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With the news of Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell being handed down a 3 game suspension we will now have a full out debate as to who should be the first pick off the board of your fantasy football drafts this year. We all knew Bell would be punished in some fashion for his marijuana-induced DUI that happened last preseason, and the chatter was at least 2 games and no more than 4. Looks like they settled on that middle number of 3. (*Side bar: LeGarrette Blount, now of the Patriots, who was with Bell during the incident received a 1-game suspension earlier in the offseason). Of course Bell is going to appeal the decision but at best I can't see more than 1 game, if any, getting knocked off his time. If Bell had been able to play a full 16 game slate in 2015 he'd be the unanimous selection as first overall pick in all formats, but missing near a quarter of a season will definitely dent his value, but how much? Does Bell even deserve the chance to be top dog in 2015 even missing time? If not then who is worthy of that first pick? I've got a list of guys who could realistically go in that top slot, broken down into 3 categories. 

1) The Candidates 
A list of 3 players who, in my opinion, will be the best options for those of you picking number one. Personally I would take these gentlemen as the top 3 overall with order being debatable.

2) The Wildcards 
Two more players who, given the right situations, could also be considered a top pick. Not as clear cut as the top 3, but I can see people making an argument for them and when the season is all played out if one of them finishes as a top point scorer it wouldn't be shocking.

3) The Fools Gold
The final two names of the top dog puzzle are what I am going to call fool’s gold. Guys who some people may want and some will take with the top pick, but who shouldn't be. Both of these guys will make solid round one selections but taking them first overall wouldn't be the smartest move so don't like the bright lights and glitz trick you into wasting your top pick on one of them. 

THE CANDIDATES 

• Jamaal Charles RB Kansas City Chiefs: The news of Bell’s suspension, which again we were all expecting, bumped one guy up to number one in my mind. Mr. Charles. Jamaal has been a consensus top 5 pick each of the past 2 years (would have been 3 but coming off a torn ACL in 2012 I definitely understand the apprehension there) and 2015 should be no different. Charles has been a model of consistency at the running back position. A position that has seen fewer and fewer lead backs and more committee backfields. While Knile Davis did prove himself last season in the time missed by Charles last year. Davis averaged 92 yards and a score in games he got more than 15 rush attempts last year. While Davis as a handcuff is imperative, (arguably the most necessary cuff this year) don’t be scared he is going to take away a significant touches from J-Chuck. Charles has been a top 10 back each of the last 3 seasons (no worse than 8^th) including being the best RB in 2013. He’s posted at least 1200 scrimmage yards and 6TDs in each year since 2012. Even with posting those numbers he still has never had a season with 300+ carries, which is impressive in itself he posts the numbers he does with fewer touches than a lot of lead backs. Now Kansas City is upgrading in spots that held them back last year, particularly the interior of the offensive line and wide receiver position. Last year a Chiefs WR did not catch a single TD. You almost have to try to not score a touchdown all season to pull off a stat that embarrassing. Kansas City touched on the wide outs by releasing the overrated Dwayne Bowe and bringing in Jeremey Maclin. Maclin is younger, and more versatile than Bowe in the passing game. Maclin also already spent time under Andy Reid, where Mac averaged 64-863-6, so jumping right into the system should not be a problem. The fact that defenses will actually have to scheme for a wide out this year will already open up more for Charles. Add in the two new guards, Ben Grubbs via trade with the Saints and Paul Fanaika in free agency, and Charles should see more holes up the gut as well as openings on the outside when Alex Smith hits him with those little swing passes that we’ve all watched in awe as Charles took it to the house. Jamaal needs to be a top 3 player off all boards and if you select 4^th or later and Jamaal is still setting around thank Jerry Rice, or Brett Favre, or LaDainian Tomlinson, or whoever because you were just given a gift from the fantasy gods.

