2009 NFL Mock Draft: New Olreans Saints

Written April 10, 2009 by Black Widow

new-orleans-saints-draft-projections-041009 The Saints enter the offseason with the same objective they had last spring. New Orleans will be looking to improve their defense so it stops holding the team back. New Orleans had the top-ranked offense last year, and Drew Brees put together one of the greatest seasons by a quarterback in NFL History, yet the Saints finished with just an 8-8 record. This franchise will be stuck in mediocrity until the “D” holds up their end of the bargain. New Orleans will be short-handed at this year’s draft after sending picks to the Giants and Jets in exchange for Jeremy Shockey and Jonathan Vilma. The Saints are scheduled to have no second-or third-round picks. The Canal Street Chronicles has a good list of the players that the Saints have targeted for this year’s draft. Here are my top five positions that the Saints need to address at the 2009 NFL draft:

1.) Safety - The Saints haven’t had reliable safety play in quite some time. Last year’s safety’s in Roman Harper, Kevin Kaesviharn and Josh Bullucks did not get the job done. Kaesviham has been cut this offseason, and Bullucks used his free-agency to go to the Chicago Bears. New Orleans did sign Darren Sharper from the Minnesota Vikings which should help. But Sharper will turn 34 at the beginning of the season. The Saints are notorious for giving up big plays, and that won’t change until they shore things up at safety. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: S William Moore (Missouri).

2.) Cornerback - Head coach Shawn Payton tries to employ the “bend but don’t break” approach on defense, but still the “D” gets beaten deep on a frequent basis. The Saints gave up 53 pass plays of 20 or more yards last season, which was third-most in the league. Mike McKenzie has suffered two serious knee injuries in the past year, and the Saints decided to cut the 10-year veteran in the offseason. Tracy Porter showed promise as a rookie, but his season ended early because of a wrist injury, and Randall Gay fits best at nickel back. Signing Jabari Greer from the Bills should help, as he’s recorded 4 interceptions the past two seasons. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: CB Darius Butler (UConn).

3.) Outside Linebacker – New Orleans is in need of an upgrade in athleticism at the outside linebacker position. SLB Scott Fijita and WLB Scott Shanle are both serviceable performers, but rarely make big, game-changing plays. Both are under contract for next season. If the Saints want to become a more dynamic defense, it will have to look into bringing competition in for both of them. New Orleans needs more speed and agility on the outside spots to revive their unexciting and mostly ineffective defense. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: LB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), LB Darry Beckwith (LSU), OLB Moise Fokou (Maryland).

4.) Running Back – Pierre Thomas emerged as a nice compliment to Reggie Bush late last season, but the Saints could look to add depth in the backfield depending on whether or not they feel Thomas is able to become a workhorse on a full-time basis. Deuce McAllister is one of the most popular Saints of all-time, but he’s been cut this offseason opening the door for another stud to take his place. Aaron Stecker is a free agent and it’s not yet certain if the Saints will re-sign him or not. Bush’s tendency to get hurt makes depth at the RB position particularly important for New Orleans. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: RB Andre Brown (NC State), RB Rashad Jennings (Liberty).

5.) Middle Linebacker – This position would have been more of a priority had the team not re-signed Jonathan Vilma to a 5-year deal this offseason. Even with Vilma back, this team needs to add depth at the all-important linebacker positions because the rest of the bunch is serviceable at best. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: LB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), LB Darry Beckwith (LSU).

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