New Orleans Saints: 2016 7-round NFL mock draft

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Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers guard Vadal Alexander (74) takes the field prior to the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Saints have a second-tier draft need at offensive guard, but it would be mighty difficult for New Orleans to overlook many of the high-end guards that are projected to go in the third round. With their No. 78 selection in the third round, it would make a ton of sense to draft local product in LSU guard Vadal Alexander.

After say Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair, who will probably be the only guard to go in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, one could argue that Alexander is the second-best guard in the entire draft. If he’s available to the Saints at No. 78, it would be very difficult to pass on the Baton Rouge star offensive linemen that might end up with a second-round grade before it’s all over.

Alexander was an All-SEC tackle in 2015 but does project best as an NFL guard entering the draft. At 6’5″, 326-pounds, New Orleans could have themselves one of the most versatile offensive line prospects in his draft if the Saints go with Alexander in the top half of the third round. Conceivably, he could play four positions on the Saints offensive line over the next several years (Not center of course. Max Unger is incredible.)

Strength, size, and mobility are Alexander’s biggest assets entering the NFL Draft. Hand placement appears to be his biggest criticism. If he’s there at No. 78, there is virtually no way the Saints pass on drafting this Bayou Bengal.

Next: 112. Maurice Canady

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