Scenario 2- Trade Up
If the Saints want a top prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft, they have the ammunition to move up into the Top 10 picks and take a stud defensive player. If the Saints package their 11th and 32nd pick of the 1st round to trade up into the top 10, I can name 2 players they could be interested in.
Defensive End- Solomon Thomas- Stanford
The 6’3″ 273-pound defensive end out of Stanford, Solomon Thomas is more suited as a 4-3 defensive end. But whether inside or outside, he disrupts the play and gets to the quarterback. He can dominate in games but consistency and his tweener mold are slight issues few have with him. To me, Thomas fits the Saints needs and value the most. If they trade up in the 2017 NFL Draft I think Thomas will be a Top 10 selection.
Cornerback- Marshon Lattimore- Ohio State
The 6’0″ 193-pound cornerback out of Ohio State, Marshon Lattimore. He is highly regarded as the best cornerback in a staggering defensive back/ cornerback class. Lattimore shut down many starting receivers all while being a 1st-year starter due to past injuries. He is the best cover and all-around cornerback in the 2017 NFL Draft. His hamstring issues and playing time concerns should be carefully looked at with detail. All that said, Lattimore has too much talent to drop past the top 10.
Whichever scenario the Saints take on Draft Day, I think the idea of getting a top 5 defensive player for a talent devoided defense could be the foundation of something in the future that would help their struggling defense improve in 2017 in hopes of the offense and complementary defense carry them to a playoff spot next year.