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Mike Mayock is one of the most respected NFL Draft experts in the field.

Seventy-eight days before the annual collegiate player selection event, he’s as mystified as anyone as to what the Saints will do thanks to the many variables at play for the franchise.

“As far as the Saints are concerned at (pick No.) 27, you’re right – there’s an awful lot of questions there and you relate it to salary cap and late in the first round who is left,” Mayock said Tuesday during a pre-combine conference call.

New Orleans is estimated to be more than $2.5 million beneath the salary cap, according to ESPN’s John Clayton. But it still must find room for tight end Jimmy Graham, who is expected to command top dollar in what could end up being drawn out contract negotiations. There also must be room for draft picks.

Additionally, New Orleans is aging at receiver, where Marques Colston and Lance Moore both just completed their eighth season and Robert Meachem his seventh.

And in the defensive backfield, the Saints are likely in need of help after jettisoning cornerback Jabari Greer and safety Roman Harper, both key members of the defense at some point in their tenures with New Orleans.
Still, if Mayock were selecting for the Saints, he’d look towards the offensive line.

Read more: Draft expert: Saints should go with offensive lineman in first round | wwltv.com New Orleans

Jack Vegas

Dumb article. They admit Evans, Grubbs and Armstead are cemented into their positions so they are saying we should take a center or right tackle in the first round. Those are positions you just dont use a first round pick on.

saintsfan403

Couldn't agree with you more, Jack. Mayock completely ignores the success we've had drafting lineman in the late rounds (usually from small schools) too. I imagine we'll go with the BPA on day 1.

lee909

Take the best player on the board in a position that is needed.

halloween 65

I really wouldn't mind a center for Brees to step up in the pocket. I hate to say it but his article is correct I just don't know about the 1st pick or not.

saintsfan1976

Speedy Linebacker please

Danno

What if there are no OTs left with1st round grades when we pick?

We should go bpa not named qb, k, p, or fb.

And by the way, he never actually said we should select a tackle at 27.

K Major

+1.

QBREES9

O-Line in the first round. Unreal no way. Expert LMAO.

SmashMouth

We do need more fresh beef up front.... just maybe not in the first round.