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2016 NFL Draft: Round 1 Mock for All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell begins the draft and puts the Houston Texans on the clock at the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell begins the draft and puts the Houston Texans on the clock at the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 12: New Orleans Saints

2015 Record: 7-9

The Pick: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

The New Orleans Saints boasted one of the worst defenses in the league last season, and if they weren’t at the bottom, the Saints were awfully close to it.

Stopping the run was a critical problem for head coach Sean Payton’s defense. New Orleans allowed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL last season (2,071). And in order to gain any sort of headway in defensive standings, good run-stuffers will have to be at the top of the Saints’ priority list.

Fortunately, Alabama inside linebacker Reggie Ragland is about as tough as they come. The four-year collegiate standout was a part of one of the best run-stopping defenses in the NCAA last season.

Adding Ragland to the mix would provide a tackling force so critical to New Orleans underachieving defense.

Next: No. 13: Philadelphia Eagles