The New Orleans Saints should be looking to add players who can quickly step into a starting or featured role in the top-100 picks of the NFL draft. The Saints have four selections in that range.
While the beginning of the draft should be focused on the imminent future, New Orleans can think more long term as the draft progresses. This is where Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine's dream scenario of the Saints drafting North Carolina State offensive tackle Anthony Belton comes into play.
It's a pick that works whether Trevor Penning is on the roster or not. Ballentine believes Penning's "struggles in pass protection should have the Saints at least looking to add a developmental prospect on Day 3."
Penning took a step forward last year and showed some potential. If he continues to take those steps, specifically in the passing game, the Belton pick doesn't become null in void. While Belton would be selected to develop and possibly become the next right tackle, Ballentine thinks he could be "at least interesting as a Mekhi Becton-esque guard if tackle doesn't work out."
The Becton comparison is interesting because he just had the best season of his career and a possible revival with Kellen Moore in Philadelphia. Displaying this ability would give Belton multiple routes to the starting lineup and a potential role as a player who could fill in at multiple positions, due to injury. He's someone to keep an eye on in the months leading up to this year's draft.