New Orleans Saints 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft

Sept 1, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns free safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) intercepts a pass intended for Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Chris McNeil (80) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Vaccaro – The safety play of the Saints last year was bad, actually bad may not be strong enough of a word. Roman Harper needs to be replaced at the very least, if they don’t get 2 new safeties. Vaccaro is the top rated safety in this class and would be a really good value at 15. He can drop into the slot and cover the slot WR. He is also aggressive in the run game. He doesn’t produce many turnovers which can be a concern to a team who wants him to drop back into a center field role. Can tend to get over aggressive in the run game which causes him to miss tackles in the open field. Quickly locates the ball when in the air and has good vision and instincts.

October 13, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (92) in position to defend against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Star Lotulelei – I’ve been hearing his heart has checked out fine and if that is the case, I doubt he falls this far. However, if he does, the Saints should sprint to the podium with this pick. He would be what Haloti Ngata is for the Baltimore Ravens. He is a great athlete who will lock down one of the DE positions in their new 3-4. He is strong and a great run defender. Has the strength in his upper core to control offensive lineman and take on blocks to keep them off of the LB. Lotulelei shows an explosive burst off the snap. He also shows a good lateral agility and flexibility to slip through gaps and ruin plays before they even get started.

September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) is congratulated by offensive linesman Menelik Watson (71) after they scored a touchdown against the South Florida Bulls during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Menelik Watson – 15 may be a slight reach for Watson, being as raw as he is, but he has as much upside as any other OT in this draft. He has naturally strong hands in which he can lock down and control opposing players. He is very light on his feet, showing great quickness and balance. Bends his knees well so he can absorb the contact and not get knocked off balance. He gets to the second level and down field extremely well. Has great straight line speed for an OT. However, Watson is a raw player who still misses assignments at times. He gets to the second level quickly, but doesn’t always know who to block. Has only played 2 seasons of American football and only 1 at the FCS level.
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