New Orleans Saints 7 Round 2013 NFL Mock Draft
NFL’s Worst Defense: Stay with 4-3 or switch to 3-4?
Speculation has been rumored for the demise of defensive coordinator Steven Spagnuolo’s job. The more respected defensive coordinators available would be Lovie smith (who may become a head coach before month’s end) and Romeo Crennel (who runs a 3-4 hybrid defensive scheme). In Spagnuolo’s defense, which is more of a front four pressured approach, there are the personnel on the roster as the defense has been in a base 4-3 for years. In order to run Crennel’s defense there would have to be roster changes made. Curtis Lofton, middle linebacker, although great against the run, is a liability against the pass and cannot cover tight ends and pass catching running backs. Martez Wilson looks to be the prototypical hybrid OLB in the 3-4 defenses. He boasts a stature of 6’4” and 250 pounds with a nonstop motor. Akiem Hicks, defensive tackle that weighs a reported 324 pounds, comparable in weight or heavier than some notable NT’s (Jay Ratliff, Dallas Cowboys, 303 lbs) or (Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers, 325 lbs). Both defenders are young, aggressive and 3rd round picks (cheap). Cameron Jordan is 287 pounds and can play the defensive end position but the right side would need a young aggressive pass rusher as well. Initially Turk McBride and Junior Gallette would be responsible for the right OLB position but may not be quick enough. The biggest challenge would be the middle linebacker position. Jonathan Vilma has proven that he cannot play in a 3-4 defense when he was with the Jets, besides he may become a cap casualty within the next few weeks. Jonathan Casillas has proven too inconsistent and Scott Shanle is gone. The next option is David Hawthorne. He has the size for the position but his ability to cover tight ends and shed blocks is up in the air. Even if Hawthorne is plugged in at MLB, they would either have to use Lofton or draft a MLB. The only change in the secondary is the likely departure of Roman Harper being replaced by Isa Abdul-Quddus.
OPTIONS:
Trade Curtis Lofton to a 4-3 defense in need of a leader/middle linebacker, possibly Cleveland for a 5th round pick? Go after 3-4 OLB & MLB/DE in 1st and 3rd rounds? Extend Will Smith an additional year at a discount and spread the cap figure between the two years OR give most to him as a bonus to cushion the cap hit.
Wishful Saints 2013 Draft below to accommodate 3-4 defense:
1st Round: Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU
3rd Round: Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida St.
4th Round: Kevin Reddick, MLB, UNC
5th Round: Baker Steinkuhler, DE, Nebraska
6th Round: Adrian Bushell, CB, Louisville
7th Round: Zach Sudfeld, TE, Nevada
Wishful Saints 2013 Draft below staying with 4-3 defense (Spagnuolo):
1st Round: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
3rd Round: Cornelius Carradine, DE, Florida St.
4th Round: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU
5th Round: Chris Jones, DT, Bowling Green
6th Round: Adrian Bushell, CB, Louisville
7th Round: Zach Sudfeld, TE, Nevada.
Check out our other mock drafts including a 7 Rounder below:
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