Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

New Orleans Saints
First pick: Round 1, No. 15 overall

The Safe Route: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

The Saints have the pieces in place to unleash a fairly potent 3-4 rush, starting with Junior Galette and free-agent addition Victor Butler. Mingo could join that mix (which also includes Jonathan Vilma) as a pass-rushing hammer.

Mingo suffers through some shaky moments on tape, especially against the run. Given the opportunity to pin his ears back and get after the quarterback, though, he might be as dangerous as any defensive player in this draft.

New Orleans must continue to add disruptive elements to its D. Mingo, whose time at LSU would make him an immediate fan favorite, fits the bill.

The Surprise: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

The NFC South’s draft approach will be fascinating, with the Bucs, Panthers and Saints picking 13-14-15, in that order. And just as Patterson would have to be a consideration for Carolina at 14, so too would the Saints have to give the Tennessee receiver a second look should he drop this far.

For as much as New Orleans should try to improve its defense, this is a team that goes as Drew Brees and the offense does. That offense could use another big-play threat alongside Marques Colston and Lance Moore, someone to free up even more space for tight end Jimmy Graham. No other Saints receiver had more than 22 catches last season and that player, Devery Henderson, currently sits an unrestricted free agent.

This would be more a luxury pick than a need-filler, but Patterson could also elevate the Saints’ passing attack.

Entire Column Here

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

Mingo wouldn't surprise me, but I certainly don't think he's a safe pick.

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

2-3 years from being a full time starter.
Too thin, poor vs the run.
Wouldn't be an every down player.

None of that say #15 pick to me.

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

I don't either.

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

Running the ball more with the talent the Saints have at RB would help the passing game and the defense more than the two players listed above. :)

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

I'll take either of the top WR's and not complain one bit.

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

Still need a LT to do that

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

Agreed

I heard mike mayock say something today that really made me think

He said the saints shouldnt just pick a defensive player for the sake of it, if the defensive player you wanted is no longer there and theres a guy your really high on, take him and he mentioned patterson

Dont just take a defensive player if hes not the best player currently on the board, we do need a big play WR and an LT

Im not sold on mingo or jarvis jones, id be inclined to let Junior, Tez and victor butler battle for the OLB spots

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

Yep, he said in round 1 you want a dynamic playmaker, not just some prospect that fills a need. If the top D'players are gone and those two WR's are there, you take them and don't look back.

Re: Safe or Surprise Draft: NFC South
 

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee please say no

he is probably one of the most over hyped players in the draft. its all about ceiling.

ming no too