Mel Kiper Mock Draft 2016: Saints Take Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson

Well, it's officially that time of year. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has released his first of what will be many mock drafts in the coming months. And now I'm writing the first of what will be many of these posts in the coming months.

To be fair, Kiper sets the record straight from the start and acknowledges that it's early and everything will change. So who is the first Saints mock draft pick of the 2016 Kiper draft season? He's got the Saints taking defensive end A'Shawn Robinson from the national champions.

A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama

The Saints really need to add another 3-4 defensive end and Robinson fits the bill. In fact, the 6-foot-3, 313-pounder is an immediate starter who combines great awareness and strength to make plays and hold the point in the run game, as well as the ability to push the pocket. There isn't a place where the Saints can go wrong adding talent on defense.

I don't really have an opinion on this choice to be quite honest. It's still too early for me to know anything about the current draft class. Pass rush is certainly a need so I can get behind Kiper on that matter. So is linebacker. As is cornerback. Regardless of the pick, Kiper nails it with his last sentence and puts a nice bow on it.

What do you guys think?