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Has anyone seen any announcements regarding visits by prospects to the Saints Training Facility?
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Besides visiting some prospects at the Senior Bowl, I haven't seen anything about certain prospects visiting. I think most are getting prepared for those Bowl games and for the combine.
My favorite linebacker in this year's draft. NFLDraft101.com: Nate Irving (North Carolina State) NFL Draft Scouting Report If it weren't for those unfortunate injuries, he'd already be in the NFL. Excellent tackler, punishing, and around the ball. If he can shake his injury bug, he's going to be a really good player. |
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Before the car accident in '09; he had 4 interceptions in '08 which jumps out at you as he is a linebacker... If we could somehow pick him up as a mid fourth round pick, he'd be good value there; but with pressing needs at RB, SS, DE, DT he'd definitely be a luxury as an add'l MLB with Vilma locked up to 2013... This CBA crap and FA is gonna really shape this year's draft; you'll probably see need have more influence in the decision making this season because of the CBA issues... But I agree that he's an intriguing pick... |
I've watched him play since he was a freshman and never once has the thought of him having poor tackling technique come across my mind.
If anything, he's an excellent tackler. I haven't read or seen anything that even remotely suggest otherwise. Oh and he can play both inside and out. You did read his profile right? A few sleepers to watch for though is Nate Irving out of NC State, a thumper with great technique who can wrap up on tackles. Draft Q&A with DraftCountdown.com | Dynasty League Football NATE IRVING – LB – NORTH CAROLINA STATE: Irving was another linebacker who performed well in drills and showed very good understanding in coverage and against the run. He finds the right lane and breaks plays up before they start. Irving’s story is also intriguing because of the horrific car accident that he survived last year. He is another every-down type of ‘backer due to his smarts and natural instincts to find the ball. On Location: Senior Bowl South Recap | Day 2 | NFL Insider - Insider info LB 56 Nate Irving (6’1, 235 lbs.) In his first season back after last year's car accident, Irving showed off the kind of play recognition skills that helped to earn him the Predator nickname. He’s very smooth in the way he flows to the ball, showing off smooth transition to plant-n-drive and react to plays in front of him. The one thing that really stood out to me was how he worked in pass coverage. When he would drop into his zone, he would not just sit there and read the QB’s eyes, he would identify people as they entered his zone and shadow them as they passed through, never committing himself too much to where he would leave a gaping hole. Irving showed solid tackling technique all night long and seemed to always be around the ball. DraftNasty.com :: 'Matt's Mitt': UCF vs NC State In-Game Scouting Report 9-11-10 Just to show I'm not being bias... I did find one person that shares your opinion. North Carolina State Nate Irving – Linebacker: While he is a touch shorter than is ideal for an interior linebacker and his judgment will come into question following his involvement in a car accident that cost him the entire 2009 season, Irving still has enough skills and upside to get a good deal of attention in the upcoming draft. He has shown great awareness and toughness in the run game and good ability to drop into coverage in the passing game. Perhaps his best asset is his willingness to take on blockers and be disruptive. That being said, he also has inconsistent tackling technique and somewhat limited athleticism. Since physical gifts are often more valued by NFL teams than leadership and experience, this will drop him from being a potential 2nd or 3rd round pick to a 4th or 5th rounder. 4th and Goal: Champs Sports Bowl and Insight Bowl Previews - Blogs |
Nate Irving 2011 NFL Draft Profile - ESPN
Tackling 3 Shows good initial pop. Can deliver a blow if he times out the hit. But gets away with below-average technique and needs to improve in this area. Does not always wrap up. Has a tendency to arm tackle or approach too high. Also is inconsistent in space. Will struggle to redirect if he takes a poor angle. See too many times on tape where he gets into the backfield and disrupts but is not able to break down and make the tackle. |
Scouting reports... a battle of contradictions. I've read a few more pieces stating he sometimes take bad angles and lack athleticism. I also read quite a few contradicting that... some of which is posted up top.
