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2020 NFL Draft: Complete first round mock delivers pass rusher to Chiefs

By Arrowhead Addict Staff

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A general view of AT&T Stadium prior to the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A general view of AT&T Stadium prior to the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 16: Linebacker Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the game against the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Tulane 56-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 16: Linebacker Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the game against the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Tulane 56-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

24. New Orleans Saints – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Analysis by Arrowhead Addict contributor Kelly Thompson

The New Orleans Saints entered the offseason with needs in the secondary, wide receiving corps, and the linebacker position. Through free agency they addressed the secondary by re-signing former Saint Malcolm Jenkins, cornerback Justin Hardee, safety DJ Swearinger, cornerback PJ Williams, and cornerback Deatrick Nichols from the XFL.

The team also signed a legitimate number two wide receiver in Emmanuel Sanders, who will ease the burden on All-Pro Michael Thomas and tight end Jared Cook.

While the team let Teddy Bridgewater leave in free agency after re-signing future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees to a two year deal, some have speculated that drafting a quarterback early in 2020 may be in the cards. But the Saints, at least publicly, have supported Taysom Hill as the future QB1 in the Big Easy. Even if they do not believe that, they’re not going to reach for Jake Fromm or Jalen Hurts here, with Jordan Love (and the other top three quarterbacks) off the board.

That leaves linebacker as the biggest need for New Orleans, and Kenneth Murray fits the bill. Murray is incredibly quick and fast, and plays well downhill against the run but also in pass coverage. He’s got the experience and football IQ to quarterback the defense eventually and could start in year one with veteran Kiko Alonso likely to miss at least some of the season rehabbing from his playoff ACL tear last season. The team considers LSU star Patrick Queen here, but Sean Payton spurns another LSU standout and takes Murray instead. (Kelly Thompson)

Other Players Considered: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

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