New Orleans Saints full 7-round mock for the 2021 NFL Draft

Round 6 218 (compensatory) — DT Forrest Merrill

The Saints brought in a defensive tackle earlier in the 2021 NFL Draft, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them target it multiple times with their eight draft picks. The second option that may be available later in the draft is Forrest Merrill.

Merrill, who played three seasons at Arkansas State, finished with 2 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss last season. At 6-foot-1 340 pounds, Merrill has the build to battle in the trenches, and that’s a good part of the fight in stopping an opponent’s run game.

As a sophomore, he was selected to the second-team All-Sun Belt Conference. That’s impressive, and his momentum continued into his third season.

Now, he’ll likely be drafted as the big-bodied defensive tackle may have a bright future in the NFL. NFL.com gives Merrill a prospect rating of 5.63 which isn’t overly good and places him at the tail end of being a backup.

That said, Merrill should get drafted, but at this point, he may also be looked at as a player the team could pass on and add as an undrafted free agent if he isn’t viewed that highly around the league.