We're getting closer and closer to the NFL Draft, and with the bulk of free agency behind us, we now know where the biggest holes remain.
But what should the Saints be targeting when they get on the clock next month? That's what we broke down on the latest episode of Inside Black & Gold. Listen to the full episode below.
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In the 2.0 edition of our mock draft, we went through the first three rounds and made four picks each. Here's how each shook out.
Note: As always we used Pro Football Focus' simulator to establish the board for non-Saints selections. If you disagree with the picks, take it up with them.
STEVE'S MOCK (Click here to listen to the full breakdown)
1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2. Browns: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
3. Giants: Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State
4. Patriots: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
5. Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
6. Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
7. Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
8. Panthers: Mykel Williams, edge, Georgia
Round 1, 9 overall
- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Why: Kellen Moore is bringing in a new offense, but it still needs teeth. With McMillan you add a 6-6 weapon and a big body in the WR room who can pair well with speedsters Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. He'll have an immediate role and makes this offense a lot more dangerous.
Round 2, 40 overall
The pick: TJ Sanders, DT, S. Carolina
Why: The Saints need to beef up in the middle, and Sanders was a run-stuffer on a very impressive Gamecocks defensive line. He profiles more as a 3-4 end than nose tackle, but the Saints could still develop him in the middle of the line if they choose.
Round 3, 71 overall
The Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Why: The Saints love to draft third-round running backs, and they had back to the state of Arizona to do it. Skattebo is a highly productive player and will be a physical runner to pair with Alvin Kamara. It's also a pick that should either light a fire under third-year pro Kendre Miller, or eject him out of the building.
Round 3, 93 overall
- Wyatt Milum, G/T, West Virginia
Why: The Saints have a clear need at guard, and I see Milum as a player who can convert inside. Waiting 92 picks to add this player means you probably aren't looking at him as a rookie starter, but he'll at least be someone to push Nick Saldiveri and whomever else is competing for that starting job.
JEFF'S MOCK (Click here to listen to the full breakdown)
1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2. Browns: Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State
3. Giants: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
4. Patriots: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
5. Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
6. Raiders: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
7. Jets: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
8. Panthers: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Round 1, 9 overall
The pick: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Why: The last time the Saints picked this high they walked away with the top corner in the draft. You could debate who the top corner actually is, but I'm landing on the Thorpe award winner that was the part of back-to-back CFP semifinal runs. The Saints also happen to have one of his former coaches in Terry Joseph, so the scouting should be impeccable. Barron has inside/outside flex, which will allow him to get on the field immediately. I'm sold.
Round 2, 40 overall
The pick: Jonah Savaiinaea, G/T, Arizona
Why: The Saints still need a starting left guard, and I'm happy to build the Polynesian wall on the left side of the line with Jonah and Taliese Fuaga. Savaiinaea played tackle in college, but he's athletic and has the ability to shift inside.
Round 3, 71 overall
The pick: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Why: I'd be a bit surprised if Taylor was still on the board at this point, but that's above my pay grade. All I know is that I still want to add a young, explosive tight end, and Mason is that. He's a hard worker and will give you a nice pairing with Juwan Johnson for the next several seasons. Good deal.
Round 3, 93 overall
The pick: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Why: You're going to have a hard time finding a more imposing interior defensive line prospect than Walker, who measured in at 6-7, 331 pounds at the NFL combine. He's a bit raw and the motor is a bit of a question, but at this value I'm more than willing to work with that for the guy I expect to be my nose tackle of the future.
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