nola_swammi

New Orleans Saints: B

First pick: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville (No. 12)

Other notable picks: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (47); Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State (61); Daniel Lasco, RB, Cal (237)​


The Saints needed all kinds of help on defense, and certainly got it on the line with the selection of Sheldon Rankins with the 12th overall pick. Rankins is a pass-rusher with great run strength, and has the talent to define a defensive line for the next half-decade. And third-round safety Vonn Bell from Ohio State has the play potential to replace free-agent bust Jairus Byrd. Moreover, the Saints got one of the best receivers in this class in Ohio State's Michael Thomas; he'll add to Sean Payton's offense as a bigger target for Drew Brees. Manitoba (Canada) defensive tackle David Onyemata is a project, but an interesting athlete. And Cal running back Daniel Lasco could be a seventh-round steal if he can get past the injuries that affected his 2015 season. There’s no outside pass-rusher, but Rankins could cure a lot of ills on that front seven.​ —DF​


2016 NFL draft grades: Winners, losers, team-by-team results

I'll give it A+ for signing undrafted OG Landon Turner & C Jack Allen