Saints Draft

jeanpierre · 03-24-2011, 01:49 AM

Man, as much as l like Wilkerson; really warming to the idea of Julio...

saintsfan1976 · 03-24-2011, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Man, as much as l like Wilkerson; really warming to the idea of Julio...

He won't be around - thank goodness, bc we need help up front on D!!

This draft is heavy with DT/DE talent. So much so that we're almost guaranteed to grab a solid player at 24.
Cameron Jordan
Muhammed Wilkerson
Ryan Kerrigan?
Cameron Heyward?
Corey Liuget?
Justin Houston?

Round 2 - Drake Nevis? Brooks Reed?

All real possibilities.

Now, I always like to take a look back at players Payton wanted to draft but had them taken just before we picked - Jerry Hughes and Beanie Wells come to mind.

Check this out -

Payton's thoughts on adding a pass rusher in the draft:

"I think (the pass rush) is an area we've done a real good job with as it pertains to the blitz and the dogs and the different ways to get to the passer. I think in the framework of a four-man or three-man rush, I think it's more of a challenge," Payton said. "There's a strong value on someone that can speed up the clock in the quarterback's head every year. I don't know that there's a team drafting that will say, 'Well, we feel pretty comfortable with our pass rush.' Just because those guys are hard to find.

"Likewise it's hard to find, with all the sets, guys that can cover. And then lastly, guys that can protect. Those three positions are tremendous assets to a club. And as we head into this draft, the (pass rushers) are something that we want to (look for). You're really talking about, 'Alright, this is your draft class. How many guys can truly rush the passer?' ... There's probably seven or eight of them that can and 18 that appear they can be able to. The trick is where you get one that can do it. That would be a priority for us."

When asked what the emphasis in 2011 would be:

Payton didn’t blink. Because he apparently already knew the answer.

“I think we have to run the ball more efficiently,” he said. “That’s got to become a better part of what we do offensively just as it was in ’09. I think that we’ve got to take the ball away more frequently on defense and when I say more frequently, there were some numbers in ’09 that were really up there. But we have to better in that area.”

saintsfan1976 · 03-25-2011, 09:56 AM

Payton has already scheduled a visit with Kendall Hunter.

Let's look at another 3rd round option: Shane Vereen RB from Cal.

Cal coach Jeff Tedford has long been lauded for his development of quarterbacks, but the Bears are also consistently churning out NFL-caliber running backs. Vereen is the latest in a string of Berkeley backs (Adimchinobe Echemandu, J.J. Arrington, Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett and Jahvid Best) to make the jump to the NFL.

Vereen, who combines shiftiness, pure speed and surprising power, isn't quite as big as scouts might prefer, but has never missed a game due to injury. In fact, he played in all 38 games at Cal, starting 19 times.

A standout runner, receiver and returner for the Golden Bears, Vereen leaves after his junior season already fifth in school history with 4,069 all-purpose yards. His ability to fill multiple roles could see him drafted as high as the second round. Anything later than the mid-third and Vereen could wind up as one of the true steals of the 2011 draft.

I like this kid's pedigree, versatility and durability.

jeanpierre · 03-28-2011, 10:35 PM

***Update***

JP's Saints Mock Draft (Wish List):

R1/24 Muhammad Wilkerson, DT - Temple (HT: 6-5 - WT: 305)

Athletic Big Man who would be a natural DE in a 3-4 alignment; but with his athletic ability could be a freak at the 3-technique positon; moving up draft boards into the first round now...

R1A/24A (Alternate Pick): Julio Jones, WR - Alabama (HT: 6-2¾ - WT: 220)

R2/56 Mason Foster, WLB - Washington (HT: 6-1⅛ - WT: 241)

Marginal measurables, but his film tells a different story; he can bring the wood; John Madden/Mike Ditka type of player, old school; Durable and productive; Team Player...

R2A/56A (Alternate Pick): Ryan Williams, RB - Virginia Tech (HT: 5-9⅜ - WT: 212)

R3/72 Quinton Carter, S - Oklahoma (HT: 6-0⅝ - WT: 211)

Go to Roman Harper's Wikipedia page and you'll see 'em swinging a golf club; picking Carter would keep 'em there; he has excellent coverage skills at S: Fluid, Good Angles, Smart and has excellent community track record; not sure he's be there this late but would be a steal at this slot ...

Alternate Pick: K.J. Wright, OLB - Mississippi St. (HT: 6-3⅜ - WT: 246); Robert Sands, S - West Virginia (HT: 6-4⅜ - WT: 217)

R3/88 Pierre Allen, DE - Nebraska (HT: 6-3⅞ - WT: 273)

Natural Leader; Has very good, maybe not elite, physical tools; though sacks declined with departure of Suh last season, tackles for loss went up; disciplined end who maintains assignment/area; would be an excellent rotation player at the very least early in his career...

