2014 DBN Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints Select DE Dee Ford at No. 27

With the 27th pick in the 2014 Dawgs By Nature Community Mock Draft, the New Orleans Saints select...

Dee Ford, DE, Auburn

This selection and write-up was made by Adam Rice:

The 2014 incarnation of the New Orleans Saints were 4th in the league in Sacks, largely due to the improved defensive scheming of new Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan. Rob is someone who we are all intimately familiar with as Cleveland Browns fans. As we all know, RR likes to use different schemes to create pressure in order to get to the QB from the 3-4 defense. When I looked at the numbers, however, I found that while they did have 49.0 sacks as a team last year, they only had consistent production from one player. That would be Cameron Jordan, who led the team with 12.5 sacks. No other Saints defender was in the Top 50 in the category. Cam needs help, and its coming in the form of Auburn DE/OLB Dee Ford.

Dee Ford set the SEC world on fire last season by logging 10.5 sacks in 11 games. He also got into the backfield a ton by adding 14.5 TFLs. This kid is born to rush the passer, and has been given the tools to do so. While unable to work out at the Combine due to a medical red flag, his Pro Day numbers were very good. He ran a sub 4.6 40, and put up 29 reps in the bench press. He has a very high motor, and has the speed and anticipation to beat his man on the way to the quarterback. His sole mission on seemingly every play is to get in the backfield and get the sack or TFL. It isn't all pass rush for Ford, though. He was asked to drop back on more than a few occasions, so he does have the fluidity in his hips to do so. Yet, having him drop into coverage would be a bit of a waste of his natural ability as an edge-setter and pass rusher. That doesn't mean he isn't without warts as a player. A bit undersized, and does have an issue with shedding blockers and can get stonewalled. Those warts don't deter me, however, with taking him in the 1st round.

When next season rolls around, having both Jordan and Ford will help RR generate even more pressure, and gives them another threat at the end/outside linebacker position. While initially probably being a situational pass rusher, if he truly buys in to what Ryan sells him, and he spends some time in the weight room building strength, I think the Saints will have a gem on their hands and will be a terror in that division for years to come.

I don't mind the selection of Ford, but I think the Saints need to add a new weapon for QB Drew Brees. The team lost Darren Sproles and Lance Moore this offseason, bringing up questions about the running back and wide receiver positions. Jimmy Graham also wants to be paid. I'd probably take a long look at the receiver position. Kenny Stills looked good as a rookie last year, but Marques Colston is getting up there in years and frequently seems to be banged up.

The Carolina Panthers are up next, led by Jon Stinchcomb.

2014 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)