New Orleans Saints snag LSU star in 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft

The Saints sent their 2020 second-round pick away in a trade up for center Erik McCoy last year, so we do not see them on the clock again until the third round in this 2020 NFL mock draft. Linebacker is likely to quickly become a massive position of need for the Saints over this offseason and next and addressing the situation in the draft would be wise. Here in the third round, they take a chance on Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay Jr.

John Newman of NFL Mocks put together an in-depth scouting report on Gay earlier today. It is a tremendous piece that is undoubtedly worth checking out, as John gives us a well-rounded look at a difficult player to value. If you want to learn more about Gay, I cannot recommend that post enough.

Long story short, Gay is an extremely talented, but troubled player who was suspended for most of the 2019 season. He has some off-field concerns, but he is a tremendous playmaker at the linebacker position when he is on the field. Gay showed off his massive athletic upside at the combine and his stock is rising. He is an extremely fast and explosive linebacker prospect who fits the modern NFL well. If he can keep his nose clean off of the field, the sky is the limit.

If the New Orleans Saints lose Andrus Peat in free agency, they have to replace him with somebody. In this 2020 NFL mock draft, they select Shane Lemieux, the left guard from Oregon to enter the battle to replace Peat at left guard.

Lemieux is not the most athletic offensive line prospect in the class, but he is an extremely smart and disciplined player who shows fantastic power at the point of attack. His athletic limitations are not ideal, but Lemieux is a strong run blocker and solid pass protector who should be able to make an immediate impact at the next level. He would be a nice addition for the Saints in this range.