• Eddie Lacy RB Green Bay Packers: Not sure how many people will have Lacy as a top 3 pick, but if they don’t then shame on them. Lacy plays on arguably the best offense in the NFL with arguably the best quarterback, and arguably the best wide receiving corps. When you know opposing defenses have to prepare for Aaron Rodgers throwing to Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, and the emergence of Devante Adams, Lacy is going to see lots of open lanes. With so much firepower through the air you’d think that Lacy would be down in that mid-first round selection but he should NOT make it away from the top 3 picks! Lacy put up nearly identical rushing efforts his first two seasons, going for 1178 & 11 scores in 2013 and 1139 with 9TDs last year. Where Lacy took a step forward is pass-catching. He increased his receptions by 20% year one to two (35 to 42), while his yardage went up 66% (257 to 427) and touchdowns increased an incredible 400% (from none to 4). Last year Lacy was put on a carry-count it seemed early on getting 15+ carries just once in the first 10 games, but got 15+ in 5 of the final 6 games of the season. The coaches wanted Lacy fresh for the Packers playoff run and it makes sense in the real world, and in my opinion, is a HUGE asset for Lacy owners in the fantasy world. While Lacy may not be the guy to carry you to a victory single-handed in the first half of the season, having a main back ramping up and getting hot a when the fantasy playoffs are around the corner (as opposed to slowly beginning to break down like many other featured backs) is an advantage you can’t overlook. Of course we all want our top pick to post 20 points a week but we all know it’s rare to see that happen week in and week out. So why not rely on your other positions to score the first few weeks and sit back as the season winds down knowing you got a hard-running, fresh-legged freak toting the rock for your squad in November and December. Lacy also had the 2^nd most runs of 15+ yards by running backs last season (18), while gaining 33% of his total yards on such runs! Just like Marshawn Lynch it just goes to show how a bruising back can also show a burst of speed and get away from tacklers. Lacy needs to be off the board in the first 3 selections, if he isn’t someone made a bad bad decision and you could be the beneficiary!

• Le'Veon Bell RB Pittsburgh Steelers: Even with his suspension looming, Bell still needs to be off the board before pick number four. Top choice? Missing 3 games will be tough to swallow if you want to nab him with the first pick, but there can be benefits as well. First and foremost is the obvious health factor. Missing 3 games at the jump off the season means Bell will, just like a carry-counted Lacy, be able to run harder, faster, and more come the fantasy playoffs. Check. The second thing that factors in for Bell is the offense he plays on. I’m not saying the Steelers are on the Packers level offensively, but they are ahead of the Chiefs and most other teams that will be mentioned on this list. The Steelers finished 7^th among NFL teams last year in points scored (436) and 2^nd in yards (6577) in the team’s third year under OC Todd Haley. Haley likes to throw RB screens and that won’t change in 2015. Last year Bell had 105 targets. That was 2^nd on the team only behind Antonio Brown’s 181; and among all running backs Bell’s 105 was 2^nd behind just Matt Forte (more on him later) and his 130. In fact just 4 RBs in the league last year had more than 75 targets (Forte, Bell, Fred Jackson with 90, and Shane Vereen with 78) so Bell’s PPR value is also tops when it comes to backs. Side note: Speaking of receiving, Bell had the 3^rd fewest drops among RBs last year dropping just 4 passes of his 105 targets. Last season Bell was on the field for 943 snaps while scoring 287 fantasy points in standard leagues (370 in PPR leagues). If we do the math and break down his fantasy points per touch at .30 and work that into his 58 snaps per game and factor in he’s going to play 13 games in 2015, assuming he’s at least on the same pace as last year, that means Bell would end the year with 226 fantasy points (293 PPR). Those numbers still would have landed Bell as the 7^th best back last year (5^th PPR), not shabby for a 1^st round pick who is slated to miss almost a quarter of the year. Bell’s missing time will scare a few people away from using their top pick on him, and again I can blame those who have the top pick, even pick two, but Bell SHOULD NOT slip out of the top 3; even with his missing time he should still finish as a RB1 and likely be a top 5 back come years end.

