A team that showed as much interest in Josh Norman as the Saints did, it was hard to not give them a corner here. However, I had to follow my own advice and build front to back. A corner doesn’t help a team that doesn’t generate pass rush, so a pass rusher is what they get. Shaq Lawson is excellent at getting after the quarterback as either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.
He leaves some to be desired in the run game, but he isn’t awful enough at run defense to pass on him inside the top-15. When you square off against Cam Newton, Jameis Winston, and Matt Ryan for six games, getting after them and putting them on the ground is key to winning. If you can get the quarterback rattled and off his game, you stand a chance, especially with Drew Brees leading your offense. The Saints have no pass rush now and the NFC South will chew them up if they don’t find some.
Next: Number Thirteen: Miami Dolphins