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NFL Draft 2016: Five best picks of the first round

By Charles Rahrig V

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Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Sheldon Rankins

If the New Orleans Saints are going to be a playoff team again while Drew Brees is still playing, then they need to fix their defense. The Saints’ defense was the worst in the league in 2015, against both the pass and the run. If there was any team that was a lock to go defense in the first round, it was the Saints.

With their first pick in the draft, the Saints took defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Rankins was one of the most talented defensive lineman coming into the draft and he’s an absolute home run of a pick for the Saints as well.

For the Saints, Rankins will be more than a one-trick pony alongside Cameron Jordan and Nick Fairley. He can rush the passer and he can also be a monster against the run. Rankins is also an explosive talent and because of his tremendous burst, opposing offensive lineman have a hard time stopping him.

Sometimes the safe pick receives criticism, but in this case, the safe pick was the right pick and a great one at that. The Saints now have one of the first building blocks to making their next great defense.

As Rankins continues to get experience, he should develop into one of the best defensive tackles in the league.

Next: 4. Robert Nkemdiche

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