Post Combine Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints Draft Strategy Altered
By Editorial Staff
7) SAN FRANSISCO 49ERS 6-10
Patrick Peterson- CB- LSU
The 49ers have many needs that include quarterback, defensive end, offensive tackle and yes even corner back. Having the chance at the top corner back available in this years draft and it fills a dire need than it’s a win-win situation for both sides. The best DT and DE are going to be off the board when the 49ers pick comes up. Patrick Peterson will be able to help shore up a secondary that was ranked 24th allowing 231.1 yards through the air in 2010. Peterson is also considered by many as the top prospect in the entire draft.
8) TENNESSEE TITANS 6-10
Jake Locker- QB- Washington
After head coach Jeff Fisher was fired after 16 seasons with the Titans and Oilers. Quarterback Vince Young is also set to be on his way out once a new CBA is in place, leaving this franchise in dire need of retooling for the future. The answer to their quarterback of the franchise will be drafting arguably the next best quarterback available, Jake Locker. The Titans also need an inside linebacker or safety, which they should be able to pick up later in the draft.
9) DALLAS COWBOYS 6-10
Anthony Castonzo -OT- Boston College
Dallas could be a talented team but seemingly always have trouble putting it all together. Jason Garrett is the new head coach and expectations are extremely high that the 2011 season will be much more successful than the last, which ushered out Wade Phillips. Marcus Spears is scheduled to become a free agent and it’s foggy at best if the team will try andresign him to a long term contract, so DE may be a real concern. Also the secondary could use a little revamping as both safeties, Gerald Sensabaugh and Ken Hamlin, struggled throughout most of the 2010 season. Most importantly however is the offensive line and the protection of Tony Romo. The projected best tackle in the draft is taken in Anthony Castonzo to help pass protection and run blocking.
Nick Fairley- DT- Auburn
Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett says for his 4-3 defense to work he needs a great nose tackle. The redskins have several needs, primarily a good offensive line to protect Donavan Mcnabb. But to fill one of the teams biggest needs at defensive tackle in the draft, Nick Fairley will be the best choice at number 10.
11) HOUSTON TEXANS 6-10
Von Miller- OLB- Texas A&M
Wade Phillips is taking over the rains as defensive coordinator for the Texans, after last seasons let down is needed. Houston was essentially the worst defense in the NFL. The secondary is a special concern, and without question they could use help at FS, SS and CB. It’s still a little too early to reach for a safety as there is just not one here that carries a grade this high, and the top corner is already off the board. Phillips will be switching from a 4-3 to his more familiar 3-4 defense so the decision is made to take Von Miller who can fill the need as a pass rush linebacker.
Ryan Mallett- QB- Arkansas
Another team that needs a quarterback and lost a head coach. Childress was fired more than halfway through the season, leaving the job to Leslie Frazier. Brett Farve will not return for his 21stseason, so that just leaves TavarisJackson at quarterback for the franchise. The Vikings have some big names slated to become free agents including linebackers Chad Greenway who they put the franchise tag on. Also Pat Williams, Ben Leber and not to mention defensive end Ray Edwards. QB Ryan Mallett from Arkansas would be a quality pick for the Vikings, who desperately need a strong arm quarterback because all of the rest of the pieces are in place on offence.