Tyler Raymond’s Seven-Round Saints Mock Draft 2.0

As big of a need as an edge rusher or defensive end is for the Saints, I feel the Saints should take another route.

Reason For Selection: First, in my opinion, defensive end can be addressed in the later rounds. The Saints now have one more selection in the draft, and the depth is greater at DE and CB than at linebacker. Not to mention: the REAL hole for the Saints has been under our noses all along.

Could it not be argued in recent past that the Saints have either blown coverage or have been out of line on formations? Heck, I’d argue that on big plays downfield the Saints have had miscommunication more times than one. Addressing the linebacker position would more than likely fix all of the miscommunication.

It can be argued that linebacker is another huge hole for the defense right now, even if they’ve already addressed the position with A.J. Klein. Although I’m very hopeful that the former Carolina Panther will step up and be that key player the Saints have so desperately needed, I’m not taking any chances. And neither is this mock draft.

When the Saints decide to gamble in free agency, the odds haven’t always been in their favor. Considering those odds, and the fact that Reuben Foster is simply an athlete the Saints can’t afford to pass up on, the former Alabama playmaker is now representing the Saints well in this edition of my mock draft.

It can be argued the linebacker position is one of the hardest on defense in the National Football League. To be honest, it’s almost a mirror reflection of the Quarterback position on offense. Both positions have to have the mental awareness and capacity to recognize changes on the field. Both positions have to readjust any players that are out of line on the field. All around, both positions demand a lot as a whole. Wouldn’t it be amazing to finally have this position addressed?

It certainly doesn’t help that the New Orleans Saints have had a different starting Middle Linebacker every year since 2013. With or without Reuben, unfortunately, this streak will continue as the team prepares for this upcoming season. Why not make this season the last, and secure the position long-term with Alabama’s Reuben Foster.

What Reuben Foster Brings To The Saints: Despite the lingering need for a defensive end, if Reuben Foster is available, the Saints should ABSOLUTELY pull the trigger. At pick #11, the Saints would be receiving a leader, an intelligent playmaker, and in general one of the few prospects actually deserving of this selection.

When it comes to amassed knowledge and hard hits, look no further than Reuben Foster. This linebacker knows what he does well, and to put it simply loves playing the game that is football. In his entire career with Alabama, Reuben Foster showcased 211 tackles (120 solo), 23 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, and 9 passes defended.

This athlete has natural instincts that not only help him react to plays but help with communication with his other teammates. When I watch film on Reuben it seems as if his eyes are always moving, taking notice of what’s going on. His ability to recognize where the ball is coming from and deliver hard hits, stopping players, is just what the Saints need on their defense. Foster is smart and shows no mercy.

One great aspect/attribute of Foster is making sure everyone is aware of any changes to the opposing offense before the ball is snapped. Communication skills are absolutely vital on defense. The Saints can’t afford simple errors on defense come next season if they want to improve. They could bring in Reuben Foster to help with this, so the Saints don’t end up being picked apart week after week defensively.

With the 32nd pick in the 1st round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select …