Todd McShay's Mock Draft

papz · 01-16-2008, 01:33 PM

ESPN - Latest mock draft littered with juniors, linemen - NFL

10. New Orleans Saints
Record: 7-9

Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: CB, DT, MLB, TE, OLB

Projected pick: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina

This is admittedly a bit of a reach, but unfortunately for the Saints this appears to be the area where the elite talent pool runs dry. Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins returning to Ohio State could end up affecting the Saints more than any other team in the draft. Cornerback and defensive tackle are New Orleans' biggest need areas and Balmer is the best available prospect at either position. Although Balmer flashes top-10 potential at times, he also could turn out to be another bust in the mold of Jonathan Sullivan, who New Orleans selected sixth overall in 2003 but traded away in 2006 after he failed to live up to his potential.

Strengths: Gets good forward lean in stance and is quick enough to make plays in the backfield when lined up at tackle. Takes sound angles to the ball and makes plays in pursuit. Plays with a good motor and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play. Generally wraps up upon contact and is an adequate open field tackler. Athletic, flashes the ability to redirect inside after setting blockers up to the outside and is a relentless pass rusher. Moves well laterally and runs line stunts well. Shows adequate awareness, times jumps well and he gets hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback. Can line up at defensive end or tackle and is versatile. Blocked two kicks last year and can contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite top-end speed for an end and is going to have problems turning the corner when lined up on the outside. Plays too high, hasn't shown great lower body strength and can get driven back when lines up on the inside. Doesn't use hands well and can take too long to shed blocks. Doesn't always drive legs once in position and isn't a powerful bull rusher that can consistently collapse the pocket.

Overall: During his first three seasons (2004-'06) Balmer appeared in 30 games (11 starts) at defensive end and defensive tackle recording 34 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He underwent right knee surgery following the 2005 season and suffered a sprained ankle at the end of 2006 forcing him to miss two games. Balmer isn't a great fit at defensive tackle or end but his quickness and athletic ability make him disruptive when he lines up inside and he's big and strong enough to set the edge when lined up at end.

Man besides his 6'4 frame, nothing about this guy looks appealing. I'd rather trade down and take Groves, Connor, or Talib.

01-16-2008, 01:33 PM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,801	Todd McShay's Mock Draft ESPN - Latest mock draft littered with juniors, linemen - NFL 10. New Orleans Saints Record: 7-9 Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: CB, DT, MLB, TE, OLB Projected pick: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina This is admittedly a bit of a reach, but unfortunately for the Saints this appears to be the area where the elite talent pool runs dry. Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins returning to Ohio State could end up affecting the Saints more than any other team in the draft. Cornerback and defensive tackle are New Orleans' biggest need areas and Balmer is the best available prospect at either position. Although Balmer flashes top-10 potential at times, he also could turn out to be another bust in the mold of Jonathan Sullivan, who New Orleans selected sixth overall in 2003 but traded away in 2006 after he failed to live up to his potential. Strengths: Gets good forward lean in stance and is quick enough to make plays in the backfield when lined up at tackle. Takes sound angles to the ball and makes plays in pursuit. Plays with a good motor and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play. Generally wraps up upon contact and is an adequate open field tackler. Athletic, flashes the ability to redirect inside after setting blockers up to the outside and is a relentless pass rusher. Moves well laterally and runs line stunts well. Shows adequate awareness, times jumps well and he gets hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback. Can line up at defensive end or tackle and is versatile. Blocked two kicks last year and can contribute on special teams. Weaknesses: Lacks elite top-end speed for an end and is going to have problems turning the corner when lined up on the outside. Plays too high, hasn't shown great lower body strength and can get driven back when lines up on the inside. Doesn't use hands well and can take too long to shed blocks. Doesn't always drive legs once in position and isn't a powerful bull rusher that can consistently collapse the pocket. Overall: During his first three seasons (2004-'06) Balmer appeared in 30 games (11 starts) at defensive end and defensive tackle recording 34 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He underwent right knee surgery following the 2005 season and suffered a sprained ankle at the end of 2006 forcing him to miss two games. Balmer isn't a great fit at defensive tackle or end but his quickness and athletic ability make him disruptive when he lines up inside and he's big and strong enough to set the edge when lined up at end. Man besides his 6'4 frame, nothing about this guy looks appealing. I'd rather trade down and take Groves, Connor, or Talib.
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