Mel Kiper Mock Draft 2015: Saints Select Dante Fowler, Jr.

Like Todd McShay, Mel Kiper is also already on version 2.0 of his 2015 NFL mock draft and like McShay, he has the Saints selecting DE/OLB Dante Fowler, Jr. from Florida. Here is how Kiper defends his choice. You can compare that to what McShay says about the Saints selecting Fowler.

Analysis: The Saints aren't without talent on defense, but they were too often exposed in 2014 and took a major step backwards. Adding a pass-rusher of Fowler's pedigree outside the top 10 is a really good get, as I think he's a guy who comes in and competes for a ton of reps right away. Fowler isn't dominant in any one area; he's a good pass-rusher, not a great one, and an effective run defender, but not a destroyer in that area, either. But he also doesn't come in with a clear weakness. He has experience on either edge, can move inside as a 3-4 DE and is also is athletic enough to make plays in the pass rush and the set the edge as a 3-4 OLB. He's a fit almost anywhere and will bring a live motor.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm not crazy about the idea of the Saints taking a pass rusher with their first round selection. Especially not one of these "tweener" type players who isn't dominant in one particular area.

Having discussed the possibility of the Saints picking Fowler already, it seems like most fans don't think this is a realistic possibility anyway because Fowler probably will already be off the board.

What do you guys think?