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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.

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.

WVSaint

[QUOTE=papz;152168]ESPN - Latest mock draft littered with juniors, linemen - NFL




Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins returning to Ohio State could end up affecting the Saints more than any other team in the draft.


I was thought this also, but didnt wanna admit it to myself with all of our needs. I guess OSU finds some small victory against Louisiana afterall. Personally, if this pans out like his mock, I think its a must that we trade down, we dont need a repeat of the sullivan incident to set us back another 3 years.

Supersaint19

we would take phillips or rivers or conner before this guy

SapperSaint

I can't see us taking this guy. Nothing in that article even makes say "Hummmmm". No way we pick this guy. We trade down or pick one of the above.

Bobaganoosh

If the Saints are going to reach at that point, i would hope that they reach for Keith Rivers. In order to trade down, you have to find someone who wants to move up...and that may be tough at that spot.

stockman311

I think PLENTY of people would be looking to trade into our spot at number 10 if this scenario played out in order to get their hands on Ryan Clady. This guy is going to be a premier LT and those don't just fall off trees. I think we could move back a few spots and take Kenny Phillips in the 15 to 20 range.

I would think Detroit or Philly would be all over this.

Also, Mel Kiper raves about Talib, thinks he is the best CB in the draft and is def worth a top ten pick. So we may be in better shape than we think, especially once the combine numbers come down.

Euphoria

ahhh thats what I like to hear Trading Down Talk.

CheramieIII

I had originally thought the Saints would trade down and they will if Talib is gone at least once.

Cancer Beater

If we did that.
I'd pay to have my love for the Saints removed.

TheDeuce

Ha ha when was the last time the Saints actually traded down?