Fazende: Saints mock draft 1.0

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - First Round (9th)

Will Johnson, CB Michigan

There are several possibilities for the Saints at No. 9 overall in the first round. I debated seven different players for this spot for the Saints. All of them had good merits. Frankly, what broke the stalemate was the Saints enormous need at the cornerback position. There’s still a very reasonable concern that the team doesn’t have three starting corners. Bringing Johnson aboard can help fill that massive void.

Johnson is a bigger corner who excelled in zone coverage at Michigan where he showed great read & react skills as route concepts developed. An injury ended his junior season, and he likely won’t be able to play as much off-coverage at the NFL level, but he could be a schematic fit for Brandon Staley’s defense.

Second Round (40th)

Donovan Jackson, G Ohio State

We all know the Saints affection for the Ohio State football program. With their second round pick, they grab another Buckeye. Jackson can battle for the starting left guard spot currently open. If he doesn’t crack the starting five, he can add valuable depth to a position group devastated by injuries last season. He also offers versatility with his ability to play tackle.

Third Round (71st)

Jayden Higgins, WR Iowa St.

We discussed this prospect heavily on our Overtime podcast. Higgins has great size at 6’4 and runs a 4.47. He was incredibly productive at Iowa State with back-to-back 1000-yard seasons. The tape shows a player with an incredible catch radius and can win 50/50 balls, something this group currently lacks. The only downside is Higgins may not be available when the 71st selection comes around.

Third Round (93rd)

Bradyn Swinson, EDGE LSU

With a new defensive scheme, there will hopefully be a new prototype emerge at the edge pass rusher position. At 6’4 and 255 pounds, Swinson fits the mold. Swinson led the Tigers with 8.5 sacks a season ago and showed a relentlessness to run down plays even after he was initially blocked out of it.

Fourth Round (112th)

D.J. Giddens, RB Kansas State

In the fourth round, the Saints go with another wildly productive skill player from the Big 12. Giddens is coming back-to-back 1000-yard seasons. His shiftiness as a taller back is rare. Plus, he has homerun ability when he touches the ball. The Saints need playmakers at all positions. Giddens fits the bill.

Fourth Round (131st)

Gunnar Helm, TE Texas

The Saints should address the tight end position at some point in this draft. Helm is coming off his best season at Texas with 60 receptions and seven touchdowns. At 131, Helm can provide solid value for the Saints.

Sixth Round (184th)

Riley Leonard QB/ATH Notre Dame

There’s a reason ATH was added to this selection. Leonard is unlikely to become a starting quarterback in the NFL, but his foot speed and physical running style can be an asset that a creative offensive mind, like Kellen Moore, could tap into. There is no other player like Taysom Hill in the NFL. However, with him entering the final year of his contract, Leonard can provide some hybrid-like attributes.

Seventh Round (248th)

Caleb Ransaw, DB Tulane

A speedy DB that can play all five positions in the secondary. Ransaw shined at Tulane’s pro day at the Saints facility just last week. He can provide solid value this late in the draft.

Seventh Round (254th)

Alex Mastramanno, P Florida State

We close out the draft with one of the top specialists in this draft class. Not much went right for the Seminoles last season, but Mastramanno was one of the few bright spots. The Saints need competition at every position and have already met with Mastramanno.