The 2016 NFL Draft is complete, but the New Orleans Saints haven't addressed all of their needs yet. That's a common theme across the NFL, as every team has positions that could use an upgrade. With only so much cap space and a limited number of draft picks, teams simply end up having needs that they weren't able to address before or during the draft. So what is the biggest team need for the Saints? We have the answer to that question below, and throw out a few potential players the team could add to help fill that need.
Biggest Need:
Offensive Guard
The Saints currently have only Tim Lelito ready to play at guard. Unless the Saints move either Andrus Peat or Zach Strief to guard, the Saints have nothing at the position. The team totally ignored the position during the draft. Even if the team moves Peat or Strief to guard, they'll at least need to add some depth. The Saints need to add someone to help out, if not start, at guard next season.
Who New Orleans Could Add:
Matt Slauson
The Bears released Slauson after the draft and it was a bit of a surprise. He played really well last season, and although the 30-year old has only a few years left, he could start for a number of teams right now. The Bills and Chargers have already set up visits with Slauson and the Saints should as well. He'd be a major upgrade on the offensive line.
Louis Vasquez
Vasquez is not the player he once was, but he'd be an upgrade for New Orleans. His power blocking might not be the best fit for the Saints, but he's better than what they currently have. An All-Pro in 2013, Vasquez regressed the past two seasons. But he's still just 29 years old. He's still on the open market and the Saints would be wise to at least give him a call.
Jahri Evans
The Saints cut Evans after he wouldn't take a pay cut, but the 32-year old has yet to find a new job. With no job yet, perhaps he'd be willing to return to the Saints at a cheap price. While Evans is not the player he once was, he's still better than most of the guards in New Orleans. There might be some hurt feelings, but a chance to keep playing could be enough to convince Evans to return.
Preseason Cut
There will be a few quality players that don't end up making team's 53-man rosters. Perhaps it will be a veteran that is cut in favor of a rookie. Maybe it's a young player with raw talent that a team tries to sneak onto the practice squad. Either way, if the Saints don't add anyone before the start of the preseason, expect them to monitor the waiver wire closely.
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