BBV Community Mock Draft 2011: With The 24th Pick, New Orleans Selects ...

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.

Playing the role of New Orleans Saints general manager is Charles L. Here is his jubilant rationale for the selection of Kerrigan.

If the real draft on April 28th turns out like this, I guarantee you New Orleans Saints' GM Mickey Loomis will personally sprint up to the podium with his pick (as Bucs' GM Mark Dominik cries tears of frustration because he accidentally picked the wrong guy). Other than possibly the Dolphins' pick, this is probably the first no-brainer pick of our mock draft.

As we all know, the Saints' greatest strength is its offense. Drew Brees and Sean Payton, backed by an underrated offensive line, are one of the best in the league, and during their 2009-10 Super Bowl run, was supplemented by a mediocre defense that managed a league-leading eight touchdowns off turnovers during the regular season and nine total turnovers during the playoffs. And as us Giants' fans are well aware, turnovers start by putting pressure on the QB.

That mediocre defense reverted back to the spongy, porous sieve that has characterized the Saints' defense for as far as I can remember. With only one legit pass rusher on the team (Will Smith) the weak linebacker corps and an
aging Darren Sharper were left exposed, as best epitomized during the Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks.

During that game, the Seahawks' tight ends had their way with the Saints' linebackers and (admittedly depleted) safeties. Then, this debacle occurred:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynn7VGY2Asc

Ryan Kerrigan, as a defensive end with good athleticism and a very well-rounded game, is unquestionably the perfect pick for the Saints. He plays the most valuable defensive position, is clearly the best player available, would fill an immediate need, is a great fit in a hybrid 4-3 front, and is ready to contribute immediately for a perennial Super Bowl contender.

My take: I might disaqree that this pick is a 'no-brainer,' but I can't disagree with it being a good choice for the Saints. New Orleans could use help at a bunch of spots on defense, and right here it looks like Kerrigan is the best marriage of value and need. If I was making this pick, I would probably be flipping a coin between Kerrigan and Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget right here.

-- This puts 'Ejaay' on the clock with Seattle's pick at No. 25.

Round 1

Round 2