THE WILDCARDS

• Adrian Peterson RB Minnesota Vikings ... For now: Papa Peterson (you see what I did there?) is a true wildcard when it comes to a first round selection. Outside of his rookie season he has been a consensus first round pick every year. Even after tearing his ACL at the end of 2012, coming into 2013 he still got first round consideration and was drafted there by more people than less. Now Peterson is in a unique situation, having missed virtually all of 2014 due to a suspension for his be(s)witching (ahh another one) behavior. Not only did AP miss a full season but he will be 30 coming into 2015. Not only will he be 30 coming off a missed season but he and the Vikings are looking to be in a stalemate as far as playing. Peterson wants to move on, and that’s clear. Minnesota doesn’t want him to go anywhere, and that’s just as clear. Now is Minnesota gets a nice package for a 30-year old back they’d be smart to take the deal. There has been talk linking Peterson to Dallas and to Arizona and both those teams, if they do land AP, would put him in the top overall pick selection. Again with everything factoring in against him I’d still fell more comfortable with one of the 3 previous mentioned gentlemen, but Peterson fans couldn’t be knocked for taking their boy off the board first if he does move on. The Cowboys had the best offensive line in the league last year (2^nd best in run blocking) that helped DeMarco Murray become the NFL’s rushing champion in 2014 with over 1800 yards (no other back eclipsed 1400). The Cardinals ranked 24^th among teams at the end of 2014 according to profootballfocus.com, but that was a vast improvement from their dead last finish in 2013. Obviously Dallas has a better line to offer over the Cards, however the Vikings ranked just 3 spots ahead of Arizona but Minnesota dropped from 6^th in 2013 to 21^st. Dallas and Arizona’s o-lines are both trending in the right direction with Minnesota’s is going the opposite way. Dallas and Arizona both have established veteran quarterbacks, more talented skilled positions to put around Peterson, and their defenses are both ahead of the Vikings (although Minnesota is building a formidable defense under Mike Zimmer). If we just take the numbers AP has posted over his career they are impressive to say the least. Even in his 2 “down” years in 2011 (lost 4 games to injury) and 2013 (missed 2 games) he managed to finish 8^th and 6^th among RBs when the years were all said and done. Peterson has a head for the end zone too, never having less than 10TDs on the ground so air scores (average 1 per year) are bonus material. While his age, missing time, and still being on the Vikings scare me now, his value will rise if he does move on from Minnesota. Getting traded to either Dallas or Arizona skyrockets AP’s value with all the pluses he will see on the field. His age and missing time won’t change (and that still factors in), but he will be out for blood and to prove he still has it and if anyone can put on a show after missing a year and hitting that “Running Back Over-the-Hill” mark, it’s Peterson. Should he stay with the Vikings I like him end round 1, beginning of round 2 would be a gift. Going to the Cowboys or Cardinals puts him in the top slot conversation but would definitely make him a top 5 selection. 

• Matt Forte RB Chicago Bears (PPR): Forte may be the one name on this list that other people talking about top picks will mention, but he at least needs a mention. First and foremost I can’t see taking Forte in standard scoring, he is only an option in the PPR format. He should still go round 1 in all scoring systems, but when receptions factor in then he needs to jump up the board. Forte is the one solid piece the Bears offense has. I know Alshon Jeffery has some experience and is now the man with Brandon Marshall suiting up the AFC New York squad, plus Martellus Bennett will see more looks at the tight end position with Marshall’s 106 targets gone. But Matt Forte has been the model of consistency and is going to see more looks in 2015. Forte has finished in the top 5 among RBs in targets every year but 2 since 2008, and the two years he missed the top 5 he finished top 10, the only back to accomplish that feat. He’s averaging 83 targets per year since he entered the NFL 7 years ago while catching 77% of passes thrown his way. Impressive isn’t it? Still not convinced? What if I told you Forte is the only back in the league to have 1400 or more scrimmage yards every year since 2008. THE ONLY BACK! Not Peterson, or Charles, or any other name you could even consider for a first round pick, let alone the top selection, has been that consistent over their entire careers. Forte is also the only back to have 900+ rush yards in each season since 2008 (Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore would have made the list had they not got suspended/injured). I know it would take a lot of balls to take Forte over the aforementioned contestants but he’s been around longer and done a lot with less than most. He may not have the upside or flash as the other guys listed but fantasy football is won with consistency and Forte gives you that more than anyone else. If you make him the top dog (in a PPR league) you will get some dumb stares from league mates, but you know you got yourself a solid and consistent first pick with the opportunity for more touches this year than any previous season. 

