Saints 7-Round Mock Draft: NOLA addresses offensive needs early on

Round 4: Pick 122 – Tyreke Smith, EDGE (Ohio State)

With their fourth pick of the draft, the Saints finally go with a defensive player, adding Tyreke Smith to their defensive arsenal. The defense has been pretty good this year all things considered but having to make up for the offense’s mishaps hasn’t helped.

NOLA’s pass-rush could use some help in the offseason, as Marcus Davenport and Tanoh Kpassagnon have been two of the biggest contributors in that department and they’re both oft-injured. Smith would be a great addition to the pass rush, as he has notched three sacks this year through eight games.

Smith’s best as a member of the Buckeyes was last year in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson. In that game, the EDGE rusher totaled two solo tackles (one coming for lost yardage), one sack, one pass defended, and one forced fumble. Ohio State went on to win that game.

The Saints need help on offense, yes, but they can’t ignore the defensive side of the football. Smith would beef up the pass rush and the defense as a whole.