If the New Orleans Saints are to become competitive again and make the playoffs for the first time since Drew Brees’ retirement, they will need some pass-rushing help.
Last season, when they went 5-12, they finished 30th in total yards allowed and 28th in first downs allowed. The nadir of their defensive shortcomings came in Week 6 when they surrendered 51 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 24-point loss.
In that game, New Orleans allowed Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield to complete 24 of his 36 pass attempts and throw for 325 yards and four touchdowns.
New Orleans has the No. 9 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, which means it won’t be able to take Abdul Carter, Penn State’s outstanding pass rusher. But there are a few other viable edge rusher prospects this year, and a mock draft by Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic has the Saints taking an intriguing one — Mykel Williams from Georgia.
“Green’s rise could be the Saints’ gain, pushing Williams one spot further down the board,” Mackie wrote. “He has the athleticism, length and power to be a top producer at the next level. That’s the type of addition New Orleans needs as the organization aims to put together a core that can carry it through its current cap woes.”
As a freshman, Williams played a role in Georgia winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, he totaled 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes defended and 65 total tackles (39 solo).
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At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he has explosive athleticism, and since he’s still developing, he’s thought to have lots of room for improvement moving forward.
For the Saints to actually take Williams, they would have to strongly believe he will become the type of player who will make multiple Pro Bowls, as it means they will likely have to pass on some very talented players at other positions. But given their immense need for edge rushing, it may be a chance worth taking.
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