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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gareon Conley

CB, Ohio State

The New Orleans Saints will pick last in the first round tonight, thanks to the trade they made with the New England Patriots for Brandin Cooks. While they certainly need to fill the void left by Cooks, we expect the team to draft defense twice in the first round, adding a cornerback at No. 32. There are plenty of corners to choose from with first round grades, but we like Gareon Conley to be the pick that closes out round one.

It has been a rough couple of days for Conley, who was accused of sexual assault in the days leading up to the draft. Conley has denied those allegations, and until he is formally charged, I do not feel it will affect his draft status. He is as good a cornerback as there is in this draft class, and the Saints really need help in the secondary.

Next: NFL: 15 Biggest Draft Busts Of All-Time

If the Saints can get a big-time corner at the end of round one, it will certainly be a good night for the franchise. Bringing in both Conley and Allen would be a serious upgrade on the defensive unit, giving the team two players who are going to make a difference right away in the Bayou. New Orleans is going to be a solid team next season, but the ability to get stops is going to be the difference between the playoffs, and another seven-win season.

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