METAIRIE, La. -- Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. has become a popular mock-draft choice for the New Orleans Saints with the 13th pick.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. paired the Saints with the Florida pass-rusher Wednesday in his latest mock. Fellow ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay made the same choice last week.

As I've written before, the good and bad news for the Saints heading into this year's draft is that they won't be pigeonholed into any one position need since they could use an influx of young talent at so many different spots (cornerback, linebacker and both the offensive and defensive lines top the list). So it's certainly hard to argue with the idea of adding a 6-foot-2, 271-pounder like Fowler, who has been touted for his versatility.

Fowler, who had 8.5 sacks last season, played left end, right end, outside linebacker and defensive tackle at times in college. He's still a pass-rusher first and foremost, and he would need continued development in run defense and pass coverage. Kiper described him as someone who isn't dominant in any one area but who also doesn't have any clear weaknesses.

The Saints could use another edge rusher even if outside linebacker Junior Galette doesn't wind up getting suspended after a January arrest that is still pending in the legal system.