The New Orleans Saints have had one of the more intriguing offseasons in the NFL this year. Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis demonstrated they weren't afraid to go in a new direction after the 2014 debacle.

Drew Brees isn't getting any younger, so if the Saints have any chance to return to another Super Bowl while he's still around, it's imperative they not stumble with the nine picks they've accumulated this year.

The Saints have needs all over the field, but particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Consequently, I expect a defensive-heavy draft.

So let's get to it. This is it, my one and only mock draft. No version 2.0, 3.7, or 6.8896564. Come Thursday, when the first round begins in Chicago, the league's 32 teams will have one shot, thus so will I.

I'll start by saying that I've always believed there's a possibility the Saints could move defensive end Cam Jordan at some point during the draft — but only for the right price. Moving him isn't a must, so New Orleans isn't going to give him away. Keep in mind, the team picked up his fifth-year option for $6.696 million (fully guaranteed), so if the Saints were to move him, their trade partner would probably want assurances from Jordan that he would sign a long-term deal.

The Saints could use Jordan to either to move up in the first round or to simply obtain another pick in one of the subsequent rounds. Really, there are any number of ways to utilize him in a trade.

But to keep things simple, no trades in this mock draft. Commish, start the clock!

With the 13th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

OLB/DE Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky, 6-4, 269 pounds

This one is a no-brainer for me. The Saints need help at defensive end/outside linebacker and Dupree is arguably the best in the draft. It's not just that he possesses a fantastic combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism, but that he also has a tremendous motor and passion for the game. Plus, he's versatile and has the skill set to play several positions on the line.

With the 31th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

OT Ereck Flowers, Miami (Fla.), 6-6, 327

There's a chance Flowers could be off the board quite high; however, with several quality tackles available the Saints could luck into him at 31. He's a terrific athlete, moves very well for a player his size and is strong — really strong. He did 37 reps of 225 pounds at the combine. But frankly, it's his versatility that makes him the most attractive pick here. He can play either guard or tackle and would provide immediate depth at both positions, which is a huge need for the Saints.

With the 44th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

ILB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State, 6-4, 246

His size and speed give McKinney a lot of versatility, and there's no doubt Rob Ryan and company would have some fun moving him around. There's been quite a bit of debate about where he's best suited to play, as he's fully capable of being good inside, lining up outside to rush the passer or at times putting his hand in the dirt at defensive end. He was a three-year starter in college and incredibly productive. Plus, he's very good against the run.

With the 75th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

OLB Kwon Alexander, LSU, 6-1, 227

One of the most athletic players in the draft, Alexander has tremendous speed and can cover sideline to sideline. Having a player with his skill set is a luxury in today's pass-happy NFL and he's the perfect hybrid-type linebacker. Furthermore, he has a nose for the football, great instincts and is a good open-field tackler.

With the 78th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

DT Michael Bennett, Ohio State, 6-2, 293

Bennett is undersized for a tackle, but he makes up for it with great hands and exceptional speed off the ball. He has a knack for busting into the backfield and disrupting the offense. Probably his best quality: character. He's very disciplined, which he gets from his parents, both of whom graduated from West Point. Plus, he was a team leader for the Buckeyes.

With the 148th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

TE Tyler Kroft, Rutgers, 6-5, 246

He's a huge target who has the ability to go up and get the ball at its highest point. He's a much better receiver than blocker at this point. Probably would have benefitted from his senior season, as he declared early. Still, he's a good athlete who always gives great effort.

With the 154th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

CB Steven Nelson, Oregon State, 5-10, 197

The Saints already have two former Beaver cornerbacks, why not add another? Nelson stood out at the Senior Bowl and is a fierce competitor. Moreover, he has a nose for the ball and a short memory, both great qualities for a defensive back. He would be a nice fit as the nickel corner while he acclimates to the NFL game.

With the 187th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

WR Dezmin Lewis, Central Arkansas, 6-4, 214

A very good small school prospect, but questions remain about how he'll play against top-level competition. Still, he's big, has great hands and is a better than average route runner.

With the 230th pick in the 2015 draft the Saints select:

OG Ben Beckwith, Mississippi State, 6-4, 318

He started at both guard and center in 2014, earning first-team All-SEC. Although he needs some work in the passing game, he's a fierce competitor who's fared well against top competition.

Saints Draft Order

Round 1: Nos. 13 and 31 (from Seattle)

Round 2: No. 44

Round 3: Nos. 75 and 78 (from Miami)

Round 5: Nos. 148 and 154 (from Kansas City)

Round 6: No. 187

Round 7: No. 230