NFL Mock Draft: Saints Select Johnathan Hankins

The fine folks over at SB Nation's Mocking the Draft continue to stay true to their name, particularly now during the final lead up to the actual NFL Draft, by releasing mock drafts on the regular. Their most recent mock draft came out yesterday, in case you haven't already seen it.

I'll cut to the chase and just tell you now that MTD has chosen Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins for the Saints at No. 15 overall. Here's their rationale:

In this scenario, the Saints would likely consider an outside linebacker like Jarvis Jones, but they just gave a fair amount of money to Junior Gallette and Martez Wilson should be able to play the other outside spot. On the defensive line, the Saints have Cameron Jordan and are hoping that Akiem Hicks can become a nose tackle. Will Smith should fit at the other end spot in Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense, but he'll be 32 at the start of the season. Hankins can play end or nose in a 3-4 and would give the Saints some flexibility.

Hey, I get the reasoning behind the pick. It makes complete sense. I just absolutely don't agree with it, nor do I see it happening.

Especially not with Jarvis Jones, Kenny Vaccaro, Ezekiel Ansah, Damontre Moore and Bjoern Werner all still on the board and available for the taking. All of those guys are ranked higher on MTD's very own Top 200. So to pick Hankins over any and all of these other players is drafting to fill a need and not drafting the best player available. That's a big mistake.

Tell me I'm wrong.