2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board

[FinSaint]

Originally Posted by Danno

Spoken like most everyone else about this issue.

Well, you know it was as worthy of a response as a debate about this subject deserves.

Everyone knows that a punter is not the most important player on a roster, but just as well, everyone knows that any team would find it hard to win games without having one on their roster.

[jeanpierre]

JP's Mock Draft Saints (updated 02/03/2013)

Saints Trade Back Scenario

01 (Trade)

01 (20-25) Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

02 Goodelled

02 (Trade) David Amerson, CB, NC State

03 David Quessenberry, OT, San Jose State

04 Kwame Geathers, NT, Georgia

05 Ryan Griffin, QB, Tulane

06 Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina

07 Cody Davis, SS, Texas Tech

Geaux

[lee909]

I like that draft.
I consider changing the 5th rounder though.
Seen both of these players as 5th rounders on Drafttek mock

WR Marcus Davis 6`4" 230lb
Virginia Tech
he word “upside” has become cliché in the world of scouting, usually describing a player with exceptional physical attributes but without great production. If any player in the 2013 draft class can be described with that word, it’s Davis. The six-foot-four, 230-pound receiver with a 40-plus inch vertical jump and sub-4.5 speed has shone brightly at times for the Hokies. Now that the Hokies’ top two receivers, Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale, have moved on to the NFL, Davis has his chance to become the playmaker his size and speed measurements predict.

Davis was a quarterback and receiver in high school (while also playing defense), and dipped his feet into both positions in his first year in Blacksburg. He moved from quarterback to receiver in order to make an instant impact, rather than sitting on the bench behind starter Tyrod Taylor. Unfortunately, a right shoulder injury during pre-season practices forced Davis to redshirt the season. He managed only five catches for 125 yards the following year, including an 80-yard touchdown against Boston College. Davis’ role grew a bit in 2010, starting two of the 14 games he played and catching 19 passes for 239 yards and two scores. He took another step forward in 2011, getting the call for eight starts in 14 contests (though he missed significant parts of two games with a sprained right foot), finishing third on the team in receiving (30-510, 5 TD).
Analysis
Strengths
Possesses prototypical size and speed combination to be an outside NFL starter. Smooth runner off the line and turns on a second gear downfield that allows him to separate. His size overwhelms smaller cornerbacks, can fight through their advances and go over the top to take away the jump ball. Uses his body to shield corners on slants. Flashes the footwork to stop and separate on out routes after pushing his man upfield. Good concentration to track the ball over his shoulder on deep balls. Can be a bullish runner after the catch, also capable of spinning away from tackles after a stop route then turn on the jets. Has the size and length to dominate corners in the run game.
Weaknesses
Still learning the position, must take advantage of increased opportunities and experience as a senior and show scouts he can handle the complexity of NFL offenses. Body-catches passes thrown into his frame. Want-to as a blocker is lacking. Does not attack targets or lock onto smaller defenders often enough, will throw a shoulder instead of using his hands. Must consistently run out his routes, even when he knows he’s not the primary target.
NFL Comparison
Marques Colston
Bottom Line
This former quarterback has an elite combination of size and speed, but has only flashed those skills (30 catches, 510 yards, five TD in 2011) so far with the Hokies. Successfully stepping into a starring role with the Hokies in 2012, with the help of junior quarterback Logan Thomas, should shoot Davis up draft boards in a hurry; his senior year and Scouting Combine performances will be the difference between his being a top 50 and mid-round selection.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OG Brian Winters 6`6" 2984b
Kent St.

verview

Winters was an all-state pick in Ohio as a high school senior, and also earned three letters in wrestling. Usually scouts like when offensive linemen have grappling backgrounds, as that sport helps them learn to use their hands to control their opponent. But Winters actually injured his left shoulder during a match his sophomore year, and it became a major problem after popping out of place in the third game of the 2011 season. He played through the pain, however, showing another attribute typically possessed by successful wrestlers -- toughness.



KSU coaches liked what they saw in him as a true freshman, placing him in the starting line-up at right tackle. The rest of the league’s coaches also appreciated his talents early on, voting him third-team all-conference in 2010 as a full-time starter (first eight games at left tackle, last four at right tackle). They pushed him up a notch after his junior year, naming him second-team All-MAC as he again started every game on the blind side. Winters kept that job in 2012 and started all 14 games at left tackle. He finally had something to block for, as Dri Archer broke out as one of the top playmakers in the country. Archer was lighting in a bottle, but Winters set the tone with his thunderous hits.
Analysis
Strengths
Finishing plays is not an issue, steps out to attack his man quickly after the snap, latches on like he’s beginning a wrestling match, and then keeps his legs moving to sustain. Throws smaller ends to the ground if they let up as the whistle blows. Plays with a wide base and the natural flexibility to drop his hips in pass protection, yet has the foot quickness to mirror on the outside and maneuver himself into an inside position while engaged. Fires off the ball in short-yardage situations despite his height, and churns his feet moving to move the pile. Effective combo blocker, as well, as he can seal the tackle and then negate a linebacker using his length and quickness. His frame has the room to grow, and his footwork is strong enough to redirect defenders away from his quarterback or running back if he gets in trouble.
Weaknesses
Occasionally gets pushed off-balance and thrown aside by stronger opponents, and might be susceptible to veterans ripping down because he likes to latch on up top instead of keeping his head up and arms extended. Stops his feet while punching, allowing ends to get the inside lane or turn the corner.
NFL Comparison
Jake Scott
Bottom Line
Winters is a tough finisher at left tackle, garnering plenty of recognition as a long time starter. The former high school wrestler likes to latch on up top, which can cause him leverage problems against better defenders, but he possesses the athleticism to be a late second to early third day pick and a solid NFL starter at guard or tackle in a zone-blocking system.

