Here at Sports World News we will countdown each NFL teams’ 2014 draft needs and perfect fits. At the end of every team we will make a pick on who the team could take at their position. The Saints have been in competition ever since they signed Drew Brees. They have been quite while the Seahawks and 49ers have dominated the NFC conversation.
2013 Review: The Saints won a playoff game and looked great at times, but had their low points. Rob Ryan’s 3-4 defense was a breath of fresh air from 2013 and the Saints showed improvement across the board. The offense was it’s normal high powered self, but needs to find new players to replace Darren Sproles and Lance Moore. With Drew Brees you always have a chance. Jimmy Graham was franchised with the hope of being signed long term, but that hasn't been discussed in weeks.
Needs:
Wide Receivers: You may think this is a luxury, but the Saints are thin aside from Marques Colston and are now without Lance Moore. With such a deep class at WR it wouldn’t shock me to see the Saints grab a bargain late. Brees can make late round picks, like Colston, into compete studs.
Linebackers: The linebacker position hasn't really adapted to the 3-4 just yet and David Hawthorne has been a bust in his two season in New Orleans. A pass rushing OLB and run stuffing leader at ILB will be addressed early if not the top priority.
Cornerbacks: Saints let go of Jabari Greer and he was mediocre in his time so an improvement can be found relatively cheap. A late round corner to bring competition into the fold is always good for a franchise still going through transition in scheme.
Targets: Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri
Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Dee Ford, DE/OLB, Auburn
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Best First Round Fit: Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri
Ealy is the best defensive end and third best outside linebacker behind Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack and Anthony Barr. The Saints get incredible value at 27 with one of the more versatile players in the country. Dee Ford would be the second best option here and thats only if Ealy is already taken or the Saints reach for Ford. Ealy will fit right in with Ryan’s 3-4 scheme and will stand on the edge and rush the passer.
NFL Draft Team Previews:
Carolina Panthers
New England Patriots
San Francisco 49ers
Denver Broncos
Seattle Seahawks
Who should the Saints select at 27? Tell us @SportsWN
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