The 2013 Saints returned to their old self under the tutelage of Sean Payton to post an 11-5 record and a Wild Card Playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles. A lacklustre performance against the eventual Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks saw an end to their campaign but things are certainly looking up in Louisiana.
Nevertheless, just like all teams the Saints have areas of improvement, and when the Draft rolls around in just over a weeks time they could find themselves closer to a Super Bowl appearance.
Major Needs
Cornerback: Jabari Greer was cut and, although Champ Bailey was signed, the Saints need a long-term plan to play opposite Keenan Lewis.
Outside Linebacker: Victor Butler returns from a season-long layoff to play opposite Junior Galette but the Saints could use a third pass-rusher to rotate into the lineup.
Center: Brian de la Puente was a good starting center but he has left for Chicago. Tim Lelito was an undrafted rookie in 2013 and started two games at guard with center experience, but it will be a risk to lean on him at the heart of the offensive line.
Inside Linebacker: Jonathan Vilma was cut after the 2013 season and David Hawthorne has not performed as well as he once did for Seattle. An upgrade with an early round pick should be in the offing.
Day One Targets (First Round)
Dee Ford: The speedy outside linebacker is just what the Saints need to improve their pass rush. Imagine Cameron Jordan, Galette, Butler and Ford on the field at the same time.
Jason Verrett: The undersized corner would be the number one corner in this draft if he was a couple of inches taller. At number 27 he would be a great pick who can contribute a significant amount as a rookie.
Jordan Matthews: Kenny Stills had an unexpectedly strong rookie year and Robert Meachem was re-signed but there is still room for a receiver to play across from Marques Colston. Matthews has his flaws but at 6’3” tall and a 4.4 40-yard dash he is a game-changer.
Day Two Targets (Second and Third Round)
Scott Crichton: A defensive end with good pass-rushing ability would be useful after the departure of Will Smith. It is not a major need but would serve a similar purpose to Dee Ford.
Charles Sims: With Darren Sproles now in Philadelphia and the fifth-year option not being picked up on Mark Ingram, the Saints could use a pass-catching running back who has the potential to do it all.
Weston Richburg: New Orleans may fill their center need on day two or three of the draft and they will not go far wrong with Richburg. He is an all-round player who is built like an old-fashioned football player.
Arthur Lynch: A second tight end opposite Jimmy Graham would come in handy. The All-Pro is exceptional but a solid target in Lynch would go a long way to freeing up more room over the middle.
Mid-to-Late Round Targets (Fourth Round and Later)
Robert Herron: The Speedy wide receiver surprised many at the Senior Bowl and would complement Colston perfectly. The Saints may feel it makes more sense to wait to the later rounds to add another pass catcher.
Ricardo Allen: Another small corner, Allen excels in short areas with tremendous lateral ability. Furthermore, he applies solid route running recognition skills to give himself a solid base in which he can build on to become a high-calibre player in the NFL.
James Morris: A tough willing linebacker who would contribute on special teams immediately. Morris has physical limitations but displays great discipline and determination.
Final Seven-Round Mock
Round 1 pick 27 – OLB, Dee Ford, Auburn
Round 2 pick 26 – WR, Allen Robinson, Penn State
Round 3 pick 27 – ILB, Yawin Smallwood, UConn
Round 4 pick 26 – RB, Lache Seastrunk, Baylor
Round 5 pick 27 – C, Tyler Larsen, Utah
Round 5 pick 29 – TE, Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State
Round 6 pick 26 – CB, Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma
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