A final New Orleans Saints 2019 7-Round Mock Draft

The 2019 NFL Draft is only a day away, and I’ve got my first and only mock draft finished. The New Orleans Saints don’t have many needs, but they could add some explosive players on offense and depth on defense. The Saints however, don’t have a first round pick (Marcus Davenport), third round pick (Teddy Bridgewater), and a fourth round pick (Eli Apple). That being said the Saints aren’t afraid to use future picks to trade up if a player falls that they like. I wanted to make this draft as realistic as possible so I used The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine. Some players I wanted went earlier than I expected, but I’m really happy with the draft I got. So here is my seven round mock draft:

Round 2, Pick 62: WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina

Easily one of the best route runners in the NFL Draft. Samuel is a dynamic, quick twitch, speedy receiver that would be a perfect fit in the Saints offense. He is the ideal number two receiver the Saints need. He is great at short and intermediate routes, which is exactly what I want. He’s a complete receiver with great hands and nice run after catch ability. Imagine having Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr. on the outside with Samuel in the slot along with the newly acquired Jared Cook at tight end. That’s a explosive group of players on the offensive side of the ball. Another added bonus is his kick returning skills. He is an electric returner and could put the Saints offense and special teams to the next level. I’ve seen Samuel go everywhere from early 2nd round pick to early 3rd round pick. He would be an amazing pick if available.

ALT Pick: WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford

Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3, Pick 73: OL Michael Dieter, Wisconsin

The Saints decide to trade a 2020 second round pick and a 2019 seventh round pick to the New England Patriots for their 3rd round pick 73. Saints And Patriots have made many trades in the past, so I could see them trading with each other once again. The Saints couldn’t pass up on a versatile lineman who has played at left tackle, left guard, and center. Dieter is better suited to play on the interior of the line but played well at tackle. He has really good footwork, hand placement, and nice reflexes. Does well at pass protection and run blocking. He would help give depth on the Saints offensive line and with the ability to play all over the line is definitely a plus.

ALT Pick: OT David Edwards, Wisconsin

Round 5, Pick 168: S Mike Edwards, Kentucky

Saints need depth at the safety position and I think Edwards would be a solid choice here. He’s a guy that isn’t afraid to come up and hit you. Kentucky had him playing everywhere and he showed his versatility. He’s not a rangy safety but he can cover pretty well. He’s a tough defender who hasn’t missed any games due to injury. Edwards is a quick feisty type safety that would be a nice addition to special teams as well.

ALT Pick: TE Foster Moreau, LSU

Round 6, Pick 177: DL Isaiah Buggs, Alabama

Adding more depth on the defensive line is something the Saints have to think about with the injury to Sheldon Rankins and possible suspension for David Onyemata. The Saints still haven’t replaced Alex Okafor yet either, possibly add Ziggy Ansah would be nice. That being said, Buggs would be a nice rotational player. He’s coming off a year with 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. He didn’t have the greatest of combines, but he’s a violent player with great speed to power. He also plays the run well and could be a nice asset to the defensive line.

ALT Pick: DL Kingsley Keke, Texas A&M

Round 6, Pick 202: RB Bryce Love, Stanford

Elusive and explosive are the two words that come to my mind when I think of Bryce Love. He’s a really talented running back, but health is his problem, which is why he is still available in the sixth round. Luckily for the Saints they have Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray, and Dwayne Washington. Not making Love be the feature back would help his career. Adding him to this groups of running backs would be a excellent spot. I could see Sean Payton having a few plays here or there just for Love.

ALT Pick: RB Mike Weber, Ohio St

Round 7, Pick 231: LB Cole Holcomb, North Carolina

The Saints have been visiting and working out a lot of linebackers, which makes me think they will grab one late. The Saints brought Holcomb to New Orleans and had private visit with him, so they have some interest in him. He’s a fast linebacker with a lot of explosion, which he showed off during his pro day when he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash. He could end up being a solid backup and a contributor on special teams.

ALT Picks: LB Tre Lamar, Clemson

Round 7, Pick 244 — Traded to New England Patriots

Recap