New Orleans Saints 2007 Draft Preview

By Tony Moss Apr 4, 2007, 15:05 GMT

- The Saints defense was held together with duct tape last season, and the New Orleans brass wasn't delusional enough to believe the team could get by under similar circumstances in 2007. Head coach Sean Payton has spoken publicly of the need for cornerback help, another linebacker will be required to go along with free agent pickup Brian Simmons, and a front-line run-stopper would be a credit to a club that struggled against rushing attacks last year. On offense, Joe Horn is now an Atlanta Falcon and the Saints need to locate a credible complement to Marques Colston at receiver. Five different players appeared at tight end for New Orleans a year ago, and it is not unthinkable that Payton and GM Mickey Loomis would look in that direction on the first day as well. The offensive line overachieved in 2006, and the franchise needs more depth in that department.

2006 Record: 10-6

First Pick: No. 27

Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2006 - Reggie Bush (RB, USC); 2005 - Jammal Brown (T, Oklahoma); 2004 - Will Smith (DE, Ohio State); 2003 - Johnathan Sullivan (DT, Georgia); 2002 - Donte' Stallworth (WR, Tennessee), Charles Grant (DE, Georgia); 2001 - Deuce McAllister (RB, Mississippi); 2000 - none; 1999 - Ricky Williams (RB, Texas); 1998 - Kyle Turley (OT, San Diego State); 1997 - Chris Naeole (OG, Colorado); 1996 - Alex Molden (CB, Colorado); 1995 - Mark Fields (LB, Washington State); 1994 - Joe Johnson (DE, Louisville); 1993 - Willie Roaf (OT, Louisiana Tech), Irv Smith (TE, Notre Dame); 1992 - Vaughn Dunbar (RB, Indiana); 1991 - none; 1990 - Renaldo Turnbull (DE/LB, West Virginia).

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