Saints Zoom Mock 2.1 {updated}

If you missed my first mock you can check it out here.


1st Round. Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU
Mingo is a tremendously talented player who, for much of his final season, was considered a top-5 pick. He takes a bit of a tumble for a few reasons: 1) he was underwhelming in terms of production as a junior, and 2) he's so light. A closer look at his film would suggest the production dropped because LSU dropped him back into coverage more often. He's not big enough to get gritty with SEC tackles as a down lineman, but he can work in space thanks to fluid hips. Anyways, he's obviously a high risk/high reward player who happens to fit a major need for the Saints. Now that Anthony Spencer is going to remain with the Cowboys, the team could really address the OLB spot in round one.



3rd Round. Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State
McFadden is a great press-man corner. He's feisty at the line of scrimmage, but he also has fluid hips and good instincts for reading a quarterback. He's not huge (5'10", 190 lbs.), but he plays bigger. Also, his straight line speed isn't tremendous, but he has sound enough technique and instinct that he could come in and challenge for a starting spot immediately. It also helps that the Saints were checking him out a lot during the Senior Bowl.



4th Round. A.J. Klein, ILB, Iowa State
A.J. Klein was a beast for Iowa State, and a force to be reckoned with in the Big XII. I actually have my doubts that he'll even be available here in the 4th, but if he is, expect the Saints to strongly consider him. Klein compares favorably to Sean Lee of the Cowboys with his ability to stuff the run and make plays on the ball. In fact, he tied the NCAA record for linebackers with 4 INTs returned for TDs. Throw in his great tape from the Shrine Game, and you have an absolute steal in the 4th round.



5th Round. Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
previous pick: Xavier Nixon, OT, Florida
Since it looks like Chase Daniel just became the second, perhaps first, best free agent QB on the market with Matt Moore re-signing in Miami, I'm changing this pick to a quarterback. Renfree is 6'3", 219, and also coming off of a torn pectoral in his throwing arm; an injury that he suffered on the last play of the season I believe. At Duke he was coached by David Cutcliffe, who is best known for having tutored both Payton and Eli Manning earlier in their careers. The all-time leading passer in Duke history is also a favorite of Mel Kiper, and says he compares to Matt Schaub and Matt Hasselbeck. He would come in and have a chance to compete for the backup spot as long as his injury checks out.


6th Round. Rontez Miles, S, California (Pa.)
I actually just stumbled upon Rontez Miles after browsing on the CBS Sports draft pages and YouTube. I came away really impressed. Miles is a hard-hitting, versatile player. He's got coverage skills to make plays on 50-50 balls, and the speed-strength combo to bust up plays in the backfield. At the very least, he can be a good special teams player. Definitely check out this highlight video of him. There's also a fit because Bduhon55's "Update from the Inside" said the Saints are really scouting Cal (Pa.) hard. So, here's a fit!