It feels crazy to say, but I think we’re actually all set defensively in terms of our starters. I have us addressing receiving weapons with our first two picks.

R1 P27 TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State

It’s kind of difficult to pick one of the TE’s between Goedert, Gesicki and Hurst but there is some logic to this choice. With our newfound commitment to the run game, I think we need a well-rounded TE who contributes as a blocker. That rules out Gesicki. Then it’s a matter of what concerns you more... Hurst’s age or Goedert’s lower level of competition? I’ll take Goedert.

R3 P27 WR Cedrick Wilson, Boise State

He’s not getting any hype at all and I’m not sure why. Reminds me a lot of Michael Thomas- just a little lighter and a little less strong. NFL bloodline, good route runner, studious hard worker, everything we could ask for. He and Thomas can both operate as X receivers and in the slot so this pick gives us some versatility.

R4 P27 OLB Genard Avery, Memphis

Give this guy a year of development and he could potentially start at SLB or WLB. His measurables are insane:

40 YARD DASH: 4.59 SEC
BENCH PRESS: 26 REPS
VERTICAL JUMP: 36.0 INCH
BROAD JUMP: 124.0 INCH
3 CONE DRILL: 6.90 SEC
20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.36 SEC

R5 P10 DE Kylie Fitts, Utah

Great addition to our depth at the position. Another athletic freak. Currently spending time training with former teammate Marcus Williams. You can bet Payton has gotten the inside scoop and likes what he’s heard.

R5 P27 SS Siran Neal, Jacksonville State

Now here’s a guy who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Could compete for snaps as a dime CB and maybe in a year compete for a role in our 3 safety sets.

I’m going to skip the 6th and 7th rounds for now because this is tedious typing on my phone lol.

Mike is peaking at the best possible moment (Pro Day & NFL combine). Big, strong, fast & appears to be a freak of nature. He's compared well to Jimmy G. The only negative from a lot of scouts is his blocking .

I just don't think he'll be on the board after Day 2. Would love to have him though.

No. 27 (R1, 27) LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise St.; Height: 6’ 4”, Weight: 245 lbs.

In my Hagan's voice ... "sell me on Leighton Vander Esch in the 1st rd!"

Do you watch Inside New Orleans Sports with Eric Asher?

Mike Fazende was one of the guest last night (airs LIVE on Thursdays on WLAE at 6pm)...

I like Mike, good, humble guy with a great grasp on personnel, team fit, salary cap, and an unabashed, but honest, NOLA homer...

To paraphrase, Fazende highlighted a great point about how Vander Esch went from being a walk-On as a TE/WR to playing as an elite LB...

Vander Esch learned a new position and re-built his body, was outstandingly productive and earned first round grade in three years...

That kind of player to come from lean walk-on to top tier prospect linebacker is one who you jumps out at you and you take notice...

You factor in his SPARQ, his Combine Performance, his increase in production - this guy is the goods...

I'd also mention that unlike these Bama and UGA linebackers, he didn't have great talent around him or in front of him on his defensive line...

Evans and Smith will be solid pros, but they came from factories that mill out these guys and have superior talent around them, rarely challenged or directly targeted...

Consider Fazende's point and then you realize that this is a young man that understands adversity and challenge and has already demonstrated he can overcome it...

For me, it's Taven Bryan or Vander Esch or Bust...And I'd jump the Falcons to get either one...

Do you watch Inside New Orleans Sports with Eric Asher?

You factor in his SPARQ, his Combine Performance, his increase in production - this guy is the goods...