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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Free agency provides shakeup

By Brad Weiss

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Njoku

TE, Miami (FL)

The New Orleans Saints will pick twice in the first round thanks to the trade they made with the New England Patriots for Brandin Cooks, as they try to win more than seven games for the first time in four seasons. Once a perennial playoff team, the Saints have lost more than they have won since going 11-5 back in 2013. Drew Brees continues to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but the time is running out on his career.

The Saints should use their second pick of the first round on a tight end, and David Njoku of Miami (FL) has an incredible skill set at the position. Njoku would give the Saints the tight end they have been missing since Jeremy Graham left for Seattle, and Brees can put up insane numbers with a pass-catcher at the position. New Orleans plays in one of the better divisions in football, but two first round draft picks should make them much more competitive in 2017.

Next: NFL: 15 Biggest Draft Busts Of All-Time

New Orleans will pick a defensive player early in round one, clearing the way for them to build on a weakness from 2016 on the offensive side of the ball. The team brought in Coby Fleener last year to be a weapon in the passing game, but he caught only 50 balls during the season. Njoku will put up better production than that, and with the loss of Cooks’ 78 receptions next season, the Saints are going to need all the help they can get in the passing game.

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