2023 Saints UDFA Thread

[AsylumGuido]

Originally Posted by Crusader

He is the Scott Shanle of WRs. All the fans wants him replaced but he hasn't been beaten out yet.

Great example! I remember one year the team voted Shanle as the team's defensive MVP and the fans were complaining about him at the same time. Just checked ... it was 2008. Not flashy but does his job. Fills his role. Same can be said for Tre'Quan. He's not going to wow you in the passing game, but the team obviously has seen his value to this point.

[AsylumGuido]

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[BakoSaint]

Originally Posted by Crusader

He is the Scott Shanle of WRs. All the fans wants him replaced but he hasn't been beaten out yet.

This assumes the Saints depth chart is a meritocracy. I guess its true in a literal sense that Trequan 'hasn't been beaten out yet' but it implies thats because he hasn't been outperformed. However, it could just as easily be that Trequan has been outperformed but the coaching staff simply refuses to hand over his job regardless of his being outperformed because they are too hesitant to stir the pot, too loyal, want to justify his draft position or contract, or he has naked photos of Dennis Allen and Mickey Loomis.

Remember, Rasheed Shaheed didn't beat out Trequan Smith, but then when the Saints were forced to play Shaheed last year due to injuries, it was clear he was better. Likewise, Lamont Murray did not beat out Mark Ingram and company, but when Murray took the field it was clear Murray was better. But even then, the Saints tried to stash Murray on the practice squad again to protect the likes of Ingram and Smith, and lost Murray.

So, Trequan has not been 'beaten out' but that does not mean he was the 5th best receiver at any point, it just means he got the 5th roster spot for some reason or another. Perhaps he has the 5th most naked photos of Loomis and Allen. Apparently Troutman's naked photos were of Payton not Allen.

[AsylumGuido]

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2 UDFA Rookies to Watch

Shaq Davis (South Carolina State) - Wide Receiver; Big, Strong, Explosive, and a Playmaker. Why? Ask Deion Sanders how Davis destroyed Jackson State in the 2021 Celebration Bowl. He reminds me of a hybrid Marques Colston and Deandre Hopkins. His body control and leaping ability is "off the chain!"

Anfernee Orji (Vanderbilt) - Linebacker; At 6-1 and 230 pounds, the Vandy defender was the 4th-ranked linebacker in terms of 'athleticism' at the 2023 NFL Combine. He posted 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash and a 38.5 vertical jump. Keep an eye on him to break through on special teams as a rookie.

[neugey]

Originally Posted by Boston Saint

Someone still has to step up and take Trequan’s place. Whether it’s his blocking, his familiarity with the offense, his attitude, or injuries to others,, something brings him back to the team. More’s the pity.

I think you meant "step down" but I get what you mean

[Boston Saint]

I just looked it up….Smith is number 16 all time on Saints receiving TD list. He’s within top 40 in yards and receptions too.

[SmashMouth]

2023 Saints Undrafted Rookie Free Agents

Blake Grupe, K, Notre Dame - Pretty strong on kickoffs, hits them pretty well with some good rotation, but not all kicks were consistent. Has the leg to hit the long field goals up to the 62-yard range, and can do it with some wind resistance. Right-footed kicker who gets good height on his kicks between the 30-45 yards. Would like to see a little more kicks from the angles. It'll be interesting to see if he can push Wil Lutz any.

Joel Wilson, TE, Central Michigan - 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end with good hands and is a nice weapon in the passing game. He may not leap off the screen with speed, but somehow just finds a way to get open. One of the more exciting things to watch was how the Chippewas offense used him. Wheel routes, tight end screens, and the short-to-intermediate areas were all ways they deployed him. He'll have to improve as a run-blocker, but that shouldn't be a problem.

Anfernee Orji, LB, Vanderbilt - Physical inside linebacker who was a tackle machine for the Commodores. He won't kill you with speed, but looks to be a good run-stopper. He will have to shine on special teams and be willing to adapt to some versatility to make it on the next level. He'll also need to work on his coverage skills and eye discipline some. He reminds me of a little of Nephi Sewell, and he's one who ended up turning heads last year.

