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Mike Detillier Sports Correspondent


With less than a week from the 2011 NFL Draft, speculation is running wild on who will become the first-round selection for the New Orleans Saints.



When the 2010 season ended it was obvious the Saints needed help at defensive end or defensive tackle to improve their pass rush. An explosive and powerful outside linebacker and a running back that could be a major factor in the offensive backfield.

Because of the ongoing NFL labor issues, those areas are still top list of needs for the Saints.

I firmly believe in trusting your draft board and you must always try to select a quality starting football player that fits your scheme best.

In the past the Saints have used veteran free agents to fill in key positions and then have some wiggle room in the draft to take a player ranked high on their board. Those cards are off the table and it will be interesting to watch how much, if any, the Saints philosophy about the draft will change because of no free agency.

One thing has been evident in drafts under Saints coach Sean Payton. Payton has been able to relay to his scouts and coaches the type players he covets. The Saints have stayed away from players with character issues and focused on players with talent that fits their schemes and does well in the locker room.

Full article below.
Who will it be at No. 24 | HoumaToday.com

SmashMouth

Probably this dude right here ...

Danno

My guess is its going to be a DE, unless there's a huge run on DE's and the DT's left are significantly better than any DE left.

I think there will be equally rated DE's and DT's available at 24, so I'll take a DE please.

CheramieIII

DE but I would not be surprised if they drafted a CB or my surprise pick Mark Ingram, RB

Euphoria

One thing I learned is that don't expect the expected! I do agree Sean's draft will change a bit because of FA situation. Trading back out of the first round and still land a quality player maybe a serious option by snagging an extra pick.

If not.

They are going with BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE no matter the position. No character issues. A guy who will show up to work and not complain that he didn't get x amount of playing time.

Players I like when we are on the board.

DE - Heyward - I can't see how we can lose here. Sean will also score a few points with the fans by drafting Ironheads son. He brought back Deuce?

OLB - Houston

FS - Moore

WR - Cobb

E U P H O R I A

st thomas

akeem ayers if hes there can't pass on him.