$Grading Every Pick Of New Orleans Saints\' 2016 NFL Draft$

Grading Every Pick Of New Orleans Saints' 2016 NFL Draft

By Bryan Zarpentine

The New Orleans Saints needed a strong performance during the 2016 NFL Draft if they were going to get things turned around. Unfortunately, they only had five total picks, so they needed to make each and every one of them count. Here is how each of New Orleans’ picks graded out.

$Grading Every Pick Of New Orleans Saints\' 2016 NFL Draft$

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Round 1: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville — Rankins is not the edge rusher New Orleans needed, but he was one of the best defensive players available in the draft. He will undoubtedly make the Saints better on that side of the ball, which was their top draft priority.
Grade: B

Round 2: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State — Thomas may not be one of the star receivers in this year's draft, but he fills a huge need for the Saints. If he can develop into a solid No. 2 to complement Brandon Cooks, the Saints will be content with their situation at wideout.
Grade: B

Round 2: Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State — Bell is a good player and a nice selection at this stage in the draft. However, New Orleans is in decent shape at safety and Bell doesn't necessarily fill a need unless the team thinks he can play corner, so this pick is a tad puzzling.
Grade: B-

Round 4: David Onyemata, DT, University of Manitoba — Onyemata is the pass rusher the Saints needed, but he's raw and went to college in Canada, so he won't contribute right away. It may be years until this pick pays off, and there are no guarantees, making this a questionable in Round 4.
Grade: C-

Round 7: Daniel Lasco, RB, California — The Saints used this pick on a player who doesn't address a pressing need and may not even make their roster. Lasco is unlikely to ever make a huge impact in the NFL, and the Saints definitely could have made better use of this pick.
Grade: C-

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New Orleans Saints

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