After leading the NFL in yards per game in 2006, the New Orleans Saints need to make defensive improvements their main goal in this weekend’s draft.
Signing former Cincinnati middle linebacker Brian Simmons and former Indianapolis cornerback Jason David was a step in the right direction for the Saints, but they still need help at both of those positions, among others.
The following are not necessarily what I expect the Saints to do in the draft but are based more on what they should do and what positions need the most help.
Round One, Pick 27Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
Even after adding David, cornerback is still the biggest need for the Saints. Fred Thomas, Mike McKenzie and Jason Craft are all mediocre and more than 30 years old meaning it will take more than one cornerback to make this a strong position for them. Houston is fast and has played well against top competition. There are only a few cornerbacks worth a first round pick in this draft, so Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell or Penn State outside linebacker like Paul Posluzny would also fill a need if none of the top corners are available.
Round Two, Pick 58Buster Davis, LB, Florida State
The Saints’ linebackers overachieved in 2006 and there is a definite need for some athletic playmakers. Brian Simmons is an upgrade to the middle linebacker position but Scott Shanle is still replaceable and Davis is a heat-seeking missile who could take his job on the outside.
Round Three, Pick 88Scott Chandler, TE, Iowa
The Saints brought in Eric Johnson from San Francisco, but he has had injury problems in the past. Chandler is tall at 6 feet 7 inches and is a dangerous former wideout who caught a lot of passes for the Hawkeyes.
Round Four, Pick 123Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida
The Saints could use some help on their defensive line. Thomas is very similar to former Tiger Claude Wroten, who was projected to go in the first round in 2006 before being arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Florida kicked Thomas off their team for failing two drug tests and, much like Wroten, he will likely drop from the first round to the fourth or fifth. He will be a steal if he avoids trouble.
Round Four, Pick 125Tim Duckworth, G, Auburn
The Saints’ offensive line lacked depth before the 2006 season and the release of Montrae Holland makes guard a need in this draft. Duckworth is a tough run-blocker who paved the way for some productive running games at Auburn.
Round Five, Pick 163Derek Landri, DT, Notre Dame
Landri recorded seven sacks in 2006 and could contribute right away playing in a rotation. He is an overachiever who might remind Saints coach Sean Payton of Rob Ninkovich, who he drafted out of Purdue in the fifth round this past draft.
Round Seven, Pick 220Jared Zabranski, QB, Boise State
Zabranski proved he can play against top competition when he led Boise to a win in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl. Zabranski could be a developmental backup and is athletic enough to play wide receiver.
—–Contact Will Dunn at wdunn@lsureveille.com