THE FOOLS GOLD

• DeMarco Murray RB Philadelphia Eagles: Murray is going to be the one guy that will be immensely over drafted this year. Not to say he doesn't deserve to go round 1, he definitely does but forget first overall, he shouldn't be a top 5 pick. Murray's 1845 yards last year were beyond impressive, and his season probably isn't fully appreciated like it should be. He posted 8 straight 100-yard games to kick off 2014 and finished with 12 games hitting the century mark or better, which is the second most games of 100+ yards in a season in NFL history. His 1845 rushing yards not only lead the league last year, but since 2000 there's only been 7 instances of a back finishing with more yards than Murray did in 2014. He also lead the league with 13 rushing TDs. Murray's 304 fantasy points via standard scoring were also tops in the league among RBs and the 4th most points scored by a back in the last 5 seasons. Sounds like Murray has an argument to be off the board first right? Hold your horses lets get into what holds him, or should hold him, from being drafted way too early. 2014 was the only season in his 4 year career that DeMarco made it through all 16 games. His injury history (ankle, foot, and knee) don't bode well for him making it through entire seasons regularly which has to be a concern for this year. Not only does he never play full slates, but he also had 393 carries last year. That's a huge number even for a younger back like Murray and it will take its toll on him this season. Over the last 10 seasons we've seen just 3 backs (Michael Turner in 2008, Larry Johnson in 2006, and Shaun Alexander in 2005) get more than 375 rushing attempts in a year. The following year none of those backs played a full season (Turner played the most games at 11), none got more than surpassed 900 yards, and only Turner was able to finish inside the top 24 among RBs the following season (barely ... he finished 23rd in 2009). Also with how impressive Murray was with 100-yard games, before last year he only had two instances in three seasons in which he had back-to-back 100-yard performance. What about the team around Murray? The Cowboys had the best offensive line in the NFL last year and they will at the top again in 2015. Statistically Murray's new team, the Eagles, finished 2nd behind Dallas in terms of O-line ranks at the end of 2014 and believe it or not Philadelphia's line was ranked 1st in run blocking (Dallas was 2nd). However the Birds got rid of one of there most reliable lineman in Todd Herremans, and are supposedly shopping their Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis. That line will suffer a set back of some sort and in turn as will Murray. Not only will he be behind a line that will be a step behind his old run blockers, but the wide outs and quarterback positions are also a downgrade for DeMarco. Tony Romo may not be Tom Brady but he's a hell of a lot better than Sam Bradford, a guy who since being hurt week 7 of 2013, has played as many games as you or me. And forget about a Dez Bryant-type threat taking the top off defenses for Murray. The Eagles top outside option at WR as of today is Riley Cooper ... Pardon me while I laugh ... Ok that's better. When it's all said and done Chip Kelly is innovative and will rotate Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles in to help keep Muarry fresh and defenses honest, and while Murray's North-South running style will fit better with Kelly's scheme than McCoy's East-West jump-cutting running. Kelly has proven he can bring in players and plug them into his system but will Murray produce top-tier RB numbers again it's so many factors going against him? I say no and to draft him anytime before late round one is, as Darth Helmet once said, ludicrous. 

• Marshawn Lynch RB Seattle Seahawks: BeastMode. Just one word and everyone in the football world knows who I mean and how exciting of a player he is to watch on the field. His off the field people skills may be equivalent to a shy 3rd grader who just moved to America and still doesn't speak English but thats nota factor to his fantasy football ranking and also a story for another time (like Super Bowl time since his audio gems will be replayed to death for the next how many years). So is Mr. Lynch worthy of the top slot in 2015? Much like Murray he has a lot of signs pointing towards no, with very few aiming towards taking him off the board first. Last season Lynch tied with Murray with 13 touchdowns on the ground, as well as finished as the top TD scorer (non-quarterback) with 17 total trips to pay dirt. Those 17 scores proved to be a career high. Not only did Lynch set career bests in rushing TDs, receiving TDs, and receiving yards he also averaged a personal high at just a shade under 17 (16.8) fantasy points per game. Since his first full season in Seattle in 2011 through 2014, Marshawn has never had less than 1200 rushing yards and no fewer than 11TDs. He's never finished worse than 5th among RBs in standard scoring in that time either. All positive, but now for the bad news the Seahawks got Jimmy Graham. Ok if your a Seattle fan that's not bad news at all, hell if you just love watching football that's great news to see a top TE in the league join one of the best teams. The NFL. If you're a fantasy player than Graham will definitely have somewhat of a negative effect on Lynch. Graham will no doubt take some defenders away from the middle of the field so I can't see Lynch's yardage getting lowered too much, maybe even see an increase from his 1306 yards in 2014, but he is going to suffer on the goal line and in the red zone. You don't acquire a Jimmy Graham level player to be used just as a decoy and when you get a weapon like that near the goal line he will be the first look more often than not. Even if Graham gets blanketed that opens up rushing lanes for Russell Wilson (the same Russell Wilson who rushed for 6 scores in 2014) to bootleg and find an easier-than-normal way into the end zone. The Hawks also had to give up a Pro Bowl caliber center in Max Unger in the Graham trade as well as their first round pick this season so that O-line could realistically see a slight downgrade, from the 19th best line last year (according to profootballfocus.com). Much like Matt Frote, Lynch is extremely consistent which is huge in this game. Unlike Forte, who's workload should increase this year, Lynch would see a decrease in touches if anything after getting 385 total touches (including playoffs) in 2014. Factor in the addition of Graham and emergence of Russell Wilson as an elite QB in the league and Lynch should still finish as a RB1 but if he finished outside the top 5 backs this year for the first time since 2010, I wouldn't be shocked. 

