2014 NFL mock draft: Kelvin Benjamin to New Orleans Saints at No. 27

The New Orleans Saints have boasted one of the NFL’s best passing offenses ever since Sean Payton and Drew Brees arrived in town in 2006. In the 2014 SB Nation NFL Writers Mock Draft, Travis Dauro of Canal Street Chronicles is making a pick intended to preserve that string of success for as long as possible.

“With the best of the top-tier cornerbacks taken prior to this pick, I had to go with the next position of need for the Saints: wide receiver. Deciding between Marqise Lee and Benjamin, both of whom are potential immediate contributors, makes for a tough call, but I had to go with Benjamin in the end. At 6’5 and 240 pounds, he is practically a tight end. His tremendous catch radius and long strides give him an edge on defenders and make him the perfect possession receiver. Marques Colston, who plays a similar role to that of Benjamin, is nearing the end of his career and his successor needs to be found. While you could make the case for taking an offensive lineman with this selection, Brees could use another youthful, talented weapon.”

For teams that are drafting a wide receiver out of need, choosing Benjamin is a risky proposition. He’s a limited route runner and has suspect hands. Pairing him with Drew Brees though, it wouldn’t matter as much. Brees would make a player like Benjamin better. Still, though, the best cornerback in the draft is still on the board. If TCU’s Jason Verrett is available, he should be the pick. Benjamin would be fun, Verrett would have more impact.