New Orleans Saints 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft

March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach

answers questions from reporters during the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints season did not go anything like they wanted it to. After the Bounty Gate scandal came to light and Sean Peyton got suspended, the Saints seemed to fall apart. The Saints offense was still outstanding, but that was to be expected with Drew Brees at the QB position and all the weapons they have on offense. However, their defense gave up the most yards per game in the NFL and the 2nd most points in the NFL. The Saints defense had the 6th least sacks in the NFL with 30 and they switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 this year. On top of them not being able to get to the QB, their secondary was horrible. Roman Harper was a liability and Malcolm Jenkins wasn’t much better. They signed Keenan Lewis in the offseason who should help with their CB situation.

Oct 27, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) sacks Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) at EverBank Field. The Bulldogs won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Jarvis Jones – One of the best pass rushers in the draft and was an absolute playmaker at Georgia. The Saints couldn’t get to the QB last year and they had players that fit their scheme then. With the switch to the 3-4, Martez Wilson, Junior Galette and Victor Butler are their only pass rush options. Jones has as much ability as any pass rusher in this draft, if not for his medical red flags he is probably a top 5 pick. Jones has enough flexibility to dip under the OT and get around him to the QB. Also athletic enough to drop into coverage and is very adept at forcing turnovers. Doesn’t have a lot of room for additional mass on his body.

September 29, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) during a game against the Towson Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Towson 38-22. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Barkevious Mingo – Another pass rush option for the Saints. Mingo has one of the quickest jumps off the snap that I have ever seen. Mingo is a great athlete, but he needs to get bigger. His body has plenty of room for that growth. He has great flexibility to dip under the arms of the OT and get to the QB. He has very long arms that he can get up and get into the passing lanes.  Mingo has an amazing upside that is as high as anyone else in this draft. He does need to add some muscle to his frame, but that shouldn’t be a problem once he gets into an NFL strength program. He also isn’t very good against the run or in coverage. Will probably have to be used much like Bruce Irvin was this past year.