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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers Take Help Over the Top

By Alan Schechter

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

With the thirty-second and final selection in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft the New Orleans Saints select, Obi Melifonwu safety out of Connecticut. Sean Payton continues to build upon his lackluster defense with two first round defensive talents.

The athletic freak Obi Melifonwu gets his name called with the final pick in the first round, and it is a relief for Saint fans. Melifonwu’s selection brings a big bodied safety who plays like a corner down to the bayou. The 6’4” 225 pound safety had one of the best combine performances in recent years for a defensive back, and it did not go unnoticed.

4.40 in the forty yard dash is a fantastic time, and a 141 inch broad jump is explosive.

Any of the 32 teams in this league would love to take a shot at Melifonwu, but some value him more than others. The contribution Melifonwu brings to the Saints is someone who can match up on big bodied receivers like Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin in the NFC South. Look for the Saints to attempt another playoff run before Drew Brees calls it a career. This guy could be the catalyst on the back-end.

Next: Next Wave of Renovations for RayJay Announced

So what do you think of our draft? Where do you agree and/or disagree? Let us know …

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