The New Orleans Saints just wrapped up an exciting day of free agency. Adding Travis Etienne, David Edwards, and Noah Fant boosts the Saints’ offense significantly.
While there’s still much more free agency to go, and New Orleans is far from done, it’s time for another mock draft.
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1.8: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Maybe controversial, but I didn’t pass on Jeremiyah Love for this pick. If Love is there, he’s the pick for me, even with the Etienne signing. Love’s stock has been on the rise, and he’s now a pick for the Tennessee Titans with the fourth overall pick.
But Love going early opens up Carnell Tate as an option at eighth overall. Tate is a Z receiver and fits the Saints’ offense perfectly. Adding the 6-foot-3 wideout allows New Orleans to put Chris Olave in the slot and keep Devaughn Vele at the X.
Tate has a great frame for an NFL receiver and is surprisingly fast. His 4.53 40-yard dash at the combine doesn’t showcase his game speed. He remains the top wideout in the NFL draft, and falls to the Saints at 8, continuing to boost the offense.
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2.42 CB Keionte Scott, Miami
Here is your Alontae Taylor replacement. Like Taylor, Miami cornerback Keionte Scott can rush the quarterback, play in the slot, and play in the box.
Scott possesses a rare tackling ability from the slot and will shine in Brandon Staley’s defense. There’s room to grow for the Miami cornerback, but he’s a great fit for the Saints and appears in my mock for the second time.
3.73 OL Parker Brailsford, Alabama
While I would’ve liked to attack defense in this draft, there weren’t any defensive options that I liked left on the board that I could justify taking over Alabama center Parker Brailsford.
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Brailsford wouldn’t initially play center for the Saints, but could be a potential Cesar Ruiz replacement if New Orleans goes in that direction. He could also be insurance at center if Erik McCoy continues to struggle to stay on the field.
Brailsford is undersized, but has the production and athleticism to be a desirable pick in the third round. With strong showings against SEC competition, Brailsford should have no problems developing into a strong NFL interior offensive lineman.
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