Pre-Draft Needs: CB, DE, G, DT
Players Added
Round 1-Patrick Robinson/CB - This position became a big issue last
season when their top-three cornerbacks were injured. Teams generally like to
have four good cornerbacks if possible, and with Robinson in the fold, they now
have four good ones. Second-year CB Malcolm Jenkins probably will be moved to
free safety down the line.
Round 2-Charles Brown/OT - It remains to be seen if the Saints will sign
starting LT Jammal Brown long-term, so Brown could be his future replacement.
Round 3-Jimmy Graham/TE - Starting TE Jeremy Shockey's contract is set to expire
after the 2011 season. Graham is seen as a developmental project by scouts, so
he could be ready to start by year three. He's coming off a solid set of
practices during Senior Bowl week and a solid showing at the NFL Combine.
Round 4-Al Woods/DT - The Saint needed to add one more developmental interior
defensive lineman out of this draft. Woods fits that profile well. He didn't
become a factor in college until his Senior season.
Round 5-Matt Tennant/C - Based on his skill, getting Tennant in this round is a
potential steal. With starting C Jonathan Goodwin turning 32 in December,
Tennant could be viewed as his eventual replacement.
Round 7-Sean Canfield/QB - Canfield has a well below average NFL arm, which is
why he was drafted so late. He figures to challenge for the No. 3 role at this
position in future seasons.
Post-Draft Needs
Defensive End - The Saints really are in need of a developmental defensive end.
What they have are a bunch of aging veterans at the position.
Guard - Behind their two starters, New Orleans doesn't have a viable replacement
for Jahri Evans or Carl Nicks.