With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.The Saints again attempted to shore up ailing aspects of their team in free agency. Some say this is to give them flexibility in the draft. This is true, but it also makes it hard for other teams to guess what they might do with their No. 14 overall pick. Don't overlook that benefit.
While the signings made were in an effort to improve the team, not every signee is considered the solution within the team's headquarters, so some positions could still benefit from a high draft choice. And with only four picks in this year's draft, New Orleans needs to make that first-rounder count in a big way.
The Ideal Pick
Malcolm Jenkins. Whereas many teams have to settle for a compromise between their "dream" pick and who will actually be available when they're up, the Saints might get lucky enough to have those two scenarios intersect if Malcolm Jenkins is still on the board at No. 14. That's far from a lock, but the chances of it happening were improved by slow running times at the combine and Ohio State's pro day.
Still, a couple hundredths of a second don't diminish Jenkins' talent, and his versatility (the ability to play corner and/or safety) is an ideal fit for a Saints secondary that is slowly becoming a talented group but could still use the help.
Corner Jabari Greer and safety Darren Sharper were brought in as free agents. Greer joins a solid crew that also features Tracy Porter and Randall Gay, but Sharper was only signed to a one-year deal as the team's short-term solution at free safety. They need a longer-term option there. That player might already be on the roster, as the Saints have expressed interest in trying to move third-year corner Usama Young to free safety to learn under Sharper for a year before taking over the staring job, but Jenkins' presence will benefit the depth chart, no matter where at.
There's been rumors that the Saints might be in the Beanie Wells or Knowshon Moreno business, but I think that's just pre-draft blabber. If Jenkins isn't available, I believe the Saints will try to trade down rather than take a back or Vontae Davis. If they're forced to pick at that spot, they'll go with Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews or one of the many first-round defensive ends, at least one of whom should be available.
Other Needs
It's not pre-draft blabber, however, that the Saints could use a big, playmaking rusher to add to the backfield; they just won't spend first-round money on someone who will be, at best, splitting carries evenly with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. A guy like Shonn Greene, if he's available in the fourth, would be a good fit and the type of back the Saints are looking to add. As mentioned above, the Saints could use an upgrade at either of the outside linebacker spots as well as a defensive end, both of which would help the team's lack of a pass rush. A center to at least develop over his rookie year would help, as well.
