The New Orleans Saints 'Last Minute' 7-Round Mock Draft

The New Orleans Saints ‘Last Minute’ 7-Round Mock Draft

Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) runs for yards after catch against Air Force Falcons cornerback Jesse Washington during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) chases Syracuse Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt (10) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 12

Shaq Lawson was certainly going to be my selection here but the Bears nabbed him at ninth overall. Sheldon Rankins is a perfect consolation prize. Rankins is an explosive defensive tackle that can play the 1-gap or 2-gap scheme in a 4-3 defense.

He’s athletic, flexible, and knows how to use his hands to create leverage and use his power to force offensive linemen off their spot. He reads plays well and knows when to shed his blocker to make the tackle in run defense. He is a proven pass rusher with eight sacks, two interceptions, and 13.5 tackles for a loss his junior year.

The Saints won’t knock him for his size as he is clear day one starter in the interior of their defensive line.

Next: Round 2