New Orleans Saints: 2016 7-round NFL mock draft
By John Buhler
The Saints already have themselves a son of a former NFL player in the running back room in Pro Bowler and 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, Jr. While he may not turn out as spectacular as his father Fred Taylor did for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Saints could end up using their fifth round pick on Florida tailback Kelvin Taylor at No. 152.
At 5’10, 207-pounds, Taylor has the ideal build of an NFL running back: stocky, albeit sturdy. Taylor may have had two non-impressive seasons in Gainesville initially as a freshman and sophomore, but was able to put together a stellar junior campaign as the Gators went on to win the SEC East Division Championship for the first time since Tim Tebow was their quarterback.
Taylor ran for 1,035 yards and 13 touchdowns, catching an extra 17 passes for 150 yards out of the Florida backfield. Like his father, Taylor seems to run between the tackles well, fights for daylight, and could prove to be a major factor in the screen game (think Darren Sproles…).
Injuries, lack of ideal NFL power, and the fact that it took him until his junior season to become the full-time starter in the Gators backfield are Taylor’s three biggest criticisms. However, New Orleans needs a complimentary running back to Ingram and perhaps it is Taylor out of Florida. He does have NFL pedigree, something one doesn’t always find in the late rounds of NFL Drafts.
Next: 237. Cassanova McKinzy