Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

Josh Katzenstein's 2017 Saints Mock Draft 3.0

Posted on 3/21/17 at 5:42 pm
Posted by GMoney2600
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
14103 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 5:42 pm
Post-free agency edition
The first couple waves of NFL free agency have come and gone, and although the New Orleans Saints addressed some needs, they still have holes to fill.
Obviously, if they manage to add New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, a restricted free agent, the Saints' outlook for the 2017 draft would look different than it does today. But, it's important to remember the draft is about building for the future, not just the upcoming season.
For the first two mock drafts, an inside linebacker and guard looked like necessary acquisitions. With the Saints signing A.J. Klein and Larry Warford, those two holes look less important now.
Here is the third version of my seven-round Saints mock draft for this year:

Round 1 (No. 11 overall): CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
Sticking with the pick from my last mock draft as well as the thought process from the first two. Lattimore has the speed, athleticism and length teams look for in a cornerback, and there's a good chance he'll go before the Saints are on the clock. However, strange things happen each year in the draft, and perhaps Lattimore is the one who slides, which would be beneficial for the Saints. Outside of the top few pass rushers, there are a bunch who have some flaw that would make them a risk at No. 11. Lattimore, meanwhile, would be a dream addition.

Round 1 (No. 32 overall): DE Jordan Willis
In version 1.0, I had the Saints taking Willis in the third round, but with the caveat that he could be gone in the second. That was before the combine, though.
Now, it's clear there's no way Willis lasts until the third round after running a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds.
Willis would be a great speed complement opposite the strong Cameron Jordan, and the Saints have been doing plenty of research on him since the Senior Bowl.

Round 2 (No. 42 overall): RB/WR Curtis Samuel
The Saints had success drafting Ohio State players in the second round last year, so perhaps they'll take the same approach in 2017. The speedy Samuel ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and resembles the dynamic running backs the Saints have tried to use during the Sean Payton era -- Reggie Bush, Darren Sproles and C.J. Spiller.
In 2016, Samuel ran for 771 yards on a 7.9-yard average and caught 74 passes for 865 yards. He's not the same player as Brandin Cooks, but he could offer a similar threat if the Saints want to add to the offense early in the draft.

Round 3 (No. 76 overall): FS Marcus Williams, Utah
Safety isn't the most pressing need with Kenny Vaccaro and Vonn Bell in place as starters and Erik Harris showing some potential before injury last year. But, the Saints could still use as many defensive playmakers as possible, and Williams fits the description after catching five interceptions each of the past two seasons.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen favored the three-safety package in 2016, so don't be surprised if the Saints look for a Jairus Byrd replacement earlier than expected in the draft. And if the NFL doesn't outlaw players leaping over the line to block field goals, Williams' 43.5-inch vertical could come in handy.

Round 3 (No. 103 overall): DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova
The Saints would be wise to double up on cornerbacks or defensive ends in this deep defensive draft class, and Kpassagnon is a similar kind of developmental talent New Orleans took a chance on last year. And David Onyemata developed faster than expected.
At 6-foot-7, 289 pounds, Kpassagnon has the size and athleticism to mimic Cameron Jordan's role if Jordan ever takes a snap off. If the Saints can be patient with him, the Villanova product could develop into a player.

Round 6 (No. 196 overall): LB Jordan Evans, Oklahoma
The 6-foot-3, 232-pound Evans ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, showing he has the sideline-to-sideline speed necessary to play in the middle. His production doesn't hurt either as he had 98 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, four interceptions, eight passes defensed, two touchdowns, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble in 2016.
Some team is going to add a productive player late in the draft, and even though the Saints have some options at linebacker, they could always use more.

Round 7 (No. 229 overall): OT Storm Norton, Toledo
Toledo's left tackle the past two years is a towering 6-foot-8 and 308 pounds, and Norton was a part of the Rockets' offensive success the past two years.
With guard no longer a huge need, the Saints should seek a developmental tackle in the draft, someone who can learn from Zach Strief and potentially take over right tackle whenever Strief starts to decline.
Posted by AirFarce1
Member since Jul 2014
250 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 6:01 pm to
That would be an awesome draft.
Posted by JGuidry7
Boston University
Member since Jan 2013
932 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 6:02 pm to
I'd love to be able to get Lattimore at 11, but what are the odds he falls? I thought he was most likely a top 10 pick.

