My One and Only 2016 Saints Mock Draft

Here's my one and only Saints mock for 2016. It's not a prediction of who they will pick, but who I would pick if I were GM.

Last year, all of my picks made the final 53 active rosters. My First round selection was LSU's La'el Collins, before the investigation. The Saints selected tackle Andrus Peat from Stanford. Collins went undrafted, was signed by Dallas as a free agent and excelled. Peat is still looking for his roll on the offensive line.

As it turns out though, compared to previous years, the Saints 2015 draft was solid. Peat may turn out to be an outstanding NFL tackle. Their second pick of the first round was Stephone Anthony from Clemson. He looks like an all-out baller.

Let's jump in.

Round 1.Pick # 12. A'Shawn Robinson DT Alabama 6'4" 307. Robinson has been my guy all along. I've gone back and forth with other players, but the combination of need meeting value makes this the right pick for me. He can come in, be plugged in and start day 1. Nick Saban's defenses are great when they are great up front. Robinson anchored the best D-Line for Saban since his LSU line of Marcus Spears, Marquise Hill and Chad Lavalais. Robinson is like a bolder in the middle. He won't be moved easily. His ability to occupy blockers alone will upgrade the play of the linebackers behind him. His weakness is stamina and pass rush. This could take him off the field on 3rd and long. But he will be the main reason teams are in 3rd & long in the first place.

Round 2. Pick #47 Shilique Calhoun DE Michigan St. 6'4" 251. Calhoun could've turned pro after his junior season when he was named Big Ten D-linemen of the Year. Uhhh Joey Bosa was playing at the same time. That's high cotton. MSU is always good defensively although they get Big Blue and Ohio St's crumbs. Mark Dantonio is an excellent coach. He was mentored by legends Earl Bruce and  Jim Tressel. But it was MSU's new hire in 1995 that brought him in to coach that new coaches beloved position, DB, That coach was Nick Saban, I wrote all that to say this. Calhoun was the best player on a great defense coached by an excellent defensive HC. I like his stock. On the field, Calhoun has a relentlees motor with an explosive first step and long stride. He understands body positioning to transfer speed to power. Put Hau'oli Kikaha outside of him and Cam Jordan on the other side and watch the QBs go down.

Round 3. Pick #78 Sheldon Day DT Notre Dame 6'1" 293. Motor motor motor! Explosive. Quick. Great closer, ton of energy. Never. Stops. Compares to former Saints great La'Roi Glover. Not ideal size for a DT, but manages to get penetration to pressure the QB. Would be the ying to Robinson's yang. The two would feed off each other to force offenses to pick their poison as to who to double. I like, no, I love this pick in the 3rd round.

Round 4. Pick 112 Keyarris Garrett WR Tulsa 6'4" 220 Big framed WR with broad shoulders. Will be able to out physical DB's and run passed them as his long strides and fluid route running make him a deep threat as well. Garrett is the ideal WR for Sean Paytons's offense. Tall, long, physical and fast enough. He is known as a "hands" catcher, able to snatch the ball away from his body. He will fit right in with the Saints young receiving group.Wouldn't shock me if he is given jersey #12.

Round 5. Pick  #152 Sebastian Tretola  OG Arkansas 6'4" 314.Come on. The Arkie's 1.5 tons scheme? Where do I sign? Tretola was named the SEC's top O-linemen, the Jacobs Trophy, after giving up only .5 sacks in two full seasons. Considered an immovable object at guard. Moves very well for someone with his size. Shows mobility and ability to get out on screens. Screens? Hello! Is he not tailor made for Sean Payton?? This is where the Saints find their o-line gems. Well here he is, Saints fans. A fifth round steal.

Round 7. Pick #237 Austin Blythe C Iowa 6'2" 298. A four year starter on Iowa's O-line. Played both guard positions then ended up at center his senior year. Made 2nd team Big 10. Wins the battle of leverage with his short frame. Nasty, aggressive and power with great agility to seal off opponents creating lanes for teammates to exploit. Can understudy behind current starter Max Unger while coming off the bench to back up both guard positions. Blythe will be the next big Iowa offensive linemen produced by Kirk Ferentz.

Well these are my picks and I'm sticking to them. Heavy on the line of scrimmage which are big needs for the Saints and getting value as well.

The season will be here before we know it!
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