Fansided

NFL mock draft: SEC stars get moved around

By John Buhler

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
11

Tyrann Mathieu

Defensive Back, LSU Tigers

Though the Arizona Cardinals had a bounce back season in 2017, their secondary was absolutely gutted in this 2018 SEC redistribution draft. Arizona may love them some Bayou Bengals, but so does the rest of the NFL.

One team that continues to be close to clueless in the secondary is the New Orleans Saints. While they did draft Marshon Lattimore at No. 11 in 2017, once again, he had hamstring issues that derailed his rookie season. No. 32 pick Ryan Ramczyk looks to be the real deal on the offensive line, but the Saints defense still isn’t stopping anybody.

New Orleans decided to stop messing around and takes an elite defensive playmaker at No. 11 in Tyrann Mathieu. This pick has the Big Easy going crazy, as Mathieu was utterly sensational during his two years for the LSU Tigers. Given that he’s a full two years removed from tearing his ACL, Mathieu is ready to bring the Honey Badger back to NOLA for sure.

New Orleans had their eyes on either Mathieu or Eric Berry here at No. 11. Berry happened to go the pick before the Saints at No. 10 to the Buffalo Bills. The Saints make another smart draft move, but the clock continues to tick on Drew Brees’ NFL shelf life. Adding Mathieu makes the Saints all the more compelling in 2018.

Who knew that Vance Joseph was that important? The Miami Dolphins are now on the clock…

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