Alternate Picks: Joseph Barksdale, OT - LSU (HT: 6-4¾ - WT: 325); Da'Rel Scott, RB - Maryland (HT: 5-11 - WT: 211)

R7/215 Willie Smith, T - East Carolina (HT: 6-5 - WT: 310)

Good Size, Range; key component to helping his school set new performance records on offense; unofficial stat of 40+ knockdowns (i.e. pancakes, slammers) while playing in Conference USA; former Tight End whose made transition to Left Tackle, so he could fit in with Coach Payton's player eligible play calling; could look to replenish depth should Bushrod or Strief depart...

R7/Comp Tom Keiser, DE - Stanford (HT: 6-5 - WT: 244)

Named to PAC 10 Freshman team; underclassman; tweener size - could possibly play OLB in 3-4 alignments; excellent pass rusher...

Alternate Picks: Dion Lewis, RB - Pittsburgh (HT: 5-6⅝ - WT: 193) Alex Henery, K; Ugo Chinasa, DE - Oklahoma St. (HT: 6-5⅛ - WT: 254)

Analysis: The NFL is a coin flip. And the playoff loss to Seattle taught the Saints what happens when one side of the coin (Defense) is playing poorly. There is no question this list is Defense, but it is where most value is for the Saints at their current picks.

While I'd hate to lose depth, I do believe Arrington needs a chance to play at WR and having Henderson and Moore stunts that growth. Now, I would not move Moore unless Julio Jones fell to the Saints in Round 1.

Julio Jones is the only offensive player I'd consider taking late in Round 1 despite good value at OT. The days of taking a RB in Round 1 are over unless it is Barry Sanders reincarnate. But Muhammad improves the team and gives the Saints an All-Pro in the making as an underclassman.

Admittedly I'm not very high on Pac 10 players; but the more I see of Mason Foster the more I think Football Player; would like to see the height for this 4-3 LB to be 6-3, but he plays that size.

In the third round, we've some options; though I like where we pick in early round three, am still disappointed that was the only value we got for a ProBowl LT in Brown (even if I didn't like Brown). Getting Quinton Carter and someone like Pierre Allen in Round 3 would definitely be salve for the wound of the screwing we took (Redskins/Shanahan double whammy).

Rounds 4,5,6 we sit; David Thomas has been an underrated contributor, but when you consider what we invested in TE with Shockey, Thomas, and Graham (and I liked the selection of Graham at the time of the draft) I think it's been a bit much and something the Saints need to review.

Round 7 has been good to the Saints when you look at Colston and Arrington (though he needs a chance to play); Should Willie Smith who's rated a R7 pick be there, he'd be a steal; but I suspect some Scouts are not being honest and will have their teams nab him around Round 4.

jeanpierre · 03-29-2011, 09:32 PM

NFL Draft

Less than a month away...

jeanpierre · 03-30-2011, 09:36 PM

Gotta wonder if Kansas City or St. Louis would be interested in a WR for a Round 2 or Round 3 pick selection?!?

Danno · 03-30-2011, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Gotta wonder if Kansas City or St. Louis would be interested in a WR for a Round 2 or Round 3 pick selection?!?

That would probably have to include Colston. Don't see that happening.

I doubt Devery or Lance could get us anything more tha a 4th, assuming a sign/trade deal.

But its possible that a WR plus picks could net us Dorsey. That would be cool.

jeanpierre · 03-30-2011, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

That would probably have to include Colston. Don't see that happening.

I doubt Devery or Lance could get us anything more tha a 4th, assuming a sign/trade deal.

But its possible that a WR plus picks could net us Dorsey. That would be cool.

Lance is definitely worth a No. 2; though Devery would be more expendable...

But Devery's speed could entice a R3 pick...

jeanpierre · 03-31-2011, 10:32 PM

Mar. 31, 2011 2:30 p.m. - Who the Saints took #1 in 2009: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S (No. 14 overall). Who they should have taken: Clay Matthews. The Saints are more than pleased with Jenkins' emergence at FS this season, but Matthews is a gamechanger at LB and that's been a position the Saints could use an upgrade. Saints RapidReports

jeanpierre · 03-31-2011, 10:33 PM

Mar. 29, 2011 4:07 p.m. - The Saints under Sean Payton haven't drafted a RB high other than Reggie Bush. Though it appears Payton is against taking a RB early, he said that's not the case and that the days of drafting a RB high aren't finished. Saints RapidReports

View Poll Results: What position(s) are priority for the Saints ?
Defensive Tackle	25	32.05%
Defensive End	26	33.33%
Outside Linebacker	43	55.13%
Running Back	25	32.05%
Wide Receiver	3	3.85%
Offensive Line	11	14.10%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 78. You may not vote on this poll

