2011 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints analysis and prediction

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 06:10

WHERE THEY NEED HELP: Defensive line, running back, safety.

ANALYSIS: Defensive coordinator Greg Williams relies on blitzes and stunts on his defense. The Saints only had 33 sacks last year. They need some new talent along the front line. If there was a top flight running back, the Saints would grab it in the first round as Pierre Thomas is a free agent, Reggie Bush is a situational back, and the Saints were ranked 28th in the league in rushing. Other than Ingram, there is no running back worth spending a first round pick on in this draft so the Saints will use their first round pick on defense. Darren Sharper is getting up there in years, and the Saints could invest in someone like Rahim Moore of UCLA for the future. The Saints had a league low nine interceptions.

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO: Draft a defensive lineman. Phil Taylor is a run stopper at nose tackle, but is probably better suited to the 3-4. Corey Liuget of Illinois and Muhammad Wilkerson are both climbing the ranks quickly.

WHERE THEY ARE EXPECTED TO USE THE FIRST PICK: Corey Liuget, Defensive Tackle Illinois

2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT WITH TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS

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2011 NFL DRAFT TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS