NFL Mock Draft 2016: Taking a swing in Los Angeles

<p>Sheldon Rankins would have been a very nice prize for the Saints, but they will “settle” for a player that actually falls <em>ahead</em> of Rankins in the mind of Todd McShay.</p> <p>Jarran Reed is an absolute monster against the run, and that is where everything starts for the former Alabama defensive tackle. He was largely overlooked during his time in Tuscaloosa, thanks in large part to the presence of teammates like A’Shawn Robinson and Reggie Ragland, but no one in the NFL world is discounting Reed.</p> <p>For me, Jarran Reed is the best pure run defender in this entire draft class, and the Saints have a dire need when it comes to that area. In fairness, New Orleans has a myriad of needs defensively, but Reed would immediately sure up an area that Sean Payton’s team has struggled with for multiple years now and he is an uber-safe choice.</p> <p>The Saints could go virtually in any direction on the defensive side of the ball and, if you tried, you could make an argument for an upgrade at wide receiver as well. For me, it is defense or bust for New Orleans, and Jarran Reed is an immediate upgrade up the middle.</p>. DT. Alabama. Jarran Reed. 12. player. 15