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2007 NFL
Draft Predictions2007 New
Orleans Saints NFL Draft Predictions
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2008 New Orleans Saints
NFL predictions & preview!
The Saints were the surprise team of 2006, making it all the way to the NFC
Championship game only to get knocked off by the Bears. Had they played in New
Orleans, the Saints probably would have made a trip to the Super Bowl as
America's team. Reggie Bush made a huge difference as the Saints took Bush as
their 2 nd overall pick in last year's draft. Drew Brees wasn't too bad himself,
leading the NFC in almost every passing category. Things look very promising on
the offensive side of the ball for 2007, but look for New Orleans to fill in
much-needed positions on the defensive side.
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The Saints also landed the biggest steal in the 2006 draft
with Marques Colston out of Hofstra in the seventh round. Jahri Evans, the
fourth-round selection, started 16 games on the offensive line. It will be
hard to match last year's class, but if they can get a few guys on the
defensive side of the ball that can step in right away as did those 3 studs,
New Orleans will be making noise again.
Coach Sean Payton has preached character since he arrived last season. Penn
State's Paul Posluszny, with his leadership qualities and hard-nosed style,
might be the perfect fit at linebacker. Florida State's Lawrence Timmons
will also get some consideration at the linebacker spot if he is available
in the first round. He has freakish physical skills but is a bit
inexperienced. Time will solve that problem though and he would be a good
fit.
The Saints spent time watching Patrick Willis at the Senior Bowl. The former
Ole Miss start played middle linebacker in college and would be an upgrade
from current Saints starter Mike Simoneaus. Willis, who is friends with
fellow Ole Miss product Deuce McCallister, could be an option at weakside
linebacker. Should the Saints wait for the later rounds to select a
linebacker, Florida State's Buster Davis reminds some of former Saints great
Sam Mills and is definitely a possibility.
The Saints' biggest need might be at cornerback, where they would have
several options in the first round. Fresono State's Marcus McCauley looked
like good value at No. 27, but likely fell after a disappointing week at the
Senior Bowl practices. Cal's Daymeion Hughes, Aaron Ross of Texas, Chris
Houston of Arkansas and even Michigan's Leon Hall figure to be available at
the defensive back positions.
On offense, the Saints have a wide talent of young receivers. They might
look to the draft to find another young gem, considering their recent
success and the fact that Joe Horn won't be back due to injuries and salary
cap reasons. They are also in need of a tight end for an additional weapon
to make them nearly unstoppable on offense. Ernie Conwell has suffered
season-ending knee injuries in each of the last two years, and is no longer
reliable. Miami's Greg Olsen or Arizona State's Zach Miller would be
significant upgrades at that position. They initial needs have to be on the
defensive side of the ball though, so look for a linebacker or cornerback to
be the Saints' first-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Updated April 27th, 2007
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