New Orleans Saints Three-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft
Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) works out prior to the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints know they’re running out of time. If they’re going to get one more crack at the Super Bowl, it has to be in 2017.
That or they need to think about starting the rebuild. Odds are it won’t be the latter. So the focus of this draft will be around improving every area of weakness they can. Don’t be surprised of if most of that that centers on one side of the football. Such has been the case for this team going on several years.
1st Round
1
Teez Tabor
CB, Florida
Teez Tabor has been one of the top names on the board since the college season began. It’s sign of his talent and continued progress that his name has barely wavered on that list since then. Florida has always been good at pinpoint quality cover corners and Tabor is considered even better than former teammate Vernon Hargreaves who went 10th overall to Tampa Bay. He’s got the right mix of size, speed and athletics along with solid ball skills.
Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Zack Mahoney (16) is sacked by Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) during the first quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Round
2
Demarcus Walker
DE, Florida State
Often in these situations it’s best to find a good, old fashioned football player. He may not be high in flash but he makes up for it with substance. Demarcus Walker won’t win any athletic awards, but he’ll find a way into the opposing backfield and make quarterbacks uncomfortable. He’s been doing that with increasing regularity at Florida State. A gritty, tough and relentless hunter who doesn’t take plays off and leads by example.
Oct 22, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Devonte Williams (2) is tackled by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (1) in the second half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
3rd Round
3
Anthony Walker
OLB, Northwestern
Anthony Walker was considered a 1st round sleeper at some points during the college season. Odds are he goes on Day 2 though. He’s one of those jack-of-all-trades linebackers who does a little bit of everything well. He can tackle, blitz, play coverage and makes plays happen.. The key for him will be figuring out the proper weight to play at. Too low and he can’t get off blocks. Too high and he loses his trademark speed.
More from NFL Mocks