I think personally think we'll manage to trade up and/or get an extra pick in the top 100 somewhere. But I have no idea how we'll do it or what we'll give up to get there. Any ways, here's a post combine/pro day mock taking into consideration what we've done in FA so far.
RD2(62) TE Kahale Warring SDSU
We got Cook, but he’s 32 and on a short term 2 year deal. Warring totally has all the traits of future superstar, especially if he were under the tutelage of a coach like Sean Payton. Coming into the league, Warring has Jimmy Graham-type skills as a receiver, but is a vastly developed run blocker. What’s more, is Warring runs very nuanced routes and can beat coverage w/either his route tree and/or his god given athletic ability. Plus, Payton’s an innovator of offense. W/Drew getting up there in age, and given the shift in philosophy over last two seasons, I can see us evolving into an even more explosive version of a ball control offense w/a talent like Warring on the field w/Cook. Two TEs who can block, line up in the slot, attack the seams and get vertical would be a new look, but would fit the direction the O seems to heading towards. As much as I want a big ticket WR Like H Butler or N’Keal Harry, I dont think they’ll be available, plus, we already have a bunch of guys at that position. Meanwhile, our TE position is pretty average after Cook. In terms of a playmaking receiver and a true TE, drafting Warring would cover both those needs.
RD5(168) S/DB Marvell Tell USC
Tell would be a great fit as a developmental S/DB. The dude is big, pretty rangy in coverage, and will splash hit a ballcarrier when given the opportunity. They knock his consistency and tackling ability vs run, but I think Tell’s issues in this area are more tech related and a lack of strength vs effort and willingness to engage. These are coaching/training fixes. Tell plays deep center, covers the slot, and is a good blitzer. He reminds me a lot of Vonn Bell coming into the league, but in a bigger more explosive frame. I think he can be groomed into a future starter, but worse case scenario, Tell would be core player covering kicks/punts on ST.
RD6(177) WR Cody Thompson Toledo
I think if Thompson had a better QB, he’d be in the conversation as one of the top slot WRs in the draft. He reminds me of former Saint and fellow Toledo Alum Lance Moore. Thompson's route running and short area quickness would make him a nice fit as a developmental slot receiver in our O. Plus, he has some RAC ability and has underrated speed/acceleration in the open field. They question his hands, knocking him for a lot of body catches. But here’s the thing, Thompson doesnt drop many balls. Michael Irvin said “hands catches” are overrated, as long as the guy’s consistently making catches, it doesnt matter how reels them in. Like Tell, at the very least, Thompson will be a killer covering kicks/punts on ST.
RD6(202) EDGE/DE/DL/OLB Jalen Jelks Oregon
After a breakout season as a 5tech DE, Jelks was moved to OLB in 18 where he saw his production numbers fall off. Though he showed the ability to drop into coverage while keying and playing the run, Jelks’ best traits are as a pure pass rusher and attacking w/vertical pressure. He also clocked his fair share of snaps at DE as well as NT. In my opinion, his ability to play multiple positions both helped, and to a degree, hurt him last season. Jelks has a good bull rush, a nice slap/swim, and has a way of getting skinny to knife through gaps and double teams. But he is still raw and has a ton of untapped potential as a pass rusher. He needs to get stronger and learn to use his hands and natural length. For the most part, those are coachable/trainable negatives. In my opinion, on the right team w/the right coaches, Jelks could easily evolve and way out play his draft position.
RD7(231) OT/OL Brandon Hitner Vilanova
Saints recently met with Hitner after he pretty much aced his pro day. He’s a big athletic dude who has played both OT and OG over his college career. Those traits and experience would make him great fit to play Swing OL and eventually transition into a potential starter at either OT or OG.
https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/30/2019-nfl-draft-saints-visit-brandon-hitner-villanova/
RD7(244) OG/OL Iosua Opeta Weber State
In a similar vein as Brandon Hinton, Opeta has slowly been creeping up boards since the Collegiate NFLPA Bowl. He displayed very good athleticism at the combine, and even improved some of those numbers at his pro day. Opeta plays OG but also has experience at OT. He would be a nice fit as a Swing OL and could ultimately develop into a starter inside at OG.