Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

They did try to re-sign him... we just offered more money. 25 million/5 years for a run stuffer isn't exactly cheap. If you really think about it, it was actually pretty expensive for a guy who's had one good year in the NFL.

Now I can see your contract year angle though. I understand the skepticism. Hopefully with the change in scheme, we'll see the dominant NT the league saw in '11.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

And whats odd is Ngata now plays DE in the Ravens 3-4, not NT.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Oh I didn't know that...my bad I always thought he played NT.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

He has in past years, but like Danno said, he now lines up at the DE position.

But it could be because he has played all season with a leg injury, so that could be why the coaches saw him as more productive in the DE position rather than as the anchor man in the middle?!

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

agree on the leg injury. 34 nt take a beatin in the middle. he is also a big guy with some quick moves. thats why i wonder about hicks doing the same from time to time. who knows that might be his new home if the saints get a couple of true nt to rotate

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

JP's Mock Draft Saints (updated 01/26/2013)

01 Alec Ogletree, LB, UGA
02 Goodelled
03 Bacarri Rambo, FS, UGA
04 Brandon Williams, NT, Missouri Southern
05 David Quessenberry, OT, San Jose State
06 Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
07 Cody Davis, SS, Texas Tech

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Just reading a mock draft for the Saints from a writer on bleacher report(not the greatest site i know),couple of players on the list look interesting though i think he has them a round or so higher than id like to see them picked.
All his write ups

B.W. Webb
How many of you guys knew Corey White before he was drafted last year?

Exactly. This can't be repeated enough, but the Saints love their small-school guys. I am sure that New Orleans' scouting department has single-handedly kept the FCS division and lower in business.

All joking aside, keep your eyes on B.W. Webb out of William and Mary (Darren Sharper's alma mater) whose conference, CAA, is considered the "SEC of lower levels".

His stats aren't going to jump off the page at you, mostly because his side was rarely thrown at, if at all. He has the short stature that Sean Payton loves in a cornerback, and the speed, as well. (He averages around the 4.35/4.40 range in the 40.)

Like White, he is not afraid to get dirty and attack receivers, two big qualities to have in 3-4 corners. Another one is run support, and Webb is an excellent tackler in that regard.

From NFL draft tracker
5`11 180lb

Overview

Webb’s debut for the Tribe was about as successful as one could ever expect; he intercepted three passes, returning one 50 yards for a score, in a surprising 26-14 win at ACC school Virginia in the 2009 season-opener. He was the first player from the Football Championship Subdivision to win the national Bronco Nagurski Defensive Player of the Week award for his play.

In that redshirt freshman season, Webb ranked second in the FCS with eight interceptions, posting three in the Tribe’s semi-final playoff run. He was named the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Freshman of the Year, second-team all-conference at cornerback and third team as a punt returner (245 yards on 30 returns). Even though he had only one interception the following year, along with 42 tackles and five pass break-ups, coaches voted him first-team All-CAA (second team returner with 19-187, TD). And he repeated that honor in 2011 after posting 40 tackles, three for loss, and two more picks.
Analysis
Strengths
Wiry strong corner with a tenacious attitude. Aware zone corner, keeps his eyes in the backfield and reacts quickly to throws in his area. Displays the strong hands for interception, high-pointing passes and winning the tip drill. Has foot quickness to stay with his man after a cut. Stays with receivers down the sideline with good straight-line speed and active hands. Good length to wrap up receivers after the catch on quick screens.
Weaknesses
Average height for the position, and is thin in the hips. Plays a lot of off coverage, will need to prove himself in press against bigger NFL receivers. Also must show scouts he can find the ball in man coverage. Has played most of his games against a lower level of competition.
NFL Comparison
Lardarius Webb
Bottom Line
A star since picking off Virginia three times in the Tribe’s 2009 opening-weekend shocker, Webb has the hands and cover skills (if average size) to be one of the top “small school” prospects in the draft, projecting as at least a reliable nickel back on defense and a regular contributor on special teams – and possibly more, much like recent third round picks from smaller schools Dwight Bentley (Louisiana-Lafayette) and Lardarius Webb (Nicholls State).



Brian Schwenke
Before you start defending Brian de la Puente, tell me one good reason why that man should not at least have competition at his position this upcoming season?

There are none.

He had such an inconsistent 2012; do you think Payton would tolerate that in 2013? Seemingly no, by way that the coach has started off his "second" stint as the Saints' head man.

Brian Schwenke, a Cal bear like De la Puente, pitched a shutout at the Senior Bowl against some top-notch talent and had me scrambling to find film on him.

Yes, his game tape holds up as well as his practices down in Mobile, but truth be told, centers don't get drafted that high, so he could drop a round lower than he should be.