Kpassagnon, although a raw, "project" type, would be a great pickup in the third.
Posted by knowingabyss
Vermont
Member since Aug 2016
2700 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 6:16 pm to
Lattimore wont be there at 11
Willis prob won't be there at 32

Would love it though
This post was edited on 3/21/17 at 6:16 pm
Posted by AirFarce1
Member since Jul 2014
250 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 6:20 pm to
quote:

I'd love to be able to get Lattimore at 11, but what are the odds he falls? I thought he was most likely a top 10 pick.

Those odds are not good, but some teams might be scared of his injuries ?? A QB run would help too.
I also think that in a deep CB draft, teams know they can wait and don't have to take the first guy.
Posted by t00f
Not where you think I am
Member since Jul 2016
89824 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 6:25 pm to
First round would rock and I am intrigued with Curtis Samuel. Did not know anything about him but looked him up and he has some running and receiving skills.

NFL.com
Posted by Jwho77
cyperspace
Member since Sep 2003
76664 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 6:31 pm to
quote:

Willis prob won't be there at 32


Eh, I think he probably will be there.
Posted by CajunsTigersSaints
Member since Jan 2015
4532 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 7:06 pm to
quote:

Toledo's left tackle the past two years is a towering 6-foot-8 a


Jesus
Posted by Rand AlThor
Member since Jan 2014
9436 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 7:28 pm to
Love Lattimore. Don't know how I feel about Willis though.
Posted by Eman5805
West Bank
Member since Nov 2010
5098 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 7:39 pm to
Lattimore, Willis, and Tanoh Kpassagnon?

Only way it could get better is if we got Tyus Bowser or Zachary Cunningham too.
Posted by knowingabyss
Vermont
Member since Aug 2016
2700 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 7:41 pm to
I think Dallas scoops him up at 28.
Posted by keakar
Member since Jan 2017
30001 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 8:09 pm to
if he is going to change his mock draft from 2 days ago then call it 3.1 or something, now there are two different mock drafts and both are called 3.0 lol
Posted by WicKed WayZ
Louisiana Forever
Member since Sep 2011
31578 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 8:28 pm to
I think I'd rather Charles Harris. He's a speed rush guy and isn't as heavy as Willis, but he can get it done.
Posted by Hot Carl
Prayers up for 3
Member since Dec 2005
59070 posts
Posted on 3/21/17 at 10:42 pm to
If you knew Lattimore would be there at 11, would you pass on Butler and cross your fingers a DE like Willis drops to 32?
Posted by GMoney2600
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
14103 posts
Posted on 3/23/17 at 1:38 am to
quote:

If you knew Lattimore would be there at 11, would you pass on Butler and cross your fingers a DE like Willis drops to 32?


Na. I could see that if we didn't have any money to spend like last year.

I'd rather
Butler, Barnett at #11, & #32/#42(whichever we don't give NE)
than
Lattimore at #11, Willis at #32, & #42

The latter seems much riskier & likely wouldn't translate as well for the 2017 season. Could end up being better in 2-3 years, but we need instant production & the 1st option seems like the best way to accomplish that. I'd rather get Butler & draft a CB next year if need be(might not even have to do that if Breaux & PJ Williams produce & stay healthy). jmo.

The more I think about it...double dipping at DE might not be a bad idea. We really need to hit on a DE for our defense to be lethal. Taking 2 just increases those odds. It will be very unfortunate if we can't find a legit starter at DE in the draft. It should be our main goal. Assuming we get Butler...finding a legit cover safety next to Bell should be the 2nd most important goal.

I wish we would sign LaGarrette Blount(we have the money) so the need for RB won't be as high going into the draft. We could wait until the 6th to take one if we add Blount. Might have to take one in the 2nd/3rd if we don't.

Also, I have no problem taking a QB with any of our picks as long as we address DE & Safety(can easily get a legit guy in the 3rd) as well. DE & Safety are the only 2 positions that we need a starter at...we have starters at all other positions(although LB is a little questionable as far as quality goes...it has enough depth to get us by imo).

4 picks(if we get Butler) in the top 3 rounds(no particular order):
-DE
-S
-QB(only if they're sure he's the guy & if the selection doesn't prevent us from acquiring our DE/S targets)
-RB, LB, or a 2nd DE

WR, TE, OL, DT, & CB(if we get Butler) all take a backseat to the above needs imo.
This post was edited on 3/23/17 at 6:23 am
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram