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ESPN Draft Analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay teamed up to put out a dueling two-round NFL mock draft on Wednesday, and you might be interested in the New Orleans Saints picks.
For the 11th overall pick, both analysts selected Temple’s Haason Reddick.
Kiper: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple | Watch highlights
One of the draft's hottest names, Reddick's value is in his versatility -- he could play inside or outside in a 4-3 or 3-4. For the Saints, I see him as an outside 'backer who could play on his feet on first and second down and rush the passer on third downs.
McShay: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple | Watch highlights
A virtual unknown outside of draft circles entering the Senior Bowl, Reddick looks like a top-15 pick after a great week of practices in Mobile and an elite combine performance, including a 4.52 40 and 11-foot-1-inch broad jump at 237 pounds. I see him as an off-the-ball LB in the pros, Mel; he possesses the speed and change-of-direction skills to be an effective at the next level.
Reddick has been a popular name paired to the Saints in the past few weeks, and could obviously help solve a good bit of needs.
Poll
Do you approve of Haason Reddick at 11th?
For the 32nd overall pick acquired from the Patriots in the Brandin Cooks trade, the two are split. Kiper selected Washington wide receiver John Ross, while McShay took Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes.
32. New Orleans Saints (from Patriots)
Kiper: John Ross, WR, Washington | Watch highlights
With Brandin Cooks now in New England, Ross is an ideal replacement. Cooks ran a 4.33 40 at the combine, the fastest among receivers in 2014, and Ross set the combine record with a 4.22. Ross had 81 catches for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. New Orleans needs defensive help, too, and could eye a corner.
McShay: Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech | Watch highlights
Mahomes is loaded with arm talent, but he'll need the sandlot aspect of his game coached out of him at the next level. The Saints are still searching for Drew Brees' heir apparent, and Mahomes fits the mold of a QB with upside, if given the time to develop.
Poll
Which pick do you like better at No. 32 overall?
This poll is closed
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66%
John Ross
-
33%
Patrick Mahomes
In the second round at No. 42 overall, they both agreed on defensive players. Kiper took LSU’s Tre’Davious White, and McShay nabbed Houston’s Tyus Bowser.
Kiper: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU | Watch highlightsA four-year starter for the Tigers, White could have been a Day 3 pick a year ago but made the right decision to return to school. If the Saints can't pry away Malcolm Butlerfrom the Patriots, they could turn to a local product in White at the end of Day 1 or early on Day 2.
McShay: Tyus Bowser, DE/OLB, Houston | Watch highlights
Bowser turned heads at the combine, finishing in the top five among linebackers in vertical and broad jumps, along with the 40-yard dash and three-cone drill. His explosive traits give him upside as an edge-rusher; the Saints continue to search for someone to play opposite of Cameron Jordan along the D-line.
Poll
Which pick do you like better at No. 42 overall?
This poll is closed
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75%
Tre’Davious White
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24%
Tyus Bowser
The article, which requires ESPN Insider access, can be viewed here. In summary, the two-round mocks look like this:
- Mel Kiper: Haason Reddick, LB (11th), John Ross, WR (32nd), Tre’Davious White, CB (42nd)
- Todd McShay: Haason Reddick, LB (11th), Patrick Mahomes, QB (32nd), Tyus Bowser, DE/OLB (42nd)