That would be fine by me. Schwenke reminds me a lot of Nick Mangold, the Jets' first rounder in 2006, and he is just as nasty as Mangold finishing off blocks.

He should be a name you look for as a steal on Day 3 of the draft.


Garrett Gilkley LT 6`6 315lb
Round 6



I have come to the conclusion in this draft class that if you don't grab an offensive tackle early on, you might as well try to unearth some gems in Rounds 6 and beyond.

That is what this kid, Garrett Gilkey, could be.

Like Schwenke, he held his own down in Mobile and then some. He is from Chadron State and was repeatedly beating players from big schools like Florida State. Gilkey had so many pancakes down in Mobile that Orlando Pace teared up with pride.

Oh, did I mention that Gilkey is a monster of a man? He's 6' 6" and 315 pounds, and has the frame to add about 15-to-20 more pounds and still produce at a high level.

In the NFL, he would be more of a right tackle, but that is okay because the Saints have another young guy on the team, Marcel Jones, who would be perfect for the left side, whenever he is asked to do so.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

IMO Webb looks nothing like White did. Not really seeing what the hype is about especially considering the talent they play. I also learned he should not return kicks. JMO

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Senior Bowl 3PM CST on NFLN

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Anybody going to the game? Anybody in Mobile?

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

1. Barkevious Mingo OLB/DE, LSU or Dion Jordan OLB/DE, Oregon
2. Sucks
3. Arthur Brown ILB, Kansas State
4. Will Davis CB, Utah State
5. David Quessenberry OT, San Jose State (could be the steal of the draft)
6. Zeke Motta SS, Notre Dame
7. Dustin Hopkins K, Florida State

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

I have to say... there's a lot of quality serviceable tackles in this draft that could be had in the mid rounds.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Which is why I wouldn't mind trading down, IF that difference maker isn't there at 15.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Interesting second rounder here ... LOL

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

This is a good year to draft mid round in the first, because there's no clear cut top ten, but a deep first round group though...

We just can't keep flubbing the first and second round picks...

Payton's gotta have something to work with...

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

i guess Ezekiel Ansah just played his way into the top 15 for sure. I still am sticking with my two picks because he might be gone


they did not look bad at all. but 34? probably not. speed could save them

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Dion Jordan would be a nice pick since he could potentially play OLB right out of the gates and with time bulk up to that frame and move to DE, since he really doesn't have the mass to be an effective 3-4 DE at the moment.

The thing that concerns me about Alex Okafor is that according to the scouting reports I've read about him, his best weapon seems to be his speed and especially his initial first step, but he doesn't have the coverage skills to be an 3-4 OLB. And on the other hand, he doesn't have the size nor strength to give the push from a "hand-on-the-ground" position, which would make him ineffective as a 3-4 DE. Now, these are all assumptions I'm making simply based on the reports I've read, and most of them do state that these shortcoming can be fixed with time and coaching, but the Saints need the 1st round pick to be an immediate impact player - whatever his position will be - and therefore I wouldn't want them to pick a player who needs time in order to be that. Also he has fairly short arms, which could be a problem especially at the 3-4 DE position where long arms are a must.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

I'm not doubting the player mingo is but there's one thing that concerns me about him, his size

He looks way too skinny to be even an average DE or OLB at the next level, I'd go with ansah or Dion Jordan before mingo

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Mingo could probably be a 3-4 OLB, he might need to add a few pounds of muscle though... No way does he have the size to be a 3-4 DE though...

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Mingo has been playing between 240-250 lbs the majority of his tenure at LSU. That's plenty big enough for an OLB. He also played some safety his senior year in high school, so he adds an extra dimension with his ability to drop back on certain plays.

If we're looking for a high BOOM player, Mingo or Ansah fits the bill. Both of their upside are tremendous. Mingo is rated higher and comes with less risk... both are still raw around the edges though.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Dion Jordan also has that ability to drop back, which is why I thought that he could probably start as an OLB, and then as he bulks up and learns the game, he could move to DE.

Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

I haven't seen a mock draft yet where Mingo actually fell to us...

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Bucky Brooks new mock has Star Lotulelli going to the Panthers.If that was happening would you try and deal with the Buccs to move up and snatch him?

