Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

The 2018 NFL draft is less than a month away, so by now, the New Orleans Saints should be close to being done with their player evaluations.
The team has addressed some of its needs thus far this offseason. The Saints re-signed defensive ends Alex Okafor and George Johnson. They brought back tight end Benjamin Watson, cornerback Patrick Robinson and versatile offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod. They also plugged defensive holes by signing linebacker Demario Davis and safety Kurt Coleman.
But, adding veteran players doesn’t necessarily change the long-term needs at some positions, and the goal of the draft should be to build the team for the future. Most draft classes won’t have the same Year 1 impact as the Saints' group did in 2017.
With eight picks, the Saints should have chances to find talented players, but with the first pick at 27th and without a second-round pick, the Saints will watch several of the top players come off the board before they can pick.
Here’s my third mock draft of 2018:

http://image.nola.com/home/nola-medi...39b7939c19.jpg

Round 1 (No. 27): DT Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
I was tempted to go back to my selection in 1.0 of South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst, but I’m instead sticking with my 2.0 selection of Payne. The addition of Watson makes it less likely the Saints reach for a tight end, though it’s certainly not out of the question.
Payne, though, seems to be a fit for a Saints defense that’s looking to bulk up in the middle after giving up 4.4 yards per carry in 2017. After seeing the Saints flirt with signing Ndamukong Suh and Muhammad Wilkerson, it seems the team considers defensive tackle a need.
CBS Sports ranks the 6-foot-2, 311-pound Payne as the No. 23 overall prospect and No. 4 defensive tackle, so there’s a chance he’ll fall to the Saints. It won’t excite the fan base, but this pick would help the defense.

Round 3 (91): WR Dante Pettis, Washington
This pick is staying the same from 2.0, too, because I think Pettis would be a great fit for the Saints on offense and special teams.
Pettis scored nine punt return touchdowns the past four years, including four in 2017, and for a Saints team that has lacked consistency in the return game, he could play a role on special teams immediately.
The Saints have yet to add a receiver in free agency, and the 6-foot Pettis could bring quickness, route-running and hands to the offense. His best statistical year was 2016 with 53 catches for 822 yards and 15 touchdowns. He followed that with 63 catches for 761 yards and seven touchdowns in 2017.

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Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

Round 3 (91): WR Dante Pettis, Washington ... probable upgrade over TLL.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

We draft a wr in rd 3 it better be an upgrade on Snead as well.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

LB Evans - Sideline to sideline playmaker.
DT Settle - Run stuffer with pass rush abilities.
WR Lazard - Perfect compliment to Thomas.
WR Quinn - Too good to pass up. Solidifies WR group for years.
RB Scarbrough - BPA. Can do it all.
QB Litton - Absolute steal. Perfect to groom. All the tools.
CB Nickerson - Tough, fast, smart, ball skills.
OT/OG Toth - Tough, smart, versatile.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

I'd wet my pants if we drafted Payne.

https://media.giphy.com/media/6nGE3BmUlhs3e/giphy.gif

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

Same. DT at 27th is ideal, as long as we ain't reaching. Payne is far, far from reaching with that pick.

Play him at TE, too. 2 birds, 1 stone :wink:

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

I want the other Bama product @ 27 ... Mr. Rashaan Evans. When he puts his hands on you, it's over. He's nasty ... a dawg.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

And FB/RB!

No way he gets out of the top 20 though. I think we'd have to trade up and I just don't think we have the ammo to do that.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

I’d be really happy with this draft. I haven’t heard of us showing interest in Payne though. We have, however, met with his teammate Da’Shawn Hand twice.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

I would love to see us get the Best DE or DT available with 27 and move up as far as possible in the 2nd with our 2nd next year and maybe a 5 6 and 7 this year and grab the other end of that DE or DT. Trading for the 2nd last year really worked for us.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

If he falls to 27th & we pass, my draft prediction is I throw the TV out the window and pout for a week.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

We could sure use a disruptive DT to improve the rest of our defense. If not......give me the best O-lineman available. You win in the trenches.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

Another Lattimore wouldn't hurt either :)

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

Something tells me we'll be drafting OL. Unger is not getting any younger. And we lost depth when Kelemente deserted us for the Texans.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

Too bad DT Vea won't fall but perhaps DT Maurice Hurst could. Like the idea of a run-stuffing DT in the 1st.

Payne would be fine but I was hoping for others instead.

If we go DE, I have no idea on who to pick but hope it's someone large and who can set the edge (not just pass rush).

If we go OL, there's G/C Billy Price.

If we go TE, there's the other Hurst (or the G-men TEs).

Hurst or bust?

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

I don't think we go DT at number 27.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

If they pick 6 qbs in first dozen or so picks they will be some talent there when the saints pick, I’m thinking trade down and get 2 seconds , a high and a mid to late picks it depends if Payton and company wants to get cute this year

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

Who you got 76?

I say a big ugly (Olineman) or game changing LB. If Rashaan Evans is on the board @ 27, he's my guy.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

I also hope we trade down unless one of my favorites fall :)

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

My guess is we are drafting either the Defensive rookie of the year or the offensive rookie of the year.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

In order based on who I think could be @ 27:
Harold Landry
Taven Bryan
DaRon Payne
Rasheem Green
Sam Hubbard
Josh Allen
Mike Geiseki

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

BPA. Any position besides running back.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

The problem with trading out of the first round is that you lose that fifth year option available on first rounders. We're going to have that luxury with both Lattimore and Ramczyk. That will save us at least $20 million in 2021, probably even more with the way contracts are keeping pace with the quickly growing cap.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

Good point, but the upside is that late round 1st is more attractive to other teams and we could get a really good deal on some 2nd/3rd/4th rounders.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

That is the trade-off. If you are not confident in any player sitting there at #27 still contributing to the roster in five years then moving down would be more attractive.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

With the Saints showing major interest in Suh & Mo Wilkerson ... maybe the Saints FO brass still have their eye on one at 27.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

I know I may catch flack for this but I think the guy is overrated. I would take Phillips from Stanford or Davenport from UTST before him.

Re: Katzenstein Latest Saints Mock Draft: Sticking with a run-stuffer
 

Some one a few years ago told me about the fifth year option and it comes back on me again not thinking logical thanks again that 20 mil saved is huge