New Orleans Saints 2013 Four-Round NFL Mock Draft

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

1. First Round, 15th overall: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

This is becoming a popular pick for the Saints as far as my opinion is concerned. I think losing Jermon Bushrod is not as big a deal as people think, because the Saints can adequately replace him in this year’s draft. Watson is one of the more athletic tackles we’ve seen coming out in recent years, and despite his lack of overall football experience, I think he could be a really nice pickup for the Saints. Charles Brown will take one of the open tackle spots, but the starting left tackle job is up for grabs as far as I can see. Watson could be the guy to step in and start for this team to protect Drew Brees’ blind side. That has to be given top priority along with revamping one of the league’s worst defenses.

2. Third Round, 75th overall: Brandon Williams, DL, Missouri Southern State

Williams comes from a small school, but he can be a very good NFL defensive lineman. With the Saints moving to a 3-4 defense, they need some big men up front who can open up space for their pass rushers on the edge. I’m not exactly sure what the Saints plan on doing with their new defensive rebuild, but their front seven needs a makeover. Williams is 335 pounds and would pair with Akiem Hicks and Cameron Jordan to give the Saints a nice young group of defensive linemen, and then they can add edge rushers. It’s hard to gauge what they might do as far as edge players goes, because they have a ton of ex-4-3 LBs that they will have to find room for.

3. Fourth Round, 109th overall: Josh Evans, S, Florida

The Saints have pretty terrible safety depth, and Evans is one of my favorite sleeper prospects in this draft. he played on a dominant defense at Florida and was one of the key players for them. He’s not getting as much national publicity as his safety-mate Matt Elam has, but Evans is a well-rounded player in his own right who could immediately contribute to the Saints’ rotation and give them a very solid special teams player as well.