Lester Earl Mock Draft 2.0

1.11 Gareon Conley, CB Ohio State

Thoughts: Ideally would like to nab a DL, but I don’t see anyone available that will match value of pick 11. Many people hated my mock 4 weeks ago where I had the Saints choosing Conley, but he has shot up boards recently. Conley is an athletic(6' 195 4.44), long armed(33") CB that doesn’t panic with the ball in the air. He's a 2 year starter that could challenge Lattimore for 1st CB taken. With the Butler deal seemingly off the table, CB becomes an immediate need.

2nd choice: 3 Guys that I could see the Saints eyeing would be Haason Reddick, Christian McCaffery, or fan favorite Derek Barnett. Reddick would bring some athleticism to our LB corp as well as some pass rush ability. McCaffery could be the satellite back we have lacked since Sprole's departure. Barnett's athleticism remains in question but has the intangibles to be a solid NFL player.

Dark Horse: How the QB position could affect the Saints. The Saints haven't traded down in years, and 11 could be the prime possibility for a team looking to jump Cleveland....Or the Saints could simply pick Drew Brees' predecessor at pick 11. Patrick Mahomes or Mitchell Trubisky would fit the system the best.


1.32 Charles Harris, Edge, Missouri

Thoughts: Athletic pass rusher who could fit right in along the line in passing situations. May need to bulk up to be an every down guy, but would immediately help the defense get to the QB.

2nd Choice: If my mock goes as planned, 32 needs to be a DL or a LB. Putting DL's like Carl Lawson, Jordan Willis, Taco & his teammate Chris Wormsley, and TJ Watt into play. As well as LB's like Zach Cunningham, Tim Williams (olb/edge) & potentially Reuben Foster. Foster to me, if he drops, would be my next choice at 32. If the Saints happen to go front 7 at pick 11, then this could be a CB like Marlon Humphrey

2.42 Chris Wormley, DL Michigan

Thoughts: the 6'5 298 high-character 5th year senior had a productive career at Michigan as a 3 year starter. He wont blow you away, but he is athletic enough to play inside and outside. Will add some much needed beef along the DL to help push the pocket. One downside is he''ll be 24 at the start of the season.

2nd choice: Some of the DL/OLB mentioned after pick 32 could still be in play here. Cunningham & Tim Williams most likely as well as Derek Rivers. Safeties like Marcus Williams & Desmond King could also get a look here.


3.76 Xavier Woods, S Louisiana Tech

Thoughts: Woods turned in a great season, Intercepting 5 balls and making first team all CUSA. He 5'10" 197 safety lacks ideal size, but makes up for it with great instincts & positioning. Recent news that he scored a 39 on the wonderlic shines light on his mental acumen.

2nd choice: Pass rusher Derek Rivers out of Youngstown is a guy that Saints could eye here, but could go in the handful of picks before this. WIsc edge player Vince Beigel could be had in this range, a guy i like better then teammate Watt. TE Jordan Leggett was mocked in my first draft here, he or Jake Butt could help fill the need at TE for the Saints in this spot.

3.103 Taywan Taylor, WR Wester Kentucky

Thoughts: Versatile WR (5'10" 203 4.50) that can play slot or outside, but will make his money in the slot with the Saints. Really good after catch and creating yards for himself. Will replace Cooks as well as fill a need near the LOS in the passing game.

2nd choice: Dede Westbrook or Carlos Henderson could be in play if the Saints look to add a field stretcher at WR. Bucknell OT Julien Davenport was my selection in 1.0, and I could still see the Saints looking to add help on the OL.

6.196 Jaylen Reeves Maybin, LB Tennessee

Thoughts: Undersized at 6'0" 230. Athletic run-and-chase LB who could come in and play special teams immediately and possibly develop into a starting caliber LB.

2nd choice: Josh Boutte, G from LSU could be an intriguing pickup. Projects more as a run grater, but played well vs the pass as well. Also would keep an eye on Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly.


7.229 Gehrig Dieter, WR Alabama

Thoughts: This mainly goes as a special teams pick for a guy that could eventually work his way into the WR corps. Once productive Transfer from Bowling Green has good size 6'2" 207 and is a polished WR working from the slot. Got lost in Bama's shitty passing attack.

2nd choice: as usual look for a pick made with special teams in mind, or a guy with upside to stash on the practice squad .