CONCLUSION

In the end any one of the previously mentioned names is a solid start to a potential championship winning team. Some of the players mentioned above certainly deserve, and will go at the top of many drafts this coming season. Some players mentioned shouldn't be taken with the top choice, but again some drafts will see them get selected first overall. Even with the pressure, or luxury (depending on your viewpoint) of the first selection in your draft you have to select the player you think can and will bring home the bacon come December. It's going to be someone on this list, but only one can finish the 2015 season as the Top Dog! 

The Seattle Seahawks will begin their season amongst the NFL's best once again. After the addition of All-Pro Tight End Jimmy Graham in the offseason, the Seahawks seem poised to be right back in the mix for a third straight Super Bowl run. After adding Graham at a cost of their 2015 first-round pick and Center Max Unger, they would be sitting out the first round of last weekend's action.

Here are the Seahawks draft results and analysis:

Round 2, Pick 31 (63) Frank Clark, DE, Michigan -- This is a very interesting pick. Clark had a lot of character concerns coming out of Michigan, and was ultimately dismissed from the program. A lot of analysts had him slipping to at least the third round, but the Seahawks feel as though he is a good fit in their system. An excellent pass rusher with great size, Clark could prove to be worth the risk, but it is one not worth taking at this spot. Grade: C+

Round 3, Pick 5 (69) Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State -- The Seahawks once again go receiver in the second round after taking Colorado's Paul Richardson in last years draft. Lockett is a good fit in Seattle, and might be one of the most precise route runners in this years class. Grade: A

Round 4, Pick 31 (130) Terry Poole, OG, San Diego State -- Poole will be a welcome addition to the Seahawks offensive line. He will provide much needed depth, and is a great addition for the run game. Although not seen as a great value here, Poole will upgrade the Seahawks interior with good size and athleticism. Grade: B-

Round 4, Pick 35 (134) Mark Glowinski, OG, West Virginia -- With their first comp pick of the draft, the Seahawks brought in more competition for the interior offensive line. Glowinski is a mauler, and will definitely compete with fellow fourth-round pick Terry Poole for some playing time early on in Seattle. Grade: B+

Round 5, Pick 34 (170) Tye Smith, CB, Towson -- The Legion of Boom will add another slot corner to their ranks with Tye Smith. Smith has good size, 6'0", but will likely need to add bulk to withstand NFL hits. He is just 195 pounds, and is seen as not physical enough at this point to be a factor on an NFL defense. However, there is no place better for a young corner to develop then in Seattle. Grade: C+

Round 6, Pick 33 (209) Obum Gwacham, DE Oregon State -- One of the more intriguing picks of the entire draft. Gwacham played Wide Receiver early on in college, and has a transition ahead of him. Luckily, he will be joining a very talented defensive front. Good pick for the late rounds. Grade: B+

Round 6, Pick 38 (214) Kristjian Sokoli, DT Buffalo -- A pro day superstar. He had very impressive measurables, but his tape is not as strong. He could develop nicely, but needs time to hone his pass rush skills and learn how to handle doubleteams. Grade: C

Round 7, Pick 31 (248) Ryan Murphy, FS Oregon State -- An interesting late round selection. Murphy is a ball-hawking FS and could learn quickly from the experience in the Seahawk secondary. He has intriguing size, and could make the switch to SS in the NFL. Grade: B+

The 2015 New Orleans Saints no doubt underachieved. Coming off of an 11-5 season and a division playoff win against Philadelphia the previous year, fans and spectators alike believed the Saints would only get better. And why wouldn't they? They signed All-pro free safety Jairus Byrd from the Buffalo Bills in free agency, adding him to an already top 5 defense from 2014. They also spent a 1st round pick on Brandin Cooks a receiver out of Oregon State who only led the nation in yards with over 1,800 and a guy who was also voted the best receiver in the country that same year. And of course, All-pro quarterback and future hall-of-famer Drew Brees was returning, and his four straight years of over 4,000 yards passing was nothing to scoff at. So what was the result? A 7-9 record and sitting at home for the playoffs. Time to reload for 2016.

