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ESPN Insider: New Orleans Saints Draft Guide

For those of you without ESPN Insider, here is what they have to say about the Saints going into the draft:

Personnel needs
OT, CB, DL, S, CB

Major need: The defense overall could use reinforcements, but the loss of Jermon Bushrod leaves New Orleans very thin at offensive tackle. Is Charles Brown ready to be a starting left tackle? I have my doubts, but at least Drew Brees' pocket presence helps alleviate this concern.

Quiet need: When you think of the Saints, you think of a great passing attack loaded with weapons, but the wide receiver depth isn't great here and Marques Colston's knee issues could become problematic at any time. They should look to the draft here.

Not a need: It is never a bad idea to add more pass-rush, and maybe I am in the minority, but the trio of Junior Galette, Victor Butler and Martez Wilson could really surprise at outside linebacker in New Orleans' new 3-4 scheme that better fits Galette's and Wilson's skill sets.

Depth chart
Jobs in jeopardy: Right now Roman Harper is the Saints' starting strong safety, however his coverage abilities are a major concern. In a very deep safety draft, expect Harper's starting gig (and maybe his roster spot) to be in jeopardy.

Don't mess with it: The Saints run the ball more than many realize with a power scheme, and the interior of their offensive line is one of the best in the league. Brian De La Puente has really improved and is the best center in the NFL that you have never heard of.

What free agency solved
Free agency made the Saints' transition to a 3-4 rather smooth, which often isn't the case when such a switch is made in this league. There are still pieces needed and the Saints don't have a second round pick, but they do get their head coach back for 2013.

-- Matt Williamson

How they draft
Saints Draft History (2010-12)
Each pick New Orleans has made over the past three years. Players who are projected 2013 starters are in bold.

Round Pick Player Pos
2012
3 89 Akiem Hicks DT
4 122 Nick Toon WR
5 162 Corey White DB
6 179 Andrew Tiller G
7 234 Marcel Jones OT
2011
1 24 Cameron Jordan DE
1 28 Mark Ingram RB
3 72 Martez Wilson LB
3 88 Johnny Patrick DB
7 226 Greg Romeus DE
7 243 Nate Bussey LB
2010
1 32 Patrick Robinson DB
2 64 Charles Brown OT
3 95 Jimmy Graham TE
4 123 Al Woods DT
5 158 Matt Tennant C
7 239 Sean Canfield QB

Where they draft well: 2010. Round 3. Pick No. 95. Really, in the midst of what is a four-year stretch of below average draft returns, the pick of Jimmy Graham looks like a poolside beer commercial scene in the middle of the Sahara. In a league hooked on tight end impact, getting maybe the most talented one of all, a guy that caught a total of 17 college passes, late in Round 3, looks like a stroke of inspiration.

Where they don't draft well: Who knows if Roger Goodell would have taken it away as a part of the bounty scandal punishments, but the trade of a future first-round pick for the right to draft RB Mark Ingram with the No. 28 pick in 2011 is still an absolute puzzler. It's not just that the Saints run an offense under Drew Brees that doesn't require the presence of an elite running back to score points, it's that the Saints should know better. They won a Super Bowl in 2009 with Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell combining for 1,447 yards. Reggie Bush was third on that team with 390 yards rushing (though he played a huge role in the passing game.) The point: Bush went No. 2 overall. Neither Thomas or Bell were drafted. The trade didn't make a ton of sense then; it looks worse now.

-- Chris Sprow

2013 NFL draft - New Orleans Saints draft guide - ESPN