New Orleans Saints Continue Defensive Rebuild In Fourth Round

The Saints continue to draft defensively – taking two Wake Forest defenders with the 116th and 118th picks of  the 4th round.

With the 116th pick the Saints took Safety Chip Vaughn. Vaughn played as a free safety at Wake, but experts feel he is more suited to the strong safety position considering his speed, size, and ability.

While playing at Wake, Vaughn was a standout safety registering 253 total tackles and 3 interceptions in his four years with the team.

Highlighted by his Junior and Senior seasons which were two of his most productive years.

As a Junior he lead the team in tackles (105) and pass deflections (14) while garnering an All-ACC honorable mention.

He followed up his senior season with 87 tackles and 2 interceptions while deflecting six passes. Again he was an All-ACC honorable mention selection.

Most likely Vaughn will challenge starter Roman Harper for the number one spot a strong safety, if he loses the Saints still are adding valuable depth at the Safety position.

Ironically, just one pick later, the Saints drafted Wake LB Stanley Arnoux with the 118th pick. 

Arnoux played in the shadow of top Prospect Aaron Curry most of his career, but finished at Wake with 251 total tackles – a staggering amount.

He is not the most explosive linebacker in the draft, but he is a demon between the hash marks showing great tackling ability and above average pass coverage skills.

Arnoux should challenge for a starting role in training camp. An interesting battle may arise between him and incumbent starters Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita.