The New Orleans Saints defensive unit limped their way to a second-to-last finish in total defense during the 2014 NFL season.
The pass-rush for Rob Ryan's unit was almost nonexistent, meaning their already thin secondary suffered, meaning there was more chasing and players finding themselves out of position than there was clean, sound scheme-focused defense.
Luckily for Ryan, if the latest 2015 NFL Draft rumors are true, Saints GM Mickey Loomis may be entering the NFL rookie meat market with a shopping list focused almost solely on the defensive side of the ball and armed with two first-round picks - No.'s 13 and 31 - Loomis has plenty of draft ammo to do whatever he so chooses.
"Last year, the Saints were rumored to be hot for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, trading up in the first round to land him," writes Charlie Campbell of Walter Football. "This year, there are rumors going around that the Saints are after Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson. Corner was a big weakness for New Orleans last year, and most teams expect Johnson to be selected in the early teens. "
Johnson, 6-foot, 188-pounds, was three-year starter at Wake Forest. He showed immense improvement in his man cover skills from his sophomore season to his junior year. He also brings good competitiveness and high level of toughness to the corner position.
While Keenan Lewis just got a new deal and Brandon Browner was signed in free agency, the Saints could certainly use some young talent on the outside of their defense.
As for the pass-rush, according to Tony Pauline of Draft Insider, the Saints are still a potential landing spot for Nebraska pass-rusher Randy Gregory, despite his positive test for marijuana at the NFL rookie scouting combine.
"Earlier today sources told me they believe Gregory could still land in the late part of round one to a team such as the New Orleans Saints at pick 31 or the New England Patriots one selection later."
Gregory is viewed as one of the best pure pass-rushers in the entirety of the 2015 NFL Draft. Were it not for his failed drug test and concerns over his off-field personality, Gregory would be a surefire top-10 pick.
If Loomis, Ryan and head coach Sean Payton believe Gregory's issues can be controlled or even overcome, he could be great value at the bottom of the first-round.
