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Saints eye defenders at Senior Bowl | Mississippi State | The Sun Herald

Here's a look at a few college football seniors the Saints may have an eye on this week at Senior Bowl practices in Mobile:

OLB Lorenzo Mauldin (Louisville, 6-foot-4, 244.)

Mauldin spent the first three seasons of his college career as a defensive end in Louisville's 4-3 scheme. When Charlie Strong left for the heading coaching job at the University of Texas, Louisville switched to a 3-4 defense, where Mauldin excelled, finishing his senior season with 6.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, 51 tackles and 13 tackles for loss.

Draft prospectus pre-Senior Bowl: Second-third round

What they're saying: "Lorenzo Mauldin stood out in pass coverage for South. @SanjayKirpalani was all over him during Wednesday's practice." -- Mauldin spent part of his childhood in more than a dozen foster homes.

Mauldin's words: "It's more fun to play, it's easier to watch film. Just being able to play in open space and see the entire offense is a great thing to be able to do. Playing defensive end, that's all you're looking at: the ground. You're waiting for the ball to snap and to react to what you're (facing). (Playing outside linebacker) is less complicated."

DE Preston Smith (Mississippi State, 6-5, 270.)

Smith is one of the hottest prospects this week in Mobile, continuing momentum he earned during an unexpected standout season. He dominated opponents with nine sacks (15 quarterback hurries) and 48 tackles, while adding two interceptions. He played in a 4-3 scheme for the Bulldogs, but his burst off the line has intrigued plenty of NFL scouts.

What they're saying: Scouts will pay close attention to his ability to put consistent pressure on the passer while also looking at how well he holds up against the run. If Smith checks the box in all areas, he will continue to enter the conversation as a Day 1 prospect heading into the conversation." - NFL.com's Bucky Brooks

Draft prospectus pre-Senior Bowl: Second round

Personal: Early in the morning before Smith was named Defensive MVP of last season's Liberty Bowl, he became a father.

Smith's words: "If teams see me as a potential first-round draft pick, that feels great. It's an honor just to be seen as a guy who could get drafted and to be able to play in the Senior Bowl and increase those chances."

OLB Hau'Oli Kikaha (Washington, 6-3, 246.)

The Hawaii native led the nation in sacks last season with 19 sacks. He also amassed 72 tackles, including more than a third for a loss (25).

Draft prospectus pre-Senior Bowl: Second - third round

What they're saying: "He is very fast off the edge with good moves and agility. Kikaha needs to get stronger for the NFL... If Kikaha were had more size, he'd be a higher draft pick." -- WalterFootball.com

Personal: Kikaha applies aspects of judo and mixed martial arts on the football field... His first name is pronounced KEY-kah-HA... Known as Hau'oli Jamora during his first year of college, he legally adopted a new last name.

Kikaha's words: "I'm a true 'tweener.' I can play either [outside linebacker or defensive end. I just want to get after it. Either way, I'm comfortable." -- Dallas Morning News