Close Article Return to stream X
NFL •

2015 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints’ 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

+Read full article
Getty Images

New Orleans Saints' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Drew Brees Jimmy Graham Saints
Getty Images

Despite winning just seven games last year, the New Orleans Saints were one win away from being crowned NFC South champions. Over the last couple of months, the Saints have been in selling mode. Whether it's been through trades or allowing free agents to walk, the team seems to be rebuilding. There are so many holes on the roster right now, but these are the team's five biggest needs heading into the draft.

5. Quarterback

Drew Brees Saints
Getty Images

5. Quarterback

Drew Brees Saints
Getty Images

The Saints have overhauled numerous positions this offseason in order to get younger. Only time will tell if the quarterback position is next. With two first-round picks, the Saints certainly have the trade chips to move up for Marcus Mariota, but with so many needs, it wouldn't make sense to trade away multiple picks for one player. The Saints need to add a young QB, but it doesn't have to be someone who can start right away.

4. Outside Linebacker

Junior Galette Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. Outside Linebacker

Junior Galette Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Junior Galette and Cameron Jordan accounted for over half of the Saints sacks last season. No one else on the team recorded more than three sacks. The team desperately needs to add a pass rusher in this draft. If Galette misses any time next season due to an ongoing legal issue, the need for a pass rusher moves even higher up on this list. With two first-round picks, the Saints would be wise to add another pass rushing 3-4 OLB.

3. Inside Linebacker

Curtis Lofton Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

3. Inside Linebacker

Curtis Lofton Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

As much as the Saints need a pass rusher at linebacker, the team also needs a linebacker who can play sideline-to-sideline and stop the run. The defense allowed more rushes of at least 20 yards last season than any other team in the NFL. Someone like UCLA's Eric Kendricks could certainly be in play for the Saints at No. 13. If the Saints go in another direction in Round 1, the team may wait until Day 3 to add depth at the position.

2. Guard

Ben Grubbs Saints
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

2. Guard

Ben Grubbs Saints
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Graham wasn't the only star the Saints traded away this offseason. In what was more of a salary dump than a trade, New Orleans shipped Ben Grubbs off to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a fifth-round pick in this year's draft. While the move cleared some cap space, it left a gaping hole on the offensive line. A.J. Cann could be the answer at No. 31, but it's more likely the Saints wait until later in the draft to fill this need.

1. Tight End

Jimmy Graham Saints
Getty Images

1. Tight End

Jimmy Graham Saints
Getty Images

One of the biggest moves this offseason was the trade involving the Saints and the Seattle Seahawks. The Saints were able to add center Max Unger, but the loss of TE Jimmy Graham leaves Drew Brees without his favorite target. Receiving TEs Maxx Williams (Minnesota) or Clive Walford (Miami) could be early-round replacements, or the Saints could wait until Day 3 to add a balanced TE such as Tyler Kroft (Rutgers) or Jeff Heuerman (Ohio State).

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:

2015 NFL Draft: San Diego Chargers’ 5 Biggest Needs

Shawn Spencer is a writer for RantSports.
Your Favorites