The further we get into the season, the more NC State ILB Nate Irving is looking more and more like the guy we saw in 2008. He’s always possessed good instincts and read and react ability inside, but he seems to have his first step back in order to quickly attack downhill and close on the ball carrier. Plus, he’s always been a secure wrap-up tackler and if he can check out medically, he looks like a guy who could come in and make a contribution early in his NFL career at any of the 4-3 linebacker spots. Here's the full article : Scout LB Nate Irving: No. 56 (6-1, 235) A physical, wrap-up tackler who possesses impressive lower body strength with the ability to drive his legs through contact. Exhibits a good first step but displays only average straight-line speed in pursuit. However, he reads and reacts quickly to the play and is consistently getting good jumps on the football. Does a great job playing with leverage when taking on linemen in the hole and holding his ground at the point of attack. Is consistently working his way toward the play, even through contact, and uses his hands well to stack shed when needed. Also, plays the piano well down the line and keeps himself clean when shuffling his way through traffic A Look at the Wolfpack Nate Irving missed the past season due to a horrific car accident which he was lucky to survive. He is back this year and doesn't look like he has missed a beat. He dominated Georgia Tech with 16 tackles and 2 sacks. Irving has decent size and really good speed. He makes plays sideline to sideline but he is also very physical at the point of attack. He has good instincts and does a decent job sifting through traffic, although at times he will get caught running around blocks because he trusts his speed so much. He is a sure tackler and is always around the ball. If he keeps playing the way he has been playing he could push his way up into the discussion of being a potential first round pick. Draft Bulletin Irving is an absolute tackling machine. He’s had his fair share of double digit tackling games, and has the athletic ability to excel in coverage. He has great fundamentals and plays smart football, and has become an above average pass rusher as a senior 2011 NFL Draft Rankings | Outside Linebackers | I guess we'll see once he makes it to pros how poor his technique really is. I stand by what I say and what I've seen... Nate Irving is an excellent tackler. |
NC State LB Nate Irving and Boston College LB Mark Herzlich are two really inspiring stories regarding overcoming challenges...
While there'll be concerns regarding long-term health issues for these guys affecting their draft status, their stories of overcoming adversity should also serve them well... |
Candidates for R3 picks:
Quinton Carter S - Oklahoma (HT: 6-0⅝ - WT: 211lbs)***** Bruce Carter OLB - North Carolina (HT: 6-3 - WT: 225lbs)**** Mark Herzlich OLB - Boston College (HT: 6-3⅝ - WT: 250lbs)*** Pierre Allen - Nebraska (HT: 6-3⅞ - WT: 273lbs)**** Jeremy Beal DE/OLB - Oklahoma (HT: 6-2⅜ - WT: 268lbs)** Jarvis Jenkins DT - Clemson (HT: 6-3 - WT: 305lbs) **** Lawrence Guy DT - Arizona St. (HT: 6-5 - WT: 300lbs) **** Kendall Hunter RB/KR - Oklahoma St. (HT: 5-6 - WT: 195lbs)** Joseph Barksdale OT - LSU (HT: 6-5 - WT: 336lbs)** James Carpenter OT - Alabama (HT: 6-4ľ - WT: 313lbs)*** |
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#1: Pass rush specialist
DT RB S OT WR |
Was looking at the R3 pick we got for Jammal Brown in the F***ing we took from the 'skins...
We gave 2005 R1 and 2006 R3 picks to move up three spots in the 2005 draft. Brown is now a Redskin...so essentially we gave up our 2005 R1.16, 2006 R3.66 for a 2011 R3.10 pick...W-T-F?!? What else did we give up? Not that I don't love Drew Brees, but Aaron Rodgers went to the Packers R1.24...d'uoh! We better damn well get some value back... |
Apparently per Nola.com the Saints interviewed Pernell McPhee DE MS State
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Pernell McPhee, Miss. State | NOLA.com |
Also Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan had an article as well; he's another savvy Boilermaker as he's not tipping his hand...
