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2017 New Orleans Saints Keys to Success: Pound the rock and fix the defense

Currently, the number one overall need for the New Orleans Saints has remained the same for the past several seasons: Improving the defense. It appears the team has made that their focus. In the 2015 and 2016 NFL Drafts, the Saints had 14 picks, nine of which were used on defense. They also brought in eight defensive free agents during that time, and so far, it appears they are continuing that trend in 2017. The team was able to retain defensive tackle Nick Fairley and bring in linebacker A.J. Klein from the Panthers. The Saints also traded receiver Brandin Cooks to the Patriots for the 32nd overall pick, and moved up from 118th overall (4th round) to 103rd overall (3rd round).