03-24-2011, 08:31 AM	#242
saintsfan1976 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 10,832 Blog Entries: 3	Originally Posted by jeanpierre Man, as much as l like Wilkerson; really warming to the idea of Julio... He won't be around - thank goodness, bc we need help up front on D!! This draft is heavy with DT/DE talent. So much so that we're almost guaranteed to grab a solid player at 24. Cameron Jordan Muhammed Wilkerson Ryan Kerrigan? Cameron Heyward? Corey Liuget? Justin Houston? Round 2 - Drake Nevis? Brooks Reed? All real possibilities. Now, I always like to take a look back at players Payton wanted to draft but had them taken just before we picked - Jerry Hughes and Beanie Wells come to mind. Check this out - Payton's thoughts on adding a pass rusher in the draft: "I think (the pass rush) is an area we've done a real good job with as it pertains to the blitz and the dogs and the different ways to get to the passer. I think in the framework of a four-man or three-man rush, I think it's more of a challenge," Payton said. "There's a strong value on someone that can speed up the clock in the quarterback's head every year. I don't know that there's a team drafting that will say, 'Well, we feel pretty comfortable with our pass rush.' Just because those guys are hard to find. "Likewise it's hard to find, with all the sets, guys that can cover. And then lastly, guys that can protect. Those three positions are tremendous assets to a club. And as we head into this draft, the (pass rushers) are something that we want to (look for). You're really talking about, 'Alright, this is your draft class. How many guys can truly rush the passer?' ... There's probably seven or eight of them that can and 18 that appear they can be able to. The trick is where you get one that can do it. That would be a priority for us." When asked what the emphasis in 2011 would be: Payton didn’t blink. Because he apparently already knew the answer. “I think we have to run the ball more efficiently,” he said. “That’s got to become a better part of what we do offensively just as it was in ’09. I think that we’ve got to take the ball away more frequently on defense and when I say more frequently, there were some numbers in ’09 that were really up there. But we have to better in that area.”

03-25-2011, 09:56 AM	#243
saintsfan1976 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 10,832 Blog Entries: 3	Payton has already scheduled a visit with Kendall Hunter. Let's look at another 3rd round option: Shane Vereen RB from Cal. Cal coach Jeff Tedford has long been lauded for his development of quarterbacks, but the Bears are also consistently churning out NFL-caliber running backs. Vereen is the latest in a string of Berkeley backs (Adimchinobe Echemandu, J.J. Arrington, Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett and Jahvid Best) to make the jump to the NFL. Vereen, who combines shiftiness, pure speed and surprising power, isn't quite as big as scouts might prefer, but has never missed a game due to injury. In fact, he played in all 38 games at Cal, starting 19 times. A standout runner, receiver and returner for the Golden Bears, Vereen leaves after his junior season already fifth in school history with 4,069 all-purpose yards. His ability to fill multiple roles could see him drafted as high as the second round. Anything later than the mid-third and Vereen could wind up as one of the true steals of the 2011 draft. I like this kid's pedigree, versatility and durability.