The Jimmy Graham Trade: Maybe one of the most shocking deals that was made at the start of the 2015 offseason was the Saints' decision to trade all-pro tight end Jimmy Graham. The Saints' traded Graham to the Seattle Seahawks for all-pro center Max Unger and a 1st round pick in the 2015 NFL draft. The 31st selection. The trade may have been shocking due to the caliber of player involved, but it was nevertheless the right move to make. Graham had developed a reputation for being soft and disappearing whenever it mattered most. Most notably when he recorded 1 catch for 8 yards in a playoff game against his new team, the Seahawks. 

The trade allowed the Saints to get a lot better at center, a position they've been desperately trying to fill since their Super Bowl run in 2009. Max Unger brings a physicality to the offensive line that's unmatched and he wrecks havoc on defenses in the running game, an aspect of the offense that the Saints struggled at in 2015. When Unger was in Seattle, he helped Marshawn Lynch reach all-pro caliber, and without Unger due to injury, Lynch's yard per carry dropped an entire yard. That's significant. Unger also has all the mental capabilities you look for in a center to pair with a quarterback like Drew Brees. Brees will never have to be concerned with Unger missing a protection or an audible.

The Kenny Stills Trade: Only after 2 years with the team, the Saints dealt wide receiver Kenny Stills to the Miami Dolphins for a 3rd round pick in the 2015 NFL draft and Danell Ellerbe, an outside linebacker. The deal was questioned by many due to the Saints' lack of depth at the receiver position, but the deal was a win for the Saints. Stills, who was a 5th round pick, was an average receiver to say the least. His main attibute was his ability to stretch the field with his speed, but that can easily be replaced. Many Saints fans also believe that without Brees throwing the passes, Stills would have not been as productive. In 2015 Stills had 63 catches for 931 yards and 3 touchdowns. His production also increased due to the injury of Brandin Cooks, a guy that will be returning in 2016. Also, the Saints have confidence in Brandon Coleman, a 2nd year player out of Rutgers that has yet to see the field, and Nick Toon out of Wisconsin who has shown flashes of his big play skill. The Saints turned an average player in Stills who was a 5th round pick in 2013, to a new 3rd round pick in 2015. Kudos to Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis. 

The Ben Grubbs Trade: Just as the Saints have been searching for a center since 2009, they've been searching for solid guard play since they lost Carl Nicks to free agency a few years back. Grubbs is an all-pro guard, and has shown why in certain instances with the Saints, but the 31 year old guard has also shown slight signs of decline. Most notably when Grubbs and his interior line mates allowed 5 sacks to the Atlanta Falcons, a team that ranked 32nd in the league in getting after the quarterback. The Saints received a 5th round pick from the Kansas City Chiefs for the guard, and will now be able to kick Zach Strief inside to guard. Again, kudos to Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis. 

The Mark Ingram Re-signing: A lot of spectators believed that the Saints would let Ingram walk after some would say the tailback has underachieved since entering the NFL out of Alabama. Well, they didn't. Ingram inked a 4-year contract extension worth $16M. Ingram showed flashes of his ability in 2015, and was voted to his 1st pro-bowl as a replacement for Seattle's Marshawn Lynch. Ingram can only improve from here, especially with the addition of a player like Max Unger. Again, Kudos.

The Signing of C.J. Spiller: The Saints have lacked a dynamic running back since they lost Reggie Bush to free agency in 2009. Granted, Darren Sproles was no slouch in replacing Bush in the following years, but Sproles wasn't used in the running game as much as Bush, and as his time went on he became a receiving threat only. Sproles eventually went on to play in Philadelphia, and the Saints also failed to resign Pierre Thomas, so this was definitely an issue the Saints needed to address. And they did. C.J. Spiller is arguably one of the most dynamic running backs in the league, as he can run between the tackles and also catch screens and passes out of the backfield. A trait that is crucial for any running back in a Sean Payton offense. Some questioned the signing due to Spiller's injury history, but he won't be expected to carry the load in New Orleans, and will be a great 1-2 punch with Ingram. Kudos. I see a trend here.

The Signing of Brandon Browner: Aside from Keenan Lewis, the Saints were desperate for a solid corner in 2015. Corey White seemed to always be giving up a game winning touchdown, and Patrick Robinson was just too inconsistent. The Saints addressed the issue however when they inked former Patriots corner Brandon Browner to a 3-year-deal. Browner is a big, physical corner that isn't afraid to tackle. He will be an excellent addition opposite Keenan Lewis, and will allow defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to play his aggressive man-to-man defense. Kudos.

