New Orleans Saints: 2016 7-round NFL mock draft

Virginia Cavaliers Maurice Canady passes the eye test as a solid mid-draft choice for the Saints to fill their pressing need at quarterback. At 6’1″, 193-pounds, the senior defensive back has both the speed to play out on an island, as well as the physicality to play in press coverage on a slot receiver.

At Virginia, Canady had 10 career turnovers in 33 starts in 44 games over four years with the Hoos. While he does project best as a press cover corner in the National Football League, Canady didn’t always use his size to his advantage in Charlottesville and sought to prove doubters wrong with an impressive showing at the 2016 Senior Bowl in Mobile.

Scouts love his fluidity and ball skills, as a player that can potentially wreak havoc playing between the hash marks as a defensive back. This means that the Saints could have a strong playmaker in both nickel and dime packages for the foreseeable future if New Orleans decides to go with Canady as their fourth round selection.

While NFL defenses may initially have a difficult time figuring out where to best feature Canady (inside or out), his versatility may ultimately prove to be his biggest strength. As stated before, the Saints have a ton of holes in their defensive backfield. Perhaps Virginia’s Canady is one such player that could help them in 2016?

Next: 152. Kelvin Taylor