New Orleans Saints: 2016 7-round NFL mock draft

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Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) tackles Tennessee Volunteers tight end Ethan Wolf (82) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

While cornerback is technically more of a hole for the Saints entering the 2016 NFL Draft, New Orleans can still get a productive corner with a mid-round selection, but may want to go after one of the many corners that are slated to go in the second round with their No. 47 overall selection.

Being that the Saints need all the help they can get to turn around their abysmal secondary, might the Saints go with Florida’s Keanu Neal with their No. 47 overall pick on Friday, April 29th? Outside of maybe Florida State’s defensive back star Jalen Ramsey who will absolutely go in the top five of the 2016 NFL Draft, Neal seems like the best free safety prospect in a very weak draft for the position. That’s all the more reason for the Saints to go with Neal at No. 47.

Scouts like Neal’s length, footwork, and ability to strike with authority. While he could conceivably play both safety positions at the NFL level, Neal’s biggest criticism is that he doesn’t seem to have that extra gear of top-end speed. Surely, he plays fast but hasn’t shown the ability to kick into overdrive.

While he may get burnt as badly at times as do many of the Saints’ secondary players in recent years, Neal has this ability to play within himself that could stand as a huge foundational piece for a secondary that Payton has to yet again rebuild in 2016.

Next: 78. Vadal Alexander

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