[lee909]

OG Kyle Long 6`7" 311lb
Oregon


Overview

Long looked to be on the road to professional success as a two-sport high school star in Charlottesville, Va. The son of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long (84 sacks in 13 seasons) and brother of Chris Long, the former No. 2 overall pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2008, had the freakish size and athleticism to excel as an all-state baseball pitcher and first baseman, as well as an offensive and defensive lineman for back-to-back state champions at St. Anne’s-Belfield High School.



The lefty pitcher decided to accept a scholarship to Florida State to play baseball after spurning the advances of the Chicago White Sox, who selected him in the 23rd round of the 2008 draft. He lasted only one semester in Tallahassee, however, failing to make grades and eventually being cited for a DUI charge. After spending time at home to ponder his future, he decided to enroll at Saddleback Junior College for the 2010 season. He played defensive end in his first year there (16 tackles, two for loss, sack) and then moved to the offensive line as a sophomore. He chose Oregon over several other FBS suitors coming out of Saddleback, and started 10 out of 12 games for the Ducks on the offensive line despite his relative lack of experience. Applied for a sixth year of eligibility via a medical redshirt, but was denied. Both Howie and Chris Long have referred to Kyle as the best athlete of the family.
Analysis
Strengths
Looks the part of an NFL lineman. Has nice height and long, thick arms, which he can extend to keep defenders at bay in pass protection (sometimes using one hand to ward off his man while on the move). Can turn smaller tackles out of the hole with his upper body strength. Decent leg strength and very good flexibility for his height, as well, which helps him drop his hips and anchor and explode from his stance. Excellent mobility given his size, has no issues moving behind the line or pulling in front of plays -- hitting multiple targets at times. Solid on combo blocks when maintaining his bend, and also displays the footwork to get the outside angle on run blocks, move well on zone plays, and also sustain while his man is trying to spin out of pass pro blocks. Plays with attitude, backs up his teammates on the field, cleans up piles.
Weaknesses
Still new to the game of football, and his play is still a bit unrefined. Doesn’t always play with the natural bend he possesses. Overextends off the snap at times trying to land his punch, losing his balance and allowing his man to disengage. Similarly, will lunge at linebackers when he reaches the second level. Struggles to keep his hands inside of the defender, and will “catch” his assignment. Seems to second guess himself in space or get partial, glancing blows when blocking on the move instead of driving his man to the ground. Rocky start to his college career at Florida State.
NFL Comparison
Brandon Albert
Bottom Line
The son of Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long and current St. Louis Rams end Chris Long is making his name on the offensive line for the Ducks. The two-sport star in high school enrolled at Florida State to play baseball (he was a 23rd round pick of the White Sox in 2008), but struggles there caused him to regroup at home for a while before attending Saddleback Junior College. Even as a one-and-done contributor for the Ducks on the line, Long’s combination of size and athleticism won’t be ignored by NFL scouts, who will see his great potential as a starting guard or tackle.



Not sure he will last but currently down as a 6th rounder

[jeanpierre]

We've got to start finding Bree's replacement now...

[Danno]

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

We've got to start finding Bree's replacement now...

You're being sarcastic right?

[lee909]

Seems to early for me.
If he sits behind Brees for 3 years and then takes over,we will end up paying big money quickly.These new rookie contracts are pretty good if you can get a starting QB in year 1,max 2.

[jeanpierre]

Aaron Rodgers drafted 2005; became starter 2008...

I think that sets up an excellent example...

[Danno]

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Aaron Rodgers drafted 2005; became starter 2008...

I think that sets up an excellent example...

Rodgers could have played year 2. Not a good example. He only sat because Favre refused to retire.

Newton, Dalton, RG3, Kaepernick, Luck, Wilson, Freeman, Rivers, Ryan, Brady, P. Manning, E. Manning, Roethlisburger, Tanneyhill.

All became successfull starters within one or two years, most in year 1.

Its at least 3 years too early to draft a replacement.

[hagan714]

drew is how old? time to seriously start looking