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New Orleans Saints: Complete 7-round mock draft

By Josh Criswell

Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New Orleans Saints helmet on the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New Orleans Saints helmet on the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) works out prior to the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) works out prior to the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2: Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins

Outside linebacker is arguably the greatest need for the New Orleans Saints entering the 2016 NFL Draft.

Their pass defense has been horrendous, and it is difficult to tell if the secondary or pass rush is more to blame. Regardless, both have been area have been embarrassments in 2015.

The Saints have the third-worst pass defense in the NFL, in addition to giving up a league-high 39 passing touchdowns: eight more than any other team in the NFL. They are also giving up a league-worst 8.6 yards per pass attempt.

Improvements at both the cornerback and pass rushing outside linebacker roles are absolute musts for New Orleans this offseason. And with the Saints slated to make an early second round selection, they just might be able to find an immediate answer at this spot.

If Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is available when the Saints make their second round selection, it will be difficult to pass him up.

Jenkins is a player that may not have a plethora of experience in New Orleans’ defensive scheme, but he is so talented and versatile that it does not matter.

He has lined up at both outside linebacker slots in Georgia’s 3-4 defense, and has also gained experience putting his hand in the ground as a pass rushing defensive end.

Although some may consider Jenkins to be a tweener, it is not a detriment in his case, simply because he has been able to succeed in essentially every role he has played. Serving as a jack-of-all-trades for Georgia, the senior has compiled a total of 201 total tackles, 39 for loss, 19 sacks, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries throughout his career.

The biggest weakness for Jenkins comes down to agility. If he improves in this area, he could grow into one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL.

Next: Round 3: North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz

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