Saints 7-round mock draft: NOLA bolsters DL in first round

With the New Orleans Saints having just four wins on the season, why shouldn't fans start getting excited about draft season? I know the team doesn't have a first-round pick (which could have netted them a top-five pick, as of this writing) but there will still be good players to acquire in the second, third, and later rounds.

For this mock draft, I used NFL Mock Draft Database, which is cool because it grades your picks. All of my selections earned "A" grades except for one and I'll be sure to note which one that is when it pops up on the list.

All right, let's get to it!

Draft information courtesy of The Draft Network and stats courtesy of Sports Reference

Round 2: Pick 35: Siaki Ika, DL (Baylor)

With their first pick in the draft, New Orleans adds to their defensive line, which could lose three of its four starters in the offseason. Maybe they end up re-signing David Onyemata or Shy Tuttle, but it's doubtful they keep Marcus Davenport.

Saints fans are likely familiar with Siaki Ika because he spent time at LSU before transferring to Baylor. This season saw the big man tally 24 tackles with two tackles for loss. He also defended two passes.

The need on the defensive line is urgent and with so many d-linemen hitting free agency, no one would complain about spending the first pick at this major area of concern.