New Orleans Saints
Top Pick: Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville
The logic behind taking Rankins in the 1st round was obvious. He was among the best interior pass rushers in the class. A perfect potential compliment to star edge man Cameron Jordan. That might finally give the Saints defense the core defensive front they’ve lacked for years. Sadly things were thrown out of whack when the rookie broke his leg. Odds are he can still return before the end of the season, but until he actually plays there is no way to grade him.
Grade: INC
Hidden Gem: Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
There are also plenty of issues with the back end of the Saints defense. It’s been a revolving door at both cornerback and safety for the team. Hopes are high that rookie Vonn Bell can give them some sorely needed stability at free safety. He’s not at the point yet where he’s impacting coverage, but the young man is a steady run defender with 32 tackles and a forced fumble. Presuming this team eventually finds some help, he’ll fulfill their hopes for him.