2014 NFL Draft: Who Will New Orleans Saints Target Tonight in First Round?
Aug 9, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Chiefs 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 NFL Draft is just a couple hours away, so let’s go ahead and weigh the New Orleans Saints’ options for the first round. When Sean Payton and company are on the clock with the No. 27 overall pick, they will decide whether or not they want to start their selection process with a playmaker or maybe even protection for quarterback Drew Brees.
If New Orleans does decide to go playmaker in the first round, we’re likely looking at another target for Brees, a pass rusher or a cornerback. The Saints are in need of depth at all three areas, so any of those scenarios would be a wise route to take.
Realistically speaking, two possible wideout targets at 27 could be Oregon State‘s Brandin Cooks or USC‘s Marqise Lee. With Brees piloting the air game in New Orleans, both options could excel in that scheme. Let me rephrase that. As long as the Saints’ Pro Bowl quarterback is leading that high-powered offense, any receiver has the potential to shine in their unit. Does that mean the Black and Gold should hold off on drafting a receiver until the later rounds?
What about Ohio State OLB Ryan Shazier or Auburn DE Dee Ford. Rob Ryan could indeed use another playmaker on defense for some added pressure to that already disruptive front seven. However, this year’s draft runs deep with pass rushing talent.
Cornerbacks? Ohio State’s Bradley Roby or TCU‘s Jason Verrett are both possible candidates at 27. An opportunity to draft Nebraska‘s Stanley Jean-Baptiste or Florida State‘s Lamarcus Joyner (both with serious NFL potential) may present itself on day two of the draft. New Orleans is looking for added depth at the corner position in case old-timer Champ Bailey goes down (or when he decides to call it quits).
Personally, I believe the Saints should pursue a CB in the first round. My favorite prospect is Jason Verrett; he has the speed and man-to-man skills to go beyond expectations. Verrett is undersized at 5-foot-9, but he plays much bigger than he actually is. He recently said that smaller, Pro Bowl-caliber guys like Captain Munnerlyn, Tryann Mathieu and Brent Grimes motivate him to even more to make big plays. His eagerness, determination and aggressive mindset would be a perfect fit in Rob Ryan‘s unit.
What about protecting the Saints’ most prized possession, Drew Brees? New Orleans has recently expressed a deep interest in USC center Marcus Martin. On Tuesday, he was extended an invite to Radio City Music Hall to attend the selection process. The news of the invitation came after the Black and Gold mentioned their admiration for the former Trojan.
Martin is the top-rated center in this year’s class, but is projected to go in the second round. However, grabbing him at No. 27 overall makes perfect sense if protecting their Pro-Bowl quarterback is the team’s first concern. A replacement for Brian de la Puente is a top priority this weekend.
At 6-foot-3, 320-pounds, Martin’s big body is ideal for the center spot. He has the athleticism and experience to excel at the next level. USC’s team captain was a three-year starter, playing his first two seasons at the left guard position before making the switch to the middle in 2013. Martin anchors himself well in pass protection, which is critical for the Saints’ high-powered offense.
So, do the Saints go after a playmaker or protection for Drew Brees in tonight’s first round? We will soon find out when the 2014 NFL Draft kicks off in just a couple of hours in New York City.
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