Saints may look to bolster offense in 2018 NFL Draft

Now that the New Orleans Saints have started their offseason, what are their needs for next season?

The Saints are picking 27th in the upcoming draft, and that’s a pick they definitely want to turn into an early contributor. With several weapons on offense in place, New Orleans sure could use another wide receiver to take the pressure off Michael Thomas.

Equanimeous St. Brown, the 6-foot-5 playmaker out of Notre Dame, is a receiver with long arms and great length. An intelligent prospect with a 4.0 GPA, Brown speaks four languages while both reading and writing in English, German, and French. He has surprising speed for a big receiver.

A well-built athlete, Brown’s father was a two-time Mr. World bodybuilder. This past season, his stats were hurt some by less than stellar quarterback play for the Irish. Brown had 33 receptions for 515 yards a 15.6 yard average and four touchdowns in 2017.

The Saints may also look at wide receiver Courtland Sutton (6-3, 217), the very productive SMU product who caught 68 passes had a 16.0 yard average and 12 touchdowns last season.

Sutton has big play ability and is physical with fine body control. He has reliable hands, great length and a long muscular frame. He is a match-up nightmare in the red zone. A real competitor who runs well after the catch, Sutton compares favorably to Thomas.

A tight end would also help with Coby Fleener on IR, missing part of this past season and maybe more due to concussion concerns. A pass receiving tight end is needed.

Penn State’s Mike Gesicki (6-6, 253) has been a productive receiver with 51 catches and nine touchdowns as a senior. He has length and long arms, catching the ball well away from his body. He can be a matchup nightmare for defenders. Also, he has good leaping, effective in the red zone. The Saints lack a second round pick but Gesicki might be a fit in the third round.

With Terron Armstead missing time both last season and this season with injury problems, a versatile offensive lineman that can play guard and tackle would help New Orleans. Senio Kelemente is a valuable swingman now but he is a free agent. A replacement may be needed.

Martinas Rakin (6-5, 305) out of Mississippi St. is such a prospect with a potential late first round grade. He is versatile enough to line up at both offensive guard and offensive tackle. He plays with strength and power, strong in the upper body and blessed with long arms to keep defenders off his body. Rakin anchors well.

Of course, it may be time for the Saints to draft a quarterback to eventually replace Drew Brees.

Heisman winner Baker Mayfield (6-0, 210) may get some interest from the local team. He had a super productive college career throwing for 4340 yards and 41 touchdowns with just five interceptions for Oklahoma in 2017. A big playmaker, Mayfield can hurt defenses with his arm and legs. He has a quick release and compact delivery.

Undersized for an NFL quarterback, Mayfield has been seen as a potential ideal understudy for Brees. Baker has had some off the field problems which will require any NFL to look into his character closely. What would the Saints do if Mayfield is on the board at the 27th overall pick? Many will ask that question.

On defense, the Saints still could use another linebacker, outside speed rusher, cornerback and even safety help if free agent Kenny Vaccaro doesn’t come back.

We will take a closer look at the top prospects at every position with special emphasis on who might be a fit for the Saints as the NFL Draft approaches.