Saints find a replacement for Trey Hendrickson in latest Mel Kiper mock draft

Another mock draft, another position of need drafted in the first round by the New Orleans Saints.

We’ve seen safety, quarterback, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, linebacker, and cornerback. This time, a seventh different position heads to the Saints in Mel Kiper’s most recent mock draft for ESPN (Insider required):

Jayson Oweh, DE, Penn State

Yes, I’m projecting an edge rusher in Round 1 who had zero sacks last season. But turn on the tape. He pressured quarterbacks even if he didn’t close on them. And this is all about what I’m hearing Oweh is going to do at his pro day on March 25. There is a lot of buzz that he’s going to run a 4.4 40-yard dash at 255 pounds and wow coaches and scouts with his testing numbers. He is an extraordinary athlete with room to grow into a great player. Oweh made my preseason list of Big Ten prospects to monitor, and even though he didn’t put it all together, he has a high ceiling. The Saints, meanwhile, could lose Trey Hendrickson in free agency, creating a hole at defensive end.

I understand the rationale behind this pick.

Trey Hendrickson is indeed a free agent, and the New Orleans Saints are likely going to be unable to retain his services. A replacement will be needed, and Oweh has definitely flashed potential on tape:

But if this is the pick...count me out.

The Saints have already drafted an edge rusher in the first round who was allegedly packed full of “potential” but lacked the stat sheet to back it up, and it hasn’t gone so well. Marcus Davenport has had a bit of a roller coaster of a career with the New Orleans Saints thus far, and one roller coaster ride is enough for me.

Hard pass.

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