New Orleans Saints: 5 Biggest Needs in the 2014 NFL Draft

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5. Inside Linebacker

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Last year’s starting inside linebacker duo of Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne was uninspiring to say the least. The Saints’ major weakness on defense was their run defense, and once the back got to the second level of the defense he had major success. Because the Saints run a 3-4 defense, they have several prospects that make sense for them in the draft. Their best option is to find a rangy linebacker who excels in pass coverage to start next to Lofton. I mentioned Christian Kirksey in my post-combine Saints’ full mock draft.

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4. Free Safety

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The Saints released veteran safety Roman Harper to clear salary cap space and all signs point to them letting free agent Malcolm Jenkins sign elsewhere. Last year’s first-round pick Kenny Vaccaro had an outstanding rookie season, but he is best employed at strong safety in the box and coming down to guard the slot. The Saints need to find a rangy free safety who can cover the deep half of the field. To some teams this is a major need, but in Rob Ryan’s system it is of less importance.

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3. Edge Rusher

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Cameron Jordan had a breakout season for the Saints while racking up 12.5 sacks. Jordan is a 3-4 defensive end however, and for this defense to take the next step they will need to find an outside linebacker in Ryan’s defense. The team is interested in re-signing Parys Harlason, but his role is as an edge-setting run defender. Last offseason, the team had high hopes for OLB Victor Butler before he tore his ACL in training camp. Even if he returns to full health, the Seahawks proved you could never have too many pass rushers.

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2. Wide Receiver

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Some might not see wide receiver as a major need, but adding a dynamic threat at receiver will take this offense to an even higher level. The team can free up $2.57 million in cap space by cutting veteran Lance Moore, who has lost a step. Marques Colston is on the decline in his career and Kenny Stills is still raw. Adding a threat at wide receiver will attract defensive coverage away from Jimmy Graham. This is the perfect draft to find it in, with potential difference makers in almost every round.

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1. Cornerback

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In Ryan’s system, cornerbacks are often left on an island to defend without safety help over the top. Last season’s acquisition of Keenan Lewis proved to be one of the best free agent signings in the entire league. Who will start across from him in 2014 remains a question mark. The team released last year’s starter Jabari Greer for cap purposes. Former first-round pick Patrick Robinson has been a major bust and may also be on the chopping block. A press-man cornerback is exactly what the scheme needs and likely what the team will target.