Post Combine Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints Draft Strategy Altered
By Editorial Staff
20) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 10-6
Cameron Heyward- DE- Ohio State
Raheem Morris was able to take one of the youngest teams in the NFL and coach them to a ten win season. They almost made the post season. Their secondary is solid and they are starting to put together some weapons on offense led by third year quarterback Josh Freeman. An Achilles heel for the Bucs last season was the rush defense, ranked 28th in the league, so the defensive line must be addressed. Heyward is one of defensive ends left in the draft that can help the Bucs. His addition will helps the Buccaneers pass rush and certainly the rush defense.
21) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 10-6
DerekSherrod- OT- Mississippi State
Four dire needs for the Chiefs – TE, OT, DT and OLB – all need to be addressed and looking at the available talent here at 21 the best available is offensive tackle Derek Sherrod. Seeing that both the Chiefs starting center Casey Wiegmann and backup Rudy Niswanger both played on one year contracts during the 2010 season, the offensive line seems to be a big factor in this year’s draft.
22) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 10-6
Corey Liuget- DT- Colorado
The Colts, hobbled throughout the season at wide receiver and tight end, still managed to win their division and make the playoffs before losing to the New York Jets. Indianapolis needs some good offensive lineman but maybe more so need to improve their defensive line as rush defense was once again a liability. It just so happens defensive tackle Corey Liuget is still left and is among the best players still available.
23) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 10-6
Prince Amukamara -CB- Nebraska
Finding depth on the offensive line, running back, and linebacker should be priorities for the Eagles with so many impending free agents at these positions. Corner Ellis Hobbs is also slated to hit free agency but likely Philadelphia will try and retain his services for the right price. Last season they were around the middle of the pack when it came to pass defense ranking 15th overall. But you can never have enough healthy corner backs in such a pass happy league.
24) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 11-5
Ryan Kerrigan- DE- Purdue
Defensive coordinator Greg Williams is amazingly able to take some of the youngest defensive talent in the draft andmake serious defensive play makersout of them (Tracy Porter, Malcolm Jenkins).. He has done that every since he has been in the league, the Saints are a better defensive team because of his services. Their secondary is clearly the strength of their defense and everyone knows the weapons on offense led by quarterback Drew Brees. The Saints improved last season with their rush defense, ranked 16th in the league, but the defensive line must be addressed because the Saints didn’t put much pressure on the opposing quarterbacks in 2010. Kerrigan shined at the Senior Bowl and is one of the more elite defensive ends left in the draft. His addition should help the Saints pass rush andtake some of the pressure off of Will Smith.
25) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 7-9
Akeem Ayers- OLB- UCLA
Well rounded linebacker who can play in either 3-4 or 4-3 defenses, the Seahawksneed a player that can force their opponent to get rid of the ball quicker. This in turn will allow the defensive backs more opportunities to make interceptions. Ayers should be able to help the Seahawks 27th overall ranked defense his rookie season.
26) BALTIMORE RAVENS 12-4
Gabe Carimi- OT- Wisconsin
The Ravens still need help in their secondary at all three positions, but the talent level for secondary players is just not here. There are other needs however on the offensive line and Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi is available.