The 2015 Draft: Going into the draft the Saints had a plethora of picks. 9 to be exact. And they made much needed selections with all of them. In the 1st round at 13 the Saints surprised some when they took Andrus Peat, Tackle, out of Stanford. It was a surprise because many believed the Saints would be going pass rusher, especially with someone like Bud Dupree stlll on the board. But Peat was a great selection. The 6'7, 313 pound gaurd will bring a unique athleticism to the Saints' offensive line, most likely at right tackle. Peat is great in the screen game, as he gets to the second level in a hurry, similar to current left tackle Terron Armstead. The Saints' future is bright on the offensive line.

With their second 1st round pick at 31 (From Seattle) the Saints selected linebacker Stephone Anthony out of Clemson. Linebacker was a definite need, but again the selection was questioned because Anthony isn't a pass rusher. What Anthony is though is a smart and tough backer who can run sideline to sideline like nobodys business. The Clemson product is also experienced, as he spent 4 years in college. In his career Anthony had 255 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Anthony will more than likely fill the middle linebacker position for the Saints eventually, after they failed to resign Curtis Lofton in the offseason.

In the 2nd round at pick 44 the Saints finally got their pass rusher. They selected Hau'oli Kikaha out of Washington. His name may be difficult to say, but his production isn't hard to see. In his last two years at Washington the outside linebacker totaled 32 sacks and 19 in 2015. His sack total led the country. Kikaha is relentless when it comes to getting to the quarterback and has a motor that never stops. He has strong hands, and his background in wrestling and martial arts give him an advantage when using his hands to shed blocks. The dominent pass rusher fell due to concerns with an acl injury he sustained in the past. But all signs point to him being at full strength. Quarterbacks beware in the NFC South.

Just like in the 1st, the Saints had two picks in the 3rd round. Pick 75 and pick 78 (from Dolphins). At 75 the Saints selected Garrett Grayson, quarterback out of Colorado State and at 78, P.J. Williams, cornerback out of Florida State. Grayson was a bit of a surprise, since the likes of Bryce Petty out of Baylor was still on the board. But Grayson was no slouch in college. In his four years he threw for over 9,000 yards, 64 touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 145.3. There's also no rush to get Grayson on the field, as he can sit and learn from Drew Brees. P.J. Williams joins a secondary that has the looks on paper to rival Seattle for the best in the league. The 6 foot corner will join an already size infested secondary, with Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner both already being over 6 foot. Williams didn't record many interceptions in his career at FSU, only totaling 4, but his physical nature and ability to tackle is what stands out. In 2015 he registered 74 tackles. From the corner position that's nothing to turn your head at. Williams will be a solid corner in the Saints' nickel packages. 

In the 5th round, just like in the 1st and 3rd, the Saints had two picks. Picks 148 and 154 (from Chiefs). At 148 the Saints selected outside linebacker Davis Tull out of Chatanooga. Coming from a small school like Chatanooga, Tull fell to the 5th round, but his combine workout and stats throughout his 4-year career speak volumes to his potential. Tull racked up 37 sacks at Chattanooga and 60 tackles for loss. Tull will provide great depth at the linebacker position, and possibly see more playing time than expected. At 154 the Saints selected defensive tackle Tyeler Davison out of Fresno State. Davison is 6 foot 2, 316 pounds, but can move for his size. In all of his years at Fresno State, he has gotten at least 40 tackles and 2 sacks. The knock on him is that he can only play in a 4 man front, but with Rob Ryan that's okay. As Ryan shuffles between 4-3 and 3-4 personel frequently. Davison provides much needed depth to a position in which the Saints are thin, and can potentially give stud Akiem Hicks a blow when needed. 

In the 6th round the Saints held the 187 pick. And they selected Damian Swann, a cornerback out of Georgia. Swann, just like Williams, Lewis, and Browner, is over 6 foot. The Saints secondary just keeps getting bigger. In 4 years at Georgia Swann recorded 180 tackles and intercepted 8 passes. The Georgia prospect will be a great addition on special teams and may possibly see the field in some dime or nickel packages.

To close out the draft in the 7th round the Saints held the 230 pick. They selected Marcus Murphy, a running back out of Missouri. Murphy was productive in his 4 years at Missouri in both the running game and also the return game. Murphy totaled 924 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in his senior season, and that's nothing to be ashamed of in the dominent SEC conference. Murphy nearly totaled 3,000 return yards and scored 7 touchdowns total on special teams. The Saints don't expect Murphy to contribute much on offense, but for the 32nd ranked team on special teams, Murphy can definitely help in that department. 

