The New Orleans Saints have been hard at work this offseason to become a salary-cap compliant football team. One move New Orleans made earlier in the offseason was restructuring the contract of veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore. After the Saints restructured Marshon Lattimore’s contract, rumors about a possible trade heated up, because the restructure made Lattimore’s contract easier to move.
With that in mind, I traded Marshon Lattimore and two 6th-round picks (192 and 200) to the Detroit Lions in this mock draft. In return, the Saints acquired the Lions’ first-round pick (29) and their third-round pick (73). Although it would be a huge blow to the Saints if they lose Lattimore, they should be able to find a good suitor for him and get a decent return.
Let’s see who New Orleans could land in the draft with the two additional early-round picks.
Round 1 Pick 14: Dallas Turner- Edge Rusher, Alabama
With their first pick, the New Orleans Saints select Dallas Turner, edge rusher out of Alabama. This pick would go against the Saints typical prototype at edge rusher, as Turner stands at 6-foot-4, 242 pounds. He is smaller than the edge rushers the Saints have recently invested in with early picks.
Turner makes up for the lack of size with his speed, as he totaled 11 sacks last year. He is extremely explosive, it looks like he's shot from a cannon each snap. Dallas Turner's athleticism would help the Saints defensive line in every aspect. The Saints have struggled with mobile quarterbacks for years and Turner would help solve that problem with his athleticism.
He is relentless in chasing the ball carrier down which helps him be productive in the run game. Dallas Turner would be an outstanding pick for the Saints and would instantly help improve the Saints pass rush.
Round 1 Pick 29: Amarius Mims- Offensive Tackle, Georgia
With the mock trade of Marshon Lattimore the Saints would acquire pick 29 from the Lions. With this pick, they select Amarius Mims, offensive tackle out of Georgia. Mims has an elite frame standing at 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds. He is massive but that doesn’t make him slow. Mims is smooth out of his stance and possesses long strides that help him get to a good position.
In the past two seasons, Mims has played 682 snaps. In those snaps, he hasn’t allowed any sacks and only five hurries. With Mims playing at Georgia he has faced his fair share of elite talent. The talent across from him hasn’t stopped him, however. With there being major questions surrounding the tackle position, drafting Mims could be their answer for years to come.
Round 2 Pick 45: J.J. McCarthy- Quarterback, Michigan
In the second round, the Saints pick the quarterback from Michigan, J.J. McCarthy. With Derek Carr’s future not certain investing in the quarterback position is a must. McCarthy’s stats won’t blow anyone away. This year he threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Diving into his film, however, it’s evident that McCarthy contains all of the traits to be a star quarterback in the NFL. He is super athletic and possesses great arm talent.
J.J. McCarthy was too limited in Michigan's offense to truly show what he can bring to the next level. He possesses the traits needed to succeed at the NFL but questions surround him because he hasn’t been able to show it in college. If McCarthy is still available at pick 45 the Saints should pick him up.
Round 3 Pick 73: Renardo Green- Cornerback, Florida State
In this scenario Marshon Lattimore isn’t on the Saints anymore so they pick up Florida State cornerback Renardo Green to help fill in. It wouldn’t be easy to replace Lattimore’s production. Picking up Renardo Green, who is an excellent man-to-man cornerback, to help fill in for Lattimore would be a great move.
Green fits the mold of a Marshon Lattimore-type cornerback very well. They both stand six-feet tall and weigh relatively the same with Green at 186 pounds and Lattimore at 192 pounds. Green wouldn’t have to come in on day one and replace Lattimore, because New Orleans has other players that could step up until Green is ready. Renardo Green could end up being an amazing corner for the Saints if they do select him.
Round 5 Pick 149: JD Bertrand- Linebacker, Notre Dame
With their first fifth-round pick the New Orleans Saints select, JD Bertrand, linebacker from Notre Dame. Linebacker is a position that the Saints should invest in as Demario Davis isn’t getting any younger. Bertrand is an extremely smart linebacker. He is a great communicator and is overall a great leader as he is a two-time captain for the Fighting Irish.
He is undersized, standing at 6-foot-1, 233 pounds but that doesn’t mean he can’t cover. In zone this past season, Bertrand allowed a 77.7 passer rating when targeted. There are major questions surrounding his physicals and if he is strong enough, so the NFL Combine will play a big role in his draft spot.
Round 5 Pick 167: Joshua Cephus- Wide Reciever, UTSA
In the 5th round, the Saints develop depth at wide receiver with Joshua Cephus out of UTSA. Cephus has great speed and uses it after the catch. With his speed and shiftiness, it would make him a weapon for Klint Kubiak to use. Cephus possesses good height as well, standing at 6-foot-3. He doesn’t have the most extensive route tree and will need to develop that going into the NFL. Joshua Cephus has shown flashes to be a good NFL receiver, if he is still available the Saints should pick him up.
Round 5 Pick 169: Kimani Vidal- Running Back, Troy
I try not to repeat picks from past mock drafts but I couldn’t pass on Troy running back Kimani Vidal. Vidal is very small but he is an extremely powerful runner. Last year at Troy he had 1,661 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He is very tough to tackle, tallying 1,056 yards after contact. Vidal could be a workhorse running back for the Saints. He is someone who could come into the NFL and be a super-productive player for the Saints. With Jamaal Williams not having a great year last year and with the jury still out on Kendre Miller, investing in some depth would benefit the Saints.
Round 5 Pick 174: Ben Sinnott- Tight End, Kansas State
With the Saints final pick in the NFL draft I have them selecting Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott. With new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak coming into New Orleans run blockers are going to be a necessity. Sinnott is a great blocker and has shown that time and time again on film. Sinnott can be used as more than just as a blocker, however. He shows good agility after the catch and defenses can have a tough time bringing him down. Sinnott has trouble creating separation in man-to-man at times but that should improve with reps.