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue | NOLA.com |
From Nola.com
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Pierre Allen, Nebraska ...Unlikely as a first-round pick, given his relative inexperience at the DE position. Had 3 1/2 sacks and a conference-best 13 quarterback hurries last season in the Big XII. "I've talked to just about everybody," he said, including the Saints... |
Mel Kiper says...
New Orleans Saints Record: 11-5 1/24 *Justin Houston, DE, Georgia An outside linebacker to some, I see Houston developing into a great edge-rusher as a 4-3 defensive end. The Saints need help at that spot and Houston is a guy who could pay big dividends into the second half of his rookie season as he grows into the role. With great length, quickness and pass-rushing instincts, he'll help the Saints get to opposing QBs without being forced to rely on the blitz. |
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Kinda small but could probably still grow some, and still needs work, but a good prospect. Kinda sounds a lot like Junior Galette. |
Was reading ESPN and saw this guy's draft stock is rising. JT Thomas from West Virginia... could be a nice Shanle replacement:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/notebook?page=draftbuzz0204 Up: West Virginia LB J.T Thomas -- He's coming off a good week of practice at the Texas vs. Nation All-Star Game, where Thomas showed natural instincts, easy lateral movement and good athleticism and range. He finds the ball quickly and is a solid open-field tackler and can contribute on third down with his ability to cover underneath zones and match up with backs and tight ends in man coverage. He lacks ideal size and can get engulfed at the point of attack at times, but Thomas looks like a good fit at weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, where he could be protected and allowed to run to the ball. Overall, Thomas has moved himself from a fringe pick to a mid-round possibility. |
Problem is...Right Now...we have no picks in R's4-5-6...
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Well the new mocks now that the draft order has been determined by Green Bay should be coming out soon...
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Fox Post-Super Bowl Mock Draft
24. New Orleans Saints (11-5), Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois: Liuget — another relative unknown at the moment — should climb into the first round by April. A 6-3, 310-pound three-technique defensive lineman who had a nice year for the Illini, Liuget could add some much needed depth to Gregg Williams’ defensive line. The Saints' pass rushers didn’t apply the same pressure on opposing offenses last season as they did the year before. Liuget can stop the run and rack up a few sacks, had an outstanding showing in the Texas Bowl and would make a nice fit in New Orleans. 56. New Orleans Saints: Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois Source: Post-Super Bowl NFL mock draft - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN |
Two Illini? Too many.
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Speaking on ESPN Thursday afternoon, analyst Trent Dilfer called Auburn QB Cam Newton's Thursday media day workout "one of the most phenomenal personal workouts I've ever seen."
"If scouts saw this they'd have been slobbering," added Dilfer, who called Newton a "dynamic athlete" and "incredibly impressive." Dilfer praised Newton's refinement, accuracy, and arm strength while proclaiming the "sky is the limit." Newton's measurables have never been in question, so it's hardly surprising that he excelled in a controlled environment. It is a positive sign, though, that the tutoring on his footwork and acclimation to working under center have paid off. It now seems likely that a team with a top-five selection will fall in love Newton, but his character concerns and football acumen will still be scrutinized over the next two months. Source: Bruce Feldman on Twitter 2/10/2011 1:55:00 PM Prior to his workout, 6 teams already stated he is the top quarterback in the draft... only Miami went on record. |
I could see Miami taking Newton if he's there, Henne sucks and they started the wildcat fad
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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... R2/56 Ryan Williams, RB - Virginia Tech (HT: 5-10⅝ - WT: 209) Only a two year player, very fast with a good vertical leap; has an extra gear; great frame to build; lacks pass protection experience; numbers down sophomore campaign due to hamstring... R3/72 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... R3/88 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 help 'em stay 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 ... R7/215 Alex Henery, K - Nebraska (HT: 6-2 - WT: 180) Freshman - 8/8; Sophmore - 18/21; Junior - 24/28; Senior - 18/19; his Senior year missed only one FGA and it was 50+ yds; missed one PAT in four years; have to wonder if he'll make it to the Saints in R7... |
We definitely need a new big or two. Outside LB is a revolving door in my opinion. It seems like we either can't get the production we need there, or the guys that seem like they can do it get hurt. Our DBs were made to look even worse because of the unnecessary tackles they were having to make because of our weak tackling from the front seven. I'd say we'll be ok at RB, that's not a huge concern of mine. Definitely a D-lineman or an OLB. I personally feel it's far too early to see any reasonable possibilities on who we can/may/should get though.
