-style LSU, though he dropped in coverage and was asked to do contain regularly. His outrageous speed was confirmed with a 4.58s 40 at the combine. Quick off the snap, the West Monroe, Louisiana native filled game film with quarterbacks hurried out of the pocket, passing lanes disrupted and runningbacks chased down from behind in the backfield. Just watch the 2011 film of LSU vs Oregon. Mingo starred at the combine as expected, with a great 37" vertical and tied for the top long jump of all defensive linemen at 10'8".

While almost always down in a three or four point stance at LSU, Mingo regularly lined up outside the tight end, and so is used to playing in space. His statistics were limited in 2012 as LSU used him regularly as a down defensive end in three-lineman formations, throwing him into double teams again and again. Mingo also regularly played outside contain or shallow zones. He is more than a run-behind-the-passer edge rusher. He's smart, locates the ball and takes good angles of pursuit.

In his last bowl game, Mingo notched three TFL's, half a sack, a forced fumble, two solo and three assist tackles. The hit he put on Sammy Watkins on Clemson's first drive was classic Mingo - runningback hit in the backfield, fumbles. And yet, Mingo left LSU with unfulfilled potential and a so-so stat line left uncapped by a senior season. Added strength will improve his rich portfolio of pass rush moves, including a good spin move.

Far from set at 3-4 outside linebacker with just Martez Wilson and Junior Gallete, the Saints will need more pass rushers to rotate. Mingo wouldn't be expected to start right away and that's good - he'll take some time to adjust to the game while being used in focused situations by Rob Ryan. But adding LSU DE Barkevious "KeKe" Mingo to the rotation here is not only drafting best available player, but an excellent addition to the Saints' new 3-4 pass rush.