Shaquan Davis, WR, South Carolina State - 6-foot-5 receiver that has good tracking skills and speed. He uses that height to his advantage, being able to win the 50-50 ball with ease in one-on-one situations. Looks to have a good ability to stretch the field. Will be interested to see how he does against the more physical corners the Saints have. That will be the biggest test for him to make a name for himself.

Nick Anderson, LB, Tulane - Undersized at 5-foot-10, but you wouldn't say that by the way he plays. Very productive for the Green Wave, finishing third in tackles in 2022. Potential fit would be a WILL linebacker with his speed and instincts. He's a passionate football player with a strong IQ and impactful presence in the locker room. He'll undoubtedly be one of the players fans will be rooting for over the next few months.

Mark Evans II, OL, Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Hard-working offensive lineman with some tackle and guard experience. He excels as a run-blocker, but needs a little work in pass protection. He has some tenacity and feistiness to his game, and will need to show that working against some of the flashier defensive tackles on the next level. Hand placement seems strong, which is something Doug Maronne puts a lot of emphasis on. He's had great mentors in Willie Roaf and Terron Armstead, which will certainly help. He'll be a 'watch and grow' type of player.

Alex Pihlstrom, C, Illinois - Started as a walk-on tight end before moving to the offensive line in 2020. He has interior experience, moving from guard to center in 2021 for the Fighting Illini. He's one of those players who the Saints may have a clear vision for to help develop his skills. He'll have a major uphill battle on his hands, but just needs to come in and be a student of the game.
SaRodorick Thompson, RB, Texas Tech - Tough runner who can give you a mix of power, balance, and speed. He tries to make the first man miss with his moves. The 'dancing' in the backfield has a risk/reward to it, and a lot of Thompson's big plays stemmed from making things happen, but needs to be consistent at the next level. His ideal situation would be as a complimentary back, but he's going to have to learn special teams to stick around.

Sy Barnett, WR, Davenport University - Barnett used to play at Ferris State, and fans may remember a receiver named Jake Lampman that came from there. However, Barnett was with Davenport University in 2022. The Michigan native handled kicking and punting duties in addition to catching the football, which is kind of wild. He'll undoubtedly have an uphill battle with a crowded wide receiver room, but if he can show off some of that versatility then he will be someone to keep tabs on.

Lou Hedley, P, Miami - Intimidating looking Australian punter who has a pretty strong leg cannon and he makes it look effortless. Has some real size to him at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. Kicks could use some more hang time, but his leg power has a habit of sending returners backwards. Puts on a nice spiral in his punts. He'll be 30 in June, and that's not a typo. He'll certainly be a fun player to watch, but that job may just stay with Blake Gillikin.

Anthony Johnson, DB, Virginia - Outside corner who has a physicality to him working against receivers. He's someone who puts forth a strong effort when he plays and has a pretty good recovery. He needs to work on some of his movement in coverage, like turning his head around in situations and also with his hip fluidity. His aggressive style could project him to do some safety work with the Saints.

Jerron Cage, DT, Ohio State - Similar frame to Shy Tuttle who can push the pocket. Has a pretty strong initial burst, but did not see a ton of playing time with the Buckeyes. Can get knocked off the ball a little by blockers. Will be one of those players who could fit in a rotation, but will need to work on learning a few things quickly on the next level to be a threat.

Malik Flowers, WR, Montana - The Saints go to the Big Sky Conference for the second year in a row. They found Rashid Shaheed last year from Weber State, and now Flowers will look to make his mark and follow suit. He's an electrifying returner who just makes it happen, and he didn't start doing returns until 2017. Montana gave him expanded work as a wide receiver, and he seemingly is a clone of Shaheed with a little bit more height and weight.

[SmashMouth]

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iceshack149 likes this.

[SmashMouth]

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[K Major]

The kid from Montana ... 7 kickoff returns for TDs in his career.

WR Malik Flowers.

Maybe he "flashes" @ camp? I think it's pretty safe to say that Shaheed will be more involved on offense so we'll need another gem @ kick returner/punt coverage.

Good luck.