2017 NFL mock draft: New Orleans Saints select Evan Engram

We are finally to the end of the first round of the first round of the Pride Of Detroit Community Mock Draft. To close things out, commenter Kevster is at the podium for the second time representing the New Orleans Saints. With the 32nd overall pick, he has chosen tight end Evan Engram. Here is why he made the pick:

“With the 11th pick I knew I needed to go defense for a Saints teams that has always been strong on offense and weak on defense. However, since the Saints traded Brandin Cooks to the Patriots, that gave me an opportunity to get Drew Brees another weapon in the first round. In comes a matchup nightmare for nickel corners and linebackers everywhere.

Engram runs a 4.42 40 and can easily find a hole in the defense. Putting him on the field with second-year sensation Michael Thomas should give Drew Brees plenty of options. He needs to gain 10-15 pounds if he wants to become an adequate blocker and should be able to do so without sacrificing much speed. But let's be honest, the Saints aren’t drafting him for his blocking ability. He was the top TE performer at the combine in the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump (36”), and the 3-cone drill (6.92). He measures better than many receivers and has a chance to cause some havoc in his first year in the NFC South.

Other considerations for this pick were John Ross, Tyus Bowser, and Adoree Jackson. I chose Engram because he's a matchup nightmare and he will kill teams from the slot. Look for Engram to become a valuable piece of Drew Brees' offense very early in the season.