24. New Orleans Saints- Phil Taylor, Baylor Bears
The New Orleans Saints had themselves another rather successful season, despite losing to an underdog Seattle Seahawks team in the first round of the playoffs this year. But it was the second season in a row that they made the playoffs, and they definitely aren't the 'aint's any more; and now will look to the NFL draft to improve their team with some young talented players. With the 24th overall pick I think the Saints should select defensive tackle Phil Taylor out of Baylor.
According to ESPN's NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas the major areas of need for New Orleans are on the defensive side of the ball, and come at the defensive tackle, end, and outside linebacker positions. At 6'3" 330 pounds, I think Taylor would be a good fit in the Saints defensive system that needs big bodies to plug up the holes on the line to prevent runs like this from Marshawn Lynch. The Saints could also go with a defensive end with this pick if they chose, but I think that Taylor is the right kind of players the Saints struggling defense needs right now.
Here's what ESPN's Mel Kiper thinks about the Saints taking Taylor:
Taylor is a real load, and the best pure anchor tackle on the board. Listed at 334 pounds, Taylor probably played closer to 350 during an impressive final season at Baylor. You can stack blockers on him, but Taylor won't give ground, and will free up linebackers to make more plays in the running game.
The fact that Taylor has the ability to take pressure of the defenders behind him makes him a great choice for New Orleans, and I think he'd look good in the black and gold.