New Orleans Saints 2013 NFL Mock Draft, Week 5: 7 Rounds


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New Orleans Saints 2013 NFL Mock Draft

Saints Helmet
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL draft is only a few weeks away and at this point teams should have a pretty good idea of who they want to draft. The New Orleans Saints are expected to draft many defensive players to help improve upon their horrendous defense from last season. It is becoming more and more apparent that the Saints will draft a defensive end or an outside linebacker with their 15th pick.

With the Saints switching to a 3-4 defensive alignment they are going to need some game-changing pass rushers. Earlier in the week the Saints met with BYU defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and they are expected to meet with some other defensive players in the coming weeks. I would be surprised if the Saints didn’t go with defense with their 15th pick.

The Saints also need to address their need for a left tackle and could look to the draft to add some depth. It is possible that the Saints could use their 15th pick to draft an offensive tackle, but it seems unlikely since the need for defense is much greater.

I would also expect the Saints to draft either a safety or cornerback at some point in the draft because they will be looking to add more depth to their secondary. This year’s draft will be huge for the Saints as they are transitioning their defense for the second year in a row. The team will need to evaluate their prospects and make the right choices. Nonetheless, I think the Saints will do well in the draft and could find a few game-changers this year.

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First Round: Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, BYU

Ezekiel Ansah
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints met with BYU defensive end Ezekiel Ansah earlier in the week and it seems like the team would like to draft him. Ansah is a tremendous athlete that is really able to get after the quarterback. Furthermore, Ansah made 62 tackles, 4.5 sacks and defended nine passes last season and his production should increase in the NFL.

Ansah would be the perfect fit as a pass rusher for the Saints’ new 3-4 defense, and if he is available with the 15th pick I am sure the team will draft him. Ansah has great versatility and he could play either defensive end or outside linebacker for the Saints. Bottom line, Ansah is going to be a star and the Saints will do whatever they can to draft him.

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Third Round: Chris Faulk, Offensive Tackle, LSU

Chris Faulk
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

With their third round pick the Saints need to grab an offensive tackle. LSU’s Chris Faulk should be available for the Saints and he could make a nice addition to the team. The first thing that stands out when it comes to Faulk is his size. The 6-foot-5 331 pound offensive tackle is huge and takes up a lot of space on the offensive line.

Faulk has great size for a tackle and might be able to come in and compete for the starting left tackle spot for the Saints. Furthermore, Faulk is great at run blocking but his pass protection could use some improvement. However, Faulk does have some athletic ability and he could turn out to be a great player for the Saints.

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Fourth Round: Michael Buchanan, Defensive End, Illinois

Michael Buchanan
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In the fourth round the Saints have to go back to defense and should pick up Illinois defensive end, Michael Buchanan. Buchanan had a decent senior season for the Fighting Illini as he had 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception. Buchanan is a good athlete and has nice speed, but he will need to add some weight to his frame at the next level.

At 6-foot-5 255 pounds Buchanan has great size that you look for in a 3-4 defensive end. Furthermore, Buchanan has the ability to play outside linebacker too, and if the Saints are looking for a player to fit their defense Buchanan could be a nice pickup in the fourth round.

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Fifth Round: Robert Lester, Safety, Alabama

Robert Lester
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In the fifth round there is still plenty of talent available and the Saints could get a steal with Alabama safety, Robert Lester. At 6-foot-1 202 pounds Lester has great size for a safety and the physical style to back it up. Last season Lester had 48 tackles, three passes defended and four interceptions.

Lester’s stock has fallen and if he is there in the sixth round the Saints should consider drafting him. Despite his stock falling Lester is still a good talent that does well in coverage and could be a ballhawk on the next level. The Saints could use some depth at safety and Lester could be the guy to provide it.

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Sixth Round: Micah Hyde, Cornerback, Iowa

Micah Hyde
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints should still be looking for secondary depth with their last pick and Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde could add some nice depth. Hyde has great size at 6-foot 197 pounds and could come in and really help the Saints secondary. Last season Hyde had 78 tackles, 14 passes defended and one interception.

Hyde is big and fast and could turn out to be a steal for the Saints. Hyde’s stock has fallen a bit, but his experience and his upside could serve him well. Furthermore, Hyde has a nice skill set that will translate nicely to the NFL. With their last pick the Saints should draft Hyde and add some much needed depth to their secondary.

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