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New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said this week that defensive end is a position the team must still address this offseason, but at this point, the team has limited options for filling it.

The free-agent market is significantly depleted, so the draft is likely where the team will find help at the position. However, with where the Saints are picking, it's going to be difficult to find an impact player for 2018.

The Saints don't pick until 27th overall in the draft, so the top defensive ends will likely be gone. Their next pick isn't until 91st overall in the third round, so more pass-rush options will come off the board.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said Wednesday this year's defensive end class is "not real good" and particularly "very iffy early" in the draft. Still, Kiper mentioned a few players the Saints could target beyond the first round.



The first name Kiper listed was Breeland Speaks from Ole Miss, who's 6-foot-3, 285 pounds and had seven sacks in 2017.

"The more I watch that kid, he really impressed," Kiper said. "Just a lot of versatility, you can move him around, he's got initial quickness, he plays with a lot of strength and leverage."

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K Major

Mel Kiper ... lmao.

vpheughan

"I LIKE THAT KIPER KID!"

Born: July 25, 1960 (age 57), Baltimore, MD
Education: Community College of Baltimore County

QuotesAfter fellow analyst Merril Hoge disagreed with him on USC receiver Mike Williams being the best player in the draft) "I'll see you at his Hall of Fame induction."

RockyMountainSaint

Kiper mentioned Ohio State's Sam Hubbard,

That should have been the entire article.
There is a buckeye available?
You know they will.....

ChrisXVI

So Breeland Speaks’ agent is paying Kiper.

billyt81

Arden Key would give the Saints the best DE duo in the league. There is no doubt Key can rush the passer and I think he could drop because he was dinged up last year.

Cruize

I don't see DE as a need unless it's an elite DE. Which I really don't see in the draft. Especially at #27. The good news is, on paper, the Saints are solid across the board except at WR and NT. Thomas needs a legit player opposite him and the defense needs a true space eating, block engaging, run stuffing NT.

saintsfan1976

I would consider a TE in our offense same as a WR. Agree on NT and expect us to nab BJ Hill in round 3. We also need depth on the D and O Line

K Major

Remember when Mel Kiper stated that San Diego would be reaching for DE Joey Bosa (2016 Def ROY) at 3 & Deforest Buckner would be a better fit for the Chargers defense?

This guy is closing his eyes and throwing darts, hoping for a bulls eye.

jeanpierre

What Kiper failed to realize it that San Diego (a) has a coach, not a system, and will mould their defense around their guys, and (b) Joey Bosa is a special player...

Still tickles me that he regraded Saints with an "A", not an "A+", despite Saints being only team winning OROTY AND DROTY since Detroit in 1967...

Have much props and respect for Kiper that he has contributed as much as anybody to the growth of popularity of the NFL Draft, carving out a niche for himself...

But he's an arrogant a$$hole by not admitting when he gets it wrong, even with his platform, job security to explain why he got it wrong and make it compelling news...

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...