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2016 NFL mock draft: Final edition

By Matt Verderame

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 31: Samaje Perine #32 of the Oklahoma Sooners carries the ball as Kevin Dodd #98 of the Clemson Tigers attempts to tackle him in the first quarter during the 2015 Capital One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 31, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 31: Samaje Perine #32 of the Oklahoma Sooners carries the ball as Kevin Dodd #98 of the Clemson Tigers attempts to tackle him in the first quarter during the 2015 Capital One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 31, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

There has been plenty of discussion about which way the New Orleans Saints will go with this pick. Some believe the Saints will try to help Drew Brees with another weapon, while others see New Orleans trying to shore up what was the worst defense in professional football last season (yes, including the CFL and Arena League).

General manager Mickey Loomis has thrust his franchise into the depths of salary cap hell with horrible contracts and even worse restructures, so the draft is his only hope of contending for the next decade. The Saints will go for a high-impact player right away, which is why Kevin Dodd out of the University of Clemson is the correct pick. Dodd is a perfect fit in the 4-3 defense and gives the Saints a great counterpart to end Cameron Jordan.

If New Orleans is hoping to make the playoffs in 2016, the defense has to take massive steps forward. With a secondary that already features Keenan Lewis and Jairus Byrd, the right play is to make the defensive line tougher and more agile. Dodd checks off both of those boxes and should become a starter by Week 1.

Next: Dolphins on the clock

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