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from ProFootballTalk
Mayock on Newton: “I really didn’t need to see the workout” Posted by Evan Silva on February 10, 2011, 8:31 PM EST Mike Mayock Pic Mike Mayock is the NFL Network’s featured draft analyst, but he was not in attendance for Thursday’s Cam Newton “Media Day.” NFLN sent Bucky Brooks instead. So why wasn’t Mayock in San Diego? “I really didn’t need to see the workout, nor do I need to hear about the workout. … I’ve watched five of (Newton’s) game tapes,” Mayock explained. “He’s got a classic overhand delivery, he’s got a big arm. You and I in gym shorts at the local high school can throw pretty accurately, so I would guarantee you (Newton) would look great in a pair of gym shorts. “…But I would also (offer) one cautionary note, and that is the best Pro Day for a quarterback I ever attended was JaMarcus Russell. That same day, even though I admitted it was the best Pro Day I ever saw, I also said I wouldn’t take (Russell) in the first round.” ESPN’s Trent Dilfer, of course, was at Newton’s Media Day, and came away saying the workout could push the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner’s stock into the top-five picks. Mayock disagrees. “To me, there are two issues with this kid,” said Mayock. “Issue number one is he came out of a shotgun (offense), and if you watch the tape it’s basically a very simple offense. … And secondly, most importantly, when you get to a certain skill level in the NFL, which this kid certainly has, at the quarterback position, what kind of kid is he? “Is he going to be the first guy in the building? Is he a gym rat? Is he football smart?” All day long, ESPN watchers were showered in Dilfer’s praise of Newton Media Day. Mayock, meanwhile, is sticking by his guns. Just as he did on January 25, Mayock has Newton ranked third among draft-eligible quarterbacks in his latest rankings, which were updated Thursday afternoon. |
Saints just waived PJ Hill
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Myself... I like Gabbert the best. Big big fan.
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This looks like the year of the Defensive End/OLB...
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Kind of scary but Kiper and McShay have us taking Justin Houston OLB/DE, UGA in each of their mock drafts; scary that those two agree...
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If the Saints do sign someone like Rodgers or improve the defensive tackle spot, even if for depth/rotation purposes to keep those big bodies fresh through 4+ quarters, they could still draft Muhammad Wilkerson, true value at their slot, and use him at defensive end and have options to draft, rotate, blitzpackage for the next couple of years...
But with as many FA we have and the uncertainty of the CBA, the draft could geaux all over the place; regardless the Saints should move within the draft and focus on line help/depth and running backs... |
JP's Saints Projections (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... R2/56 Ryan Williams, RB - Virginia Tech (HT: 5-10⅝ - WT: 209) Only a two year player, very fast with a good vertical leap; has an extra gear; great frame to build; lacks pass protection experience; numbers down sophomore campaign due to hamstring... R3/72 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... R3/88 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 help 'em stay 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 ... R7/215 Alex Henery, K - Nebraska (HT: 6-2 - WT: 180) Freshman - 8/8; Sophmore - 18/21; Junior - 24/28; Senior - 18/19; his Senior year missed only one FGA and it was 50+ yds; missed one PAT in four years; have to wonder if he'll make it to the Saints in R7... Anybody started their wish list? |
For those discussing trading Devery or other for draft picks...
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