03-28-2011, 10:35 PM	#244
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	*Update* JP's Saints Mock Draft (Wish List): R1/24 Muhammad Wilkerson, DT - Temple (HT: 6-5 - WT: 305) Athletic Big Man who would be a natural DE in a 3-4 alignment; but with his athletic ability could be a freak at the 3-technique positon; moving up draft boards into the first round now... R1A/24A (Alternate Pick): Julio Jones, WR - Alabama (HT: 6-2¾ - WT: 220) R2/56 Mason Foster, WLB - Washington (HT: 6-1⅛ - WT: 241) Marginal measurables, but his film tells a different story; he can bring the wood; John Madden/Mike Ditka type of player, old school; Durable and productive; Team Player... R2A/56A (Alternate Pick): Ryan Williams, RB - Virginia Tech (HT: 5-9⅜ - WT: 212) R3/72 Quinton Carter, S - Oklahoma (HT: 6-0⅝ - WT: 211) Go to Roman Harper's Wikipedia page and you'll see 'em swinging a golf club; picking Carter would keep 'em there; he has excellent coverage skills at S: Fluid, Good Angles, Smart and has excellent community track record; not sure he's be there this late but would be a steal at this slot ... Alternate Pick: K.J. Wright, OLB - Mississippi St. (HT: 6-3⅜ - WT: 246); Robert Sands, S - West Virginia (HT: 6-4⅜ - WT: 217) R3/88 Pierre Allen, DE - Nebraska (HT: 6-3⅞ - WT: 273) Natural Leader; Has very good, maybe not elite, physical tools; though sacks declined with departure of Suh last season, tackles for loss went up; disciplined end who maintains assignment/area; would be an excellent rotation player at the very least early in his career... Alternate Picks: Joseph Barksdale, OT - LSU (HT: 6-4¾ - WT: 325); Da'Rel Scott, RB - Maryland (HT: 5-11 - WT: 211) R7/215 Willie Smith, T - East Carolina (HT: 6-5 - WT: 310) Good Size, Range; key component to helping his school set new performance records on offense; unofficial stat of 40+ knockdowns (i.e. pancakes, slammers) while playing in Conference USA; former Tight End whose made transition to Left Tackle, so he could fit in with Coach Payton's player eligible play calling; could look to replenish depth should Bushrod or Strief depart... R7/Comp Tom Keiser, DE - Stanford (HT: 6-5 - WT: 244) Named to PAC 10 Freshman team; underclassman; tweener size - could possibly play OLB in 3-4 alignments; excellent pass rusher... Alternate Picks: Dion Lewis, RB - Pittsburgh (HT: 5-6⅝ - WT: 193) Alex Henery, K; Ugo Chinasa, DE - Oklahoma St. (HT: 6-5⅛ - WT: 254) Analysis: The NFL is a coin flip. And the playoff loss to Seattle taught the Saints what happens when one side of the coin (Defense) is playing poorly. There is no question this list is Defense, but it is where most value is for the Saints at their current picks. While I'd hate to lose depth, I do believe Arrington needs a chance to play at WR and having Henderson and Moore stunts that growth. Now, I would not move Moore unless Julio Jones fell to the Saints in Round 1. Julio Jones is the only offensive player I'd consider taking late in Round 1 despite good value at OT. The days of taking a RB in Round 1 are over unless it is Barry Sanders reincarnate. But Muhammad improves the team and gives the Saints an All-Pro in the making as an underclassman. Admittedly I'm not very high on Pac 10 players; but the more I see of Mason Foster the more I think Football Player; would like to see the height for this 4-3 LB to be 6-3, but he plays that size. In the third round, we've some options; though I like where we pick in early round three, am still disappointed that was the only value we got for a ProBowl LT in Brown (even if I didn't like Brown). Getting Quinton Carter and someone like Pierre Allen in Round 3 would definitely be salve for the wound of the screwing we took (Redskins/Shanahan double whammy). Rounds 4,5,6 we sit; David Thomas has been an underrated contributor, but when you consider what we invested in TE with Shockey, Thomas, and Graham (and I liked the selection of Graham at the time of the draft) I think it's been a bit much and something the Saints need to review. Round 7 has been good to the Saints when you look at Colston and Arrington (though he needs a chance to play); Should Willie Smith who's rated a R7 pick be there, he'd be a steal; but I suspect some Scouts are not being honest and will have their teams nab him around Round 4.
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

03-30-2011, 09:42 PM	#247
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,720	Originally Posted by jeanpierre Gotta wonder if Kansas City or St. Louis would be interested in a WR for a Round 2 or Round 3 pick selection?!? That would probably have to include Colston. Don't see that happening. I doubt Devery or Lance could get us anything more tha a 4th, assuming a sign/trade deal. But its possible that a WR plus picks could net us Dorsey. That would be cool.

03-24-2011, 01:49 AM	#241
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Man, as much as l like Wilkerson; really warming to the idea of Julio...

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03-29-2011, 09:32 PM	#245
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	NFL Draft Less than a month away...

03-30-2011, 09:36 PM	#246
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Gotta wonder if Kansas City or St. Louis would be interested in a WR for a Round 2 or Round 3 pick selection?!?

03-30-2011, 11:53 PM	#248
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Originally Posted by Danno That would probably have to include Colston. Don't see that happening. I doubt Devery or Lance could get us anything more tha a 4th, assuming a sign/trade deal. But its possible that a WR plus picks could net us Dorsey. That would be cool. Lance is definitely worth a No. 2; though Devery would be more expendable... But Devery's speed could entice a R3 pick...

03-31-2011, 10:32 PM	#249
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Mar. 31, 2011 2:30 p.m. - Who the Saints took #1 in 2009: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S (No. 14 overall). Who they should have taken: Clay Matthews. The Saints are more than pleased with Jenkins' emergence at FS this season, but Matthews is a gamechanger at LB and that's been a position the Saints could use an upgrade. Saints RapidReports

03-31-2011, 10:33 PM	#250
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Mar. 29, 2011 4:07 p.m. - The Saints under Sean Payton haven't drafted a RB high other than Reggie Bush. Though it appears Payton is against taking a RB early, he said that's not the case and that the days of drafting a RB high aren't finished. Saints RapidReports