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Dayton Brown’s Saints’ Mock Draft 3.0

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Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; The Mercedes-Benz Superdome before the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; The Mercedes-Benz Superdome before the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (40) looks into the backfield of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the third quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (40) looks into the backfield of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the third quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick 76: Duke Riley, LB, LSU

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? I had Riley being selected by New Orleans in the third round as well in my first mock draft. His improvement over every year in college, especially his senior season, makes Riley an interesting prospect with a high ceiling. His floor is also low, however, due to lack of size (6’0″, 232 pounds.)

A transition to weak side linebacker may be best for Riley and the Saints. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s schemes work best with faster outside linebackers, which Riley brings to the table. It’s a risk taking a linebacker so late in this draft, seeing as the Saints have struggled mightily in years past at that position. I have faith in their recent signings, though, especially leaders like Te’o and Klein. Riley would be a steal at 76th in my opinion, and would add much needed depth for the Saints’ defense.

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