National Football League

Saints draft preview: With picks 13 and 31, New Orleans must retool

Published Apr. 5, 2015 10:30 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

The New Orleans Saints hold the Nos. 13 and 31 picks in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

The Saints bottomed out facing Super Bowl-bound expectations last season.

To combat such complacency, the Saints made a splash, jettisoning Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle. In exchange, the Saints received center Max Unger and a first-round pick. The forgotten piece in the Graham trade is the first-round pick. By getting a Pro Bowl-caliber center in Unger, the Saints addressed a weakness. What they do with the No. 31 overall pick in this year's draft is ultimately what they'll be judged on. Parting ways with Graham won't be easy, but they freed up cap space while getting younger. The Saints also traded deep-play threat Kenny Stills to the Dolphins for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, so they could stand to fortify that position.

Statistically speaking, the Saints offense appeared to be one of the best units in football. But all too often, quarterback Drew Brees would throw behind a collapsed pocket, which would lead to poor throws. Running back Mark Ingram posted career highs in attempts, yards and touchdowns in a contract season. Ingram will be coupled with free-agent acquisition C.J. Spiller, who signed a four-year deal.

Rob Ryan's defense, however, was extremely troublesome. The defense ranked 25th in sacks and 28th respectively in both turnovers and points allowed. General manager Mickey Loomis signed cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Kyle Wilson.

By signing Browner, the Saints have three cornerbacks -- when you include Keenan Lewis and Stanley Jean-Baptiste -- that stand six-feet or taller.

Looking to add another pass rusher to complement Junior Galette, the Saints may want to address that with their first pick. Adding a dynamic pass rusher typically becomes more difficult the longer draft goes on.

Positions of need: OLB, DT, WR, OG, TE

Three options to consider at No. 13

Randy Gregory, OLB: Aside from failing a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine, Gregory has rare size, speed and ability. Gregory can be used as a 3-4 outside linebacker with great length to create pressure. He could also stand to put more weight on his frame, though, that's something that will come with time. Seen as a boom-or-bust prospect, Gregory has also been noted as one of the most pure pass rushers in the draft class.

Bud Dupree, OLB: Needing a boost in rushing the passer, the Saints could add a versatile defender in Dupree. Standing 6-foot, 4, 270 pounds, Dupree's production in college might not be indicative of his high ceiling in the league. Kentucky's team captain lined up all along the defensive front and with good coaching could become an impact defender.

La'el Collins, OT: The LSU senior has plenty of experience blocking for a long list of productive running backs headlined by Jeremy Hill, Alfred Blue and Leonard Fournette. Collins, a 6-foot-4, 305 pound monster, was named a second-team All American and is very versatile. During his sophomore season, Collins started 13 games at guard. During his junior and senior seasons, he played left tackle. Collins could start right away at guard in New Orleans.

Three options to consider at No. 31

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR: The Saints drafted Brandin Cooks last year in the first round, but adding a player with the size of Green-Beckham gives the Saints another layer to their attack. Green-Beckham's off-the-field issues have been well documented, but on the field he could be something special. Green-Beckham's impressive catch radius would be welcomed by Brees and Co.

Jordan Phillips, NT: Ryan's defense could use a run-stuffing talent like Phillips. The Oklahoma product is an athletic big man, who can take over at times. This could be a fantastic pick if Phillips pans out.

Eli Harold, OLB: If the Saints choose to not spend the No. 13 overall pick on an outside linebacker, they may want to pounce on the Virginia sack specialist. Harold led his team with 14.5 tackles for loss and is seen as a prospect that can still develop. This has the potential to be a savvy pickup.