The 2015 Saints draft as of now, well, looks very promising. KUDOS.

Wrap up: The Saints will have a new look, and many new faces, as they look to bounce back in 2016. Along with the new additions made in free agency and in the draft, the Saints will also be getting Jairus Byrd and Brandin Cooks back at full strength. After losing both players early in 2015 to injury. The NFC South looks to be wide open yet again, and the Saints' look like a front runner to make a run at the division title. It initally seemed like the Saints were in rebuild mode, but with Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis calling the shots, they only reloaded.  

The NFL draft has seen its fair share of shocking moments. Moments of frustration with the fans, like when Denver selected Tim Tebow, or when Minnesota selected Christian Ponder. Every team has made a questionable draft pick in recent history, and surprises come out of those picks. Tom Brady being one example, no one expected Tom Brady to be where he is today during his draft. Tom Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft. Brady was the seventh quarterback to be picked and more importantly the only quarterback still playing NFL Football. What made this draft so interesting were the various trade rumors leading up to the draft. Philadelphia was supposed to trade quarterback Sam Bradford to Tennessee for the second pick to draft quarterback Marcus Mariota. You kind of expected for a few trades to take place so teams could get the players they really wanted. But, those things didn’t happen. No trades in the 1^st round were jaw-dropping bomb shells; in fact, it was kind of boring. With that being said, let’s look at some shocking picks made in this year’s draft.  

1. The Rams shocked twitter by selecting Todd Gurley, there was an instant discontent of Ram fans, wondering why they didn’t choose to strengthen the offensive line. Besides, St Louis already has Zac Stacy and Tre Mason. Sure, Gurley has potential to be an elite back in the NFL. But, the Rams offensive line is arguably the reason that former quarterback Sam Bradford has the injury issues that have cause him to miss a ton of games.

2. The Chicago Bears made a surprising pick in the draft. They chose to ignore the defense woes that caused Chicago to be one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They draft Kevin White, a very talented wide receiver. Chicago most likely felt that the play-making position needed some additions with the subtraction of Brandon Marshall. Let’s hope White and quarterback jay Cutler can connect and give Chicago some much needed offensive sparks.

3. The Denver Bronco’s selected Shane Ray. It’s just too ironic that a player who receiver a citation for marijuana possession, goes to a team, in a city, where marijuana is legal. Never mind the offensive line, or protecting your aging superstar quarterback, but drafting your own defensive Ricky Williams is what makes Denver one of those teams that will not win a Super Bowl.

4. The New Orleans Saints made a head-scratcher by selecting linebacker Stephone Anthony from Clemson rather than addressing the need to replace Jimmy Graham’s production. Trading Graham was a huge decision by the Saints, not addressing the role Graham left is irresponsible.

5. The Cleveland Browns took a center in the first round. Without Josh Gordon the Browns desperately need some help in the passing game. I’m not against Cleveland addressing the offensive line, but center Cameron Erving would have been available in the second round.  

6. The Miami Dolphins are showing improvement in the league lately. They’ve had some good picks in the draft. Currently, Miami has holes at linebacker, guard and safety. Strangely, the Dolphins drafted a Jordan Phillips defensive tackle that wasn’t a need, especially after spending $114 million in free agency on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

7. The Seattle Seahawks picked Frank Clark a defensive end out of Michigan. Frank Clark is a talented player who many experts thought might go undrafted after being kicked off the team in November over a domestic-violence charge in an incident with his girlfriend. The Seahawks have made some shocking picks in recent years, but this is the biggest head-scratcher of them all. Clearly, Seattle hasn’t seen the NBA domestic abuse PSA’s.

8. The New York Giants selected Ereck Flowers, an offensive lineman from Miami. Why? The 9^th pick was a perfect opportunity to roll the dice on a top talent like running back who could have helped quarterback Eli Manning just as much as Flowers.

9. The Oakland Raiders needed a pass-rusher, so they drafted Mario Edwards Jr. with the 35th overall pick. Oakland drafted a guy with a total of eight sacks in three years at Florida State over Mississippi State's Preston Smith, who had nine last year alone.  

10. The St. Louis Rams need a quarterback badly. So, the Rams selected Oregon State's Sean Mannion, who was a turnover machine in college. According to NFL.com, he had 30 fumbles and 54 interceptions in college. He also threw 83 touchdowns, but 37 of those were during his junior year. He’ll be in great company with Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Austin Davis already on the roster.