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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 24, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) intercepts a pass intended for Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) intercepts a pass intended for Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5:  Notre Dame cornerback KeiVarae Russell

Just like improving its pass rush, upgrades in the secondary is a must for the New Orleans Saints in 2016.

The team’s six total interceptions are the second-least in the NFL this season, and the fact that they have given up a league-high 39 passing touchdowns is nothing short off embarrassing.

It would be ideal for the Saints to address this need before the fifth round. And if the team continues to move up in the draft order in the final two games of the season, the answer could be available when they make their first-round selection.

If not, however, New Orleans is fortunate that there is plenty of defensive back talent in this year’s draft class.

Among the late-round possibilities to improve the Saints’ horrendous secondary is Notre Dame cornerback KeiVarae Russell.

Russell possesses the body frame and physicality of an NFL cornerback. But due to inconsistent play in 2015, as well as a recently broken tibia, his draft stock has taken a serious hit. Russell would probably be best served to return to school for one more season, but that may not be a possibility.

He sat out the 2014 season with an academic suspension, and although he has only used up three years of his playing eligibility, the senior’s fate rests in the NCAA’s hands.

Due to the injury, struggles on the field and eligibility concerns, the Saints could find a player in Russell that proves to be above the value of his draft slot and provides an instant spark for a pass defense in desperate need of one.

Next: Round 7: Ohio State tight end Nick Vannett

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