Round 1 (No. 11 overall): DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee
I've been a bit bullish on Barnett being the pick at No. 11 because I think the Saints would be better off finding a more explosive edge player. However, knowing the Saints have quickness in the interior with Nick Fairley and Sheldon Rankins, there would be some value in drafting a defensive end who is technically sound and capable of consistently cleaning up plays when the other linemen create pressure. Anything other than a defensive end or cornerback here would be a surprise, and the Saints should have lots of options for each position.

Round 1 (No. 32 overall): CB Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado
As Larry Holder noted in his Mock Draft 4.0, this pick could turn into Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler if the Saints agree to a trade with New England. For now, though, the Saints have the pick, so we should at least look at the options. This could be a good spot for long-term help at running back or quarterback. A safety like Washington's Budda Baker would be appealing, too. LSU's Tre'Davious White would be a good fit here, but I expect him to go a few picks earlier. Awuzie is someone the Saints probably scouted a lot last year when they landed Ken Crawley, and Awuzie has the cover skills to help immediately.

Round 2 (No. 42 overall): RB Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
Mixon is the most polarizing prospect in the draft. Had he not punched a female student in the face as a freshman, he'd likely be a first-round pick. Teams have to decide whether Mixon has grown from that 2014 incident, which is why so many teams are visiting with him in the pre-draft process. Mixon will likely go in the second round because of his dynamic skills, and he could instantly help the Saints offense, even if it means some PR backlash.

Round 3 (No. 76 overall): DE Tarell Basham
The Saints would be wise to approach their holes at defensive end as they did their defensive tackle void in last year's draft. In 2016, New Orleans signed veteran Nick Fairley in free agency then added defensive tackles in the first (Sheldon Rankins) and fourth (David Onyemata) rounds of the draft. The Saints signed veteran Alex Okafor in free agency to help on the edge, but they still need more reinforcements. Like Onyemata, Basham is someone who could contribute early even if the goal is to develop him for the future.

Round 3 (No. 103 overall): OT Will Holden, Vanderbilt
With the Saints adding Larry Warford in free agency, guard is no longer a top priority in the draft, and tackle suddenly looks like more of a need. Zach Strief will be 34 next season, and Terron Armstead has dealt with injuries. Even though Andrus Peat could help at tackle, the Saints are going to have him focus on the left guard spot. At Vanderbilt, Holden started two years at left tackle and one at right tackle. Bring him in and let him learn behind Strief.

Round 6 (No. 196 overall): CB Brian Allen, Utah
There's nothing wrong with NFL teams trying to replicate what the Seahawks have done with big cornerbacks. However, other teams can't just reach for someone who's tall and long and assume he'll become a physical cover man, a mistake the Saints made drafting Stanley Jean-Baptiste in the second round in 2014. Allen, meanwhile, has some things in common with Richard Sherman -- both are 6-foot-3, played in the Pac-12 and are former wide receivers. On Day 3, someone like this would make a lot of sense.

Round 7 (No. 229 overall): S David Jones, Richmond
After signing Rafael Bush, safety isn't a top need for the Saints, but they could still use some long-term help. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Jones would be a good developmental option at a position where backups help with special teams. Athletically, he checks every box -- including a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at his pro day -- teams will look for in a free safety.

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