New Orleans Saints: 2016 7-round NFL mock draft

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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson (86) and Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brian Allen (65) during the game in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

With the Saints picking at No. 12 in the 2016 NFL Draft, there are realistically four players New Orleans should consider with that selection: Florida Gators cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, III only if he falls out of the top 10 and three elite defensive tackle prospects: Alabama Crimson Tide’s A’Shawn Robinson, Baylor’s Andrew Billings, and Louisville’s Sheldon Rankins.

Given that he played collegiately in the SEC in nearby Tuscaloosa, it might make the most since to draft the goliath that is Robinson at No. 12. There is no way he is 20 years old! At 6’4″, 307 pounds, Robinson has the chance to be an absolute monster on the Saints’ interior defensive line.

At Alabama, Robinson showed tremendous versatility on Nick Saban’s defensive line, playing zero to six-technique up front. Conceivably, he could bulk up and play the nose for Payton, as well a be able to kick outside and be a run-stuffing defensive end in a 3-4 base scheme.

Leverage may prove to be an issue at first for Robinson, as he doesn’t exactly display the best pad level, but he does project as a multi-year starter and an every-down defensive lineman. If he turns into a Michael Brockers or a Jonathan Babineaux on the Saints’ defensive line, then Robinson has the chance to become a fan favorite in the Crescent City for the next decade or so.

Next: 47. Keanu Neal

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