SmashMouth

The 2014 season isn't even over yet, but the mock drafts are already rolling out. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper released his first mock draft of the year on Thursday, projecting Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley to the Saints at No. 13 overall.

While Kiper's mock draft requires ESPN Insider access to view, he noted he saw Beasley as a potential top-15 pick in the 2014 draft, had Beasley chosen to declare for the draft early.

The rest of Kiper's first round mock draft is here.

The 6-foot-2, 235 pound Beasley was named the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year and posted double digit sacks in 2013 and 2014.

Of course, without the impact of the NFL Combine and free agency, these early mocks are as much a guessing game as anything. In Kiper's first mock last year, he projected Tennessee left tackle Antonio Richardson to the Saints with the 27th pick of the first round.

The Saints traded up to select wideout Brandin Cooks, while knee injuries kept Richardson from being drafted.

The Saints could go many ways in the first round. While they may address many of their needs in free agency, they will likely be looking at cornerback and pass rusher as two of their top needs.





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