New Orleans Saints have ability to meet needs on Day 3, but might need to do some trading

It’s hard to imagine that we’re already at the close of the NFL Draft on Day 3. The New Orleans Saints went with back-to-back Ohio State prospects with two second round picks.

The second night of the NFL Draft was almost as crazy as the first, with more trades made and players taken in spots where others should have went. Here’s a list of prospects the New Orleans Saints should have their eye on today with their 152nd (fifth round) and 237th (seventh round) pick.

Offensive Guard

• Sebastian Tretola (Arkansas) – He’s not talked about much with the Saints, but he’s a physical presence that could pair well with Dan Roushar. The fact that he’s still out there is a bit concerning.
• Vadal Alexander (LSU) – Could the New Orleans Saints take their first LSU player since Al Woods (2010) in the Sean Payton era? Alexander would be a great addition to the team’s offensive line.
• Christian Westerman (Arizona State) – He’s one of my favorite guard prospects, and could insert himself as a utility knife for the Saints. If I’m trading up for anyone in the fourth round, it’s for him.
• Landon Turner (North Carolina) – Despite some criticism, he’s clear choice to anchor the team’s offensive line for years to come. He fits a zone-blocking scheme.
• Anthony Fabiano (Harvard) – He’s the best prospect you’ve never heard of. Think of him as this year’s Ali Marpet.

Pass Rushers

• Matt Judon (Grand Valley State) – He’s definitely getting a call on Day 3, as Judon was dominate in the GLIAC. He might be a Division II prospect, but he’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
• Ronald Blair (Appalachian State) – He’s a rotational defender who uses his strength to make things happen. The tape is impressive. He would be a good late round addition.
• Victor Ochi (Stony Brook) – He flashed and impressed at the Senior Bowl, which put him on the map. He’d likely find better lunch as an outside 3-4 linebacker, but the buzz is there.

Defensive Linemen

• Andrew Billings (Baylor) – I was high on Billings at one point as a potential solution at No. 12 because of his mean streak and domination abilities. I never thought he’d fall so far, but maybe there’s something there that hasn’t surfaced.
• Sheldon Day (Notre Dame) – A true one-gap defender who could thrive in the right system. He has good ball pursuit and is key in run support.
• Matt Ioannidis (Temple) – Tremendous upside with a combination of speed and power for his size. He just doesn’t give up, and is a good locker room presence to have.

Outside Linebackers

• Scooby Wright (Arizona) – Very instinctive player who always tends to be around the ball. His Combine performance affected his draft stock, but he’s just a productive football player.
• Steve Longa (Rutgers) – He’s played at all linebacker spots in a 4-3 scheme, and had triple digit tackle efforts. He’d be a perfect seventh round addition or priority undrafted free agent. I’d be excited for him as the team’s weak side linebacker backup.
• Ian Seau (Nevada) – His uncle was Junior Seau, but Ian brings his own unique work ethic to the table. He’d jump in sub packages and special teams immediately.

Other spots

• Rashard Higgins, WR (Colorado State) – “Hollywood” could give the New Orleans Saints a playmaker, and reuniting with Garrett Grayson would be an interesting thought. But, why go for another wide receiver when you have Michael Thomas?
• Mike Thomas, WR (Southern Miss) – He’s a true Day 3 prospect, and the thought of having two Mike Thomas’ (Thomasi?) on the roster is weird. Still, you can’t ignore how impressive this kid is.
• Deiondre’ Hall, CB (Northern Iowa) – Since the Saints got their swing safety with Vonn Bell, they could really shore up their secondary with someone like Hall. He compares to Trumaine Johnson.

Ultimately, the Saints may have to do some trading to land some of the prospects on this list. However, today will tell us a lot should they stay put with their picks.

Who do you hope the New Orleans Saints take today? Do you see them trading up? Let us know!