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NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Quarterbacks push defensive prospects down board

By Jacob Camenker

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Linebacker Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates on the field after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Linebacker Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates on the field after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

Alabama. Rashaan Evans. 27. player. 15. . Linebacker

This is another holdover pick from my recent mock draft. The Saints have a need at linebacker, and Evans is arguably the best player on the board.

Evans had a great career at Alabama, and he has steadily risen up draft boards throughout the draft process. Evans is a smart player with good instincts, and he just seems like he will be a safe pick to succeed at the NFL level.

I said the following of Evans in my Mock 6.0, and why he could be a great fit in the Saints front seven.

"The Saints have some solid players in their linebacker corps. Alex Anzalone showed great athleticism last year. Next to him, the team has Manti Te’o and A.J. Klein, but they need another three-down linebacker. Rashaan Evans could be just that. Evans had a strong showing at the Combine, and his 6-foot-2 frame will allow him to play the middle in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Evans has good athleticism and was productive (74 tackles and six sacks) in his final season at Alabama. He is pro ready, and he will have a chance to be an impact player right away."

The Saints won’t hesitate to take Evans if he is on the board here. At the same time, don’t be surprise to see the Saints try and trade up to get a quarterback. If Josh Rosen or Lamar Jackson slip out of the top 10, the Saints could call a couple of teams and try to move up. But for now, it makes more sense to stay put and continue to build up their young talent.

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