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2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects New Orleans Saints Should Target In Round 1

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5 Prospects New Orleans Saints Should Target In Round 1

Drew Brees Saints
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing 2014 season, the New Orleans Saints appear to be headed for a rebuild. Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills, Ben Grubbs, Curtis Lofton and Patrick Robinson are all potential starters in this league who were not retained by the Saints. With two first-round picks, will the Saints find a replacement for 36-year-old QB Drew Brees? Whether that's in the plans or not, these are the five players the team should target.

5. Preston Smith (DE-Mississippi State)

Preston Smith Mississippi State
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5. Preston Smith (DE-Mississippi State)

Preston Smith Mississippi State
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Preston Smith won't be mentioned in many mocks leading up to the draft, but he would be a great fit for the Saints at No. 31. He doesn't have the same explosion off the line that the top edge rushers in this draft possess, but he's extremely physical. With current left defensive end Akiem Hicks entering the final year of his contract, the Saints may look to groom Smith for a season before he takes over the position full time in 2016.

4. DeVante Parker (WR-Louisville)

DeVante Parker Louisville
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4. DeVante Parker (WR-Louisville)

DeVante Parker Louisville
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If DeVante Parker is still on the board when the Saints are on the clock with the No. 13 overall pick, he'll be headed to New Orleans. Parker is the No. 1 WR on my board, but the consensus is he'll be the third WR selected. The Saints will have a healthy Brandin Cooks returning this year, but Drew Brees still needs another weapon on the outside. Parker is capable of beating defenders deep and can also make plays with the ball in his hands.

3. Maxx Williams (TE-Minnesota)

Maxx Williams Minnesota
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3. Maxx Williams (TE-Minnesota)

Maxx Williams Minnesota
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It's very unlikely the Saints begin the season with Benjamin Watson and Josh Hill as the top two tight ends. No TE in this draft is the next Jimmy Graham, but Maxx Williams is the best available. He may not fall to No. 31, but if he does, the Saints need to pounce. He isn't a great blocker, but Williams is a reliable receiver. He's only a redshirt sophomore, so there's still plenty of room for Williams to improve.

2. Alvin Dupree (OLB-Kentucky)

Alvin Dupree Kentucky
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2. Alvin Dupree (OLB-Kentucky)

Alvin Dupree Kentucky
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The Saints may have to decide between Alvin Dupree and Shane Ray with the No. 13 overall pick in the draft. Whereas Ray has strictly been a defensive end, Dupree has proven to be effective as a 3-4 OLB. Junior Galette, the team's top pass rusher, may be suspended for part of the 2015 season, so Dupree could play a big role early on. Parys Haralson only signed a one-year deal, so the opportunity is there for Dupree to make an impact.

1. Dorial Green-Beckham (WR-Oklahoma)

Dorial Green-Beckham Oklahoma
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1. Dorial Green-Beckham (WR-Oklahoma)

Dorial Green-Beckham Oklahoma
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

If the Saints select an edge rusher at No. 13, the team could opt for a WR at No. 31. The top receivers who may be on the board are Dorial Green-Beckham, Sammie Coates and Breshad Perriman. The Saints already have a viable deep threat in Brandin Cooks, so Coates and Perriman aren't a fit. Green-Beckham has his share of red flags, but he has managed to stay out of trouble at Oklahoma. It's a gamble, but with two first-round picks, why not?

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:
5 Prospects Washington Redskins Should Target In First Round

5 Prospects Philadelphia Eagles Should Target In First Round

Shawn Spencer is a writer for RantSports.
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