Saints take top interior DL prospect in recent PFF mock
Winning in the trenches is essential in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints took a hit defensively in that area when they lost defensive tackles David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle in free agency. New Orleans did acquire veterans Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd, but that doesn't secure them on the line of scrimmage by any […]
Winning in the trenches is essential in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints took a hit defensively in that area when they lost defensive tackles David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle in free agency.
New Orleans did acquire veterans Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd, but that doesn't secure them on the line of scrimmage by any means, they can use even more.
Pro Football Focus has a great option for them. They had the Saints picking up Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the first round in a recent mock draft.
Edge or interior defender is the overwhelming favorite for the Saints. And given the strength of both positions in this draft, it should very much be a spot they can fill at Pick 29.
Smith stands at 6'3" and weighs 319 pounds with a quick and powerful initial pinch off of the line of scrimmage. His size allows him to be a space-eater and take on double teams. Smith disengages off of blocks extremely well and is a very good run-stopper.
The Grand Rapids, Michigan native only racked up one sack during his collegiate career. However, Smith's ability to use strength and explosiveness once the ball is snapped makes him a pocket mover with a chance to vastly improve his game when it comes to getting to the quarterback.
Smith's 34 bench press reps at the NFL Combine were the most for any defensive lineman. At Michigan's Pro Day, he recorded a 29.5-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 8'11".
If the Saints do end up with Smith, he's a Day 1 plug-and-play type of player who could turn into a productive pro right out of the gate after he fine-tunes a few of his weaknesses.
