hagan714

2. Sedrick Ellis, USC, 6005, 309, 5.23

Ellis is a classic one gap defensive tackle that can thrive if put in the right scheme. He penetrates well and has elite closing speed for a defensive tackle. Very quick with a great first step. A terrific pass rusher with the burst to close. Ellis is a disruptive force against the run when allowed to penetrate and create pressure in the backfield. Sheds blocks well and is able to beat the double team. Has a non-stop motor. Tough and a very hard worker with top-notch intangibles

Ellis' relative lack of height at just under 6'1" and his durability, as he has had injuries throughout his career at Southern California. Doesn't have the ideal height or bulk that you look for. Might have some trouble holding his ground at the point against massive blockers.

I am still not sold on him in the top ten. Sorry I can not go here. The only reason he is up here is because of the weak draft in round one. In any other draft he is in the range of 15 to 25. Prototypical three-technique at the pro level do not go this high.

According to all sources, Ellis has been an absolutely dominant force in Senior Bowl practices -- a tool which many NFL coaches use to evaluate prospects. Ellis performed well on the bench press at the combine, completing 34 reps of 225 pounds; however he ran a slower than expected 5.24 forty yard dash. Ellis' stock may slide a few spots, but he will still be a top 10 draft pick.

2c. Tracy Porter, Indiana, 5107, 186, 4.33, 18, 34,

Porter has been one of the most consistent corners over the last few years. He shows fantastic ability out in coverage, especially when playing man-to-man. Porter's tackling from the corner position is also among the best in the country. He is explosively quick, has that burst to recover and the speed to stick with any wide out step-for-step. An outstanding athlete that has fluid hips and is very agile with great hands. As a four year starter at Indiana, Porter proved to be a dynamic player on the defensive side of the ball. Porter is currently second among active NCAA players with 16 career interceptions (6 this season, with a 22.8 yard return average). with good height with long arms ( 32") the 5'11", 185 lbs. Porter has recorded 83 tackles this season (63 of them solo). Along with his lofty interception total, he has proven to have a knack for getting around the football. Porter has 24 career pass break ups, along with 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. He flies to the football, blows the play up and is a sure tackler who will rarely miss. Physical, loves to come up and hit. To go along with his abilities on defense, Porter is one of the better return men in the country. As a junior he averaged 18.6 yards per punt return -- scoring on an 86 yarder -- while only sharing the duties. During the regular season, Porter returned all 23 punts for the Hoosiers, averaging 11 yards per return. A threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Doesn't have the bulk you look for and will have some trouble getting a jam at the line. Needs to hit the weight room. Marginal technique and footwork resulting in him giving a big cushion. He will give up some easy catches. Struggled against bigger wide receivers.
This guy is really the definition of a play maker in the secondary. Also a top punt returner and coverage team gunner. A talented, finesse corner with a great combination of size / speed
CB Tracy Porter worked out at his school's Pro Day this week. Porter ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, while he ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.
He has what Flowers does not; SIZE and SPEED!

While I am not sold on ellis 100% I can live with the pick. but we still need to address a back up to Hollis. Porter is a guy I think will be a nice addition and may become the guy to stay out on the island. while I was hoping for CB/S type or a CB that may have a higher cieling he is solid. All in all given this draft I say the saints did a solid job.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins