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New Orleans Saints should target Phillip Dorsett with pick 31

By Brett Clancy

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Defense, defense and more defense. That seems to be the thinking most analysts have when it comes to the New Orleans Saints two first round picks in the 2015 draft. At least, that’s the way it seems when looking at the latest set of mock drafts from NFL.com; with only two analysts venturing to the offensive side of the ball with the 31st overall pick, and only Bucky Brooks opting for a wide receiver (Dorial Green-Beckham) in that spot.

While it’s an intriguing thought, the controversial, potential matchup nightmare that is Green-Beckham is impossible to place due to his off field transgressions and subsequent year away from in-game experience playing football. Besides, it was another potential nightmare for defensive coordinators, Phillip Dorsett, that had Sean Payton and Jeff Ireland “gushing” over how well he fit the Saints offense.

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At 5 feet 10 inches, 180 pounds with blazing speed Dorsett may remind Saints fans of last year’s first round pick, Brandin Cooks, and that should be considered a good thing. With Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills playing elsewhere in 2015 the Saints need to provide QB Drew Brees with another reliable target, specifically a game-breaker like Dorsett who can get behind defenses or turn short passes into long gains.

Marques Colston and Nick Toon, currently the leaders to be numbers 2 and 3 on the depth chart behind Cooks are both 6’4, and late season practice squad call ups Seantavius Jones (6’3) and Brandon Coleman (6’6) ensure that Drew Brees won’t lack for big bodied targets, but trading Kenny Stills took away the team’s only other speed threat.

The Saints clearly missed Darren Sproles in 2014, prompting them to add CJ Spiller in the offseason. They also missed Cooks who ended what started as an impressive rookie season on the IR with a foot injury. Without another speed threat the Saints offense could sputter again in 2015, especially without Jimmy Graham to lean on.

But why take Dorsett in the first when most mocks have him going in the second round? For starters, most of those same mocks have Dorsett gone by the Saints pick in the second. But more to the point, analysts have started to admit they see Dorsett as a first round talent who could simply slide into the first due to late risers like UCF’s Breshad Perriman, USC’s Nelson Agholor and the aforementioned Dorial Green-Beckham.

Of those four names, Dorsett is not only the best fit for New Orleans, but the most likely to be available. Back in February ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper had Dorsett going at number 31 when the pick still belonged to Seattle. A lot of what Kiper liked about Dorsett as a potential fit in Seattle carries over to the Saints. Namely his speed and ability to create separation with his quickness. I’ve also been impressed with his improvement since the season ended.

Dorsett wasn’t targeted at Miami as much as Perriman was at UCF, he came out of the regular season needing to prove he was more than just fast, and by all accounts he’s done just that. He was praised for his route running and separation all week long at senior bowl practices. And as for his pro day, draft insider Tony Pauline reported that “Dorsett was nothing short of sensational during position drills. He ran crisp routes, caught everything thrown in his direction and most importantly, practiced to his 40 time.”

Sep 6, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (4) warms up prior to a game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

While New Orleans does have other needs at inside linebacker and cornerback (popular choices for the 31st pick,) they can find quality players at both spots in later rounds.

The same can be said for wide receiver, but I don’t see the same potential immediate impact coming from a guy like Ohio State’s Devin Smith, who still struggles with routes or Auburn’s Sammie Coates who struggled with drops throughout his collegiate career.

And unlike wide receiver, the Saints added veteran help at linebacker (Dannell Ellerbe) and cornerback (Brandon Browner.) Neither is a long term solution, but allow the Saints to add a more developmental prospect at both spots. A reliable running mate for Brandin Cooks remains a pressing need for 2015.

Only the Saints know for sure what they will do come May 1st, but with Dorsett being acknowledged by analysts as a first round talent- and by the Saints own head coach and assistant GM as a great fit for the offensive system- adding Dorsett with the 31st pick, assuming he’s still available, is a smart move for a New Orleans team looking to regain the top spot in the NFC South.

Next: Saints: Greg Jennings interest the wrong direction?

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