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Me personally, no

Only because he's a 4-3 DT, remember all we've done the past few years is draft players and move them to different positions, hasn't worked out well at all

Or like danno says so often, Square peg needs a Square Hole

I'd only draft players that we know can come into our system and make an impact straight away, not have to learn a whole different type of D

Star Lotulelei

Position:DTSchool:Utah
Height:6' 4"Weight:320 lbs
Class:Senior40 time:unk
All-Star Game:NoneTeam Captain:No
Overall Rank:5Position Rank:1
Draft Projection:



Initial Thoughts

Jimmy O’Brien: Lotulelei could have declared for the 2012 draft, and would likely have battled Dontari Poe to be the first nose tackle selected. Unlike Poe, who possesses rare movement skills for a player of his size, with the flexibility to play anywhere in the defensive front, Lotulelei is more a classic 3-4 space eating nose tackle, with the strength to anchor at the point of attack, and the power to absorb doubleteams. Make no mistake, Lotulelei also displays impressive short area burst and quickness, with the capability to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage, but he’s more a true blocker-eater inside, employing sound leverage and a strong lower core to keep defenders clean behind him. Limited pass rush ability (no speed rush), and he struggles to tackle outside his frame. Versatile enough to play one technique in a 4-3 undershifted front, but most natural fit is as a two gap zero technique, or nose shade, in position where he can control the flow of traffic around the ball. Will be attractive to NFL teams running multiple or hybrid schemes, and should push to be a top 10 pick come April.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Ahh right i understand

drafttek only had him listed as a 4-3

if he can play both then why not, if they think hes worth the pick

I'd rather address OLB and DE first though

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Fair enough...but, I'm not buying that he falls...

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Justin Smith: 49ers “loaded” with “ridiculous” talent | ProFootballTalk

This is why I'm in the minority and am critical of Mickey Loomis; and if he's not a personnel guy and just a salary cap man, then why doesn't he get someone who's better and who does a better job with the first round picks?!?

You've got to make those first rounders count, and the Saints haven't and that's why I am even more amazed at the job that Coach Payton has done...

The scouting department needs to be held accountable.Has there been many changes in personnel or are they living on the backs of the good mid round picks of a few years back?.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

We haven't done badly with 1st rounders under Payton/Loomis, we just haven't hit on many 'elite" players

Jordan (looks great so far)
Ingram (solid for a late round 1st)
Robinson (32nd pick, jury still out)
Jenkins (jury still out, but hope is fading)
Ellis (not a bust, but underperforming)
Meachem (meh, average player)
Bush (certainly not a bust by any standard)

We don't have a bust anywhere on that list. A few under-performers but no Sullivans.

I'm sure we're better off than most teams 1st round picks.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

i have to agree with most of what your saying here but the under rated thing with him is strength. the more you read on him the more people do not agree on his skill set. he is one of the harder players to do research on the web in this year draft. OLB skill sets do worry me the more i watch tape of him. not so much shallow routs as the intermediate route. 10 - 20 yards he would be asked to cover. but i am sold on his skill set as a rusher at DE. moving him inbetween the tackle and guard could be an issue, quickness only solves so much. so now i am on the fence with him

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

ok i had repost this here

Cam and Short as DE with hicks rotating in at DE and NT

the reason is i am having dreams of Short and Hicks playing DE for us. either way i think we will need to depth to 34 DE position. have Hicks slide to NT on passing downs?

i am wondering how good Cam could be as olb? not sure how much i am kidding here.

ok nt is still an issue and i look to the early mid rounds of the draft to address it.

Brandon Williams, NT, Missouri Southern - saints would have do some moves to land him after the senior bowl performance. oh my god am i falling for hype here or what? i would not spend anything higher than a 4th here i think. 3rd? might be too high, then again i said that about Hicks last year and so far i am eating crow with a smile on my face

but to pass on my boy Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington who should go in round 1 now would be hard to do. trade down a bit, take him and get a pick would be sweet. i always thought the second round rating he got was tooo freaking low.

ok i need coffee some talk sense to me here

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

IDK, the thing that bothers me about Williams is that he is "only" 6-2, but then again Vince Wilfork is "only" 6-1 and one of the most effective NTs in the modern day of NFL.

Still, I would like them to get a big - like 6-5 - space-eater to be their NT and not another Bunkley with just more mass on him.

But then again, I didn't see the Senior Bowl performance you were referring to, so you probably have a much better understanding of what he might bring to the table.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Jessie Williams, AL?

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

2-down DT at Alabama and it looked like he sure got tired easily.

Probably a good rotational DT.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

How about William Ghoston in the 3rd round? At 6'7" 275lbs. DE opposite Jordan

I like Dion Jordan in the first; 6'7" 240+lbs. for OLB

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Nose Tackle? Pass Rush would be your DE and OLBs...

He couldn't anchor point of attack?

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

Lots of DT's play 3-downs. Jessie ain't one of 'em.

Could just be by design in Saban's system though.

He'd probably be fine in a rotation though.

Re: 2013 NFL Draft - Saints Big Board
 

I would like us taking either Montgomery or Mingo