Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

(Mike Triplett)

The New Orleans Saints have overhauled their secondary more than any other position group over the past two years, adding free agents Jairus Byrd, Keenan Lewis and Champ Bailey and first-round draft pick Kenny Vaccaro.

But don't think for a second that the Saints will ignore those positions in the draft -- especially if they get a crack at a top prospect such as Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert or Louisville safety Calvin Pryor.

Both of those top draft prospects are visiting New Orleans this week. Pryor was in town Monday, according to multiple reports. And Gilbert flew to New Orleans on Monday night, according to his own Twitter feed.
Cornerback seems like a bigger need for the Saints right now. A rookie such as Gilbert could battle Bailey and others for a starting job immediately. The Saints are more loaded at safety with Byrd and Vaccaro locked up long-term and Rafael Bush recently re-signing a two-year deal.

But the Saints have always proven in the past that they firmly believe in the best-available-player principle in the draft (aside from a handful of positions they really don't need). They demonstrated that again last year, when safety didn't appear to be one of their most glaring needs before they took Vaccaro.

And if anyone can figure out how to plug in a great athlete somewhere, it's creative defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

The bigger problem with both Gilbert and Pryor is that virtually zero analysts believe there's a chance they could fall to the Saints at No. 27. New Orleans would probably have to trade up to snag one of them.

Gilbert (6-foot, 202 pounds) is especially enticing. He's a sensational athlete who posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of any cornerback at the NFL scouting combine (4.37 seconds) and also served as a standout kickoff returner in college. He returned a total of six kickoffs for touchdowns in college.

Gilbert intercepted seven passes last year for Oklahoma State and returned two of those for touchdowns, as well. However, opinions are a bit mixed on just how high he might go. Some have projected him as a possible top-10 pick, though ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay is admittedly lower on him than most, ranking him 24th overall.

McShay cites Gilbert's inconsistent production and focus. He had a breakout year as a sophomore in 2011 with five interceptions, then had zero as a junior before his terrific senior season.

Perhaps his inconsistency makes Gilbert a risky investment as a top-10 pick. But he sure seems like he'd be a home run for the Saints if he slips into their reach.

Pryor, meanwhile, also seems to be a home run prospect. He's certainly a power hitter.

The 5-11, 207-pounder is known as a big hitter and standout run supporter as an in-the-box safety. He's also athletic enough to hold his own in coverage.

Pryor had seven interceptions and nine forced fumbles in his three-year college career, and he ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds. He is battling Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to become the first safety drafted.

Rice still in play: The Saints are still among the teams in play for free-agent receiver Sidney Rice, according to a league source. The Saints showed interest in Rice earlier this offseason. And he is now cleared to resume football activities after recovering from a torn ACL, according to Pro Football Talk. PFT, which said Rice might sign somewhere soon, also listed the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers among teams interested in Rice.

Rice, 27, was a dynamic receiver early in his career with the Minnesota Vikings, with a Pro Bowl season in 2009 (1,312 yards, eight touchdowns). But he has battled a series of injuries during the past four years with both the Seahawks (2011-2013) and Vikings (2007-2010).

The 6-foot-4, 202-pounder suffered the torn ACL midway through last season and finished with just 15 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns in eight games played. In 2012, Rice had 50 catches for 748 yards and seven touchdowns in a full season with the Seahawks.

Herron's draft diary: Another player who made a pre-draft visit to New Orleans recently was Wyoming receiver Robert Herron, a projected mid-round pick. Herron shared a few details from the trip, plus his thoughts on how excited he'd be to join the Saints in a draft diary he's writing for USA Today.

Saints show interest in Justin Gilbert, Calvin Pryor and Sidney Rice - ESPN

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Waiting for the draft is taking forever! Cmon!

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

I can understand Gilbert (duh!), and Rice, but Pryor?

With Vaccaro and Byrd set for the next several years, I don't see how Pryor fits, especially considering the players that should be available when we pick. I know we run a lot of 3-safety sets but I can't see Pryor in lieu of what will probably be a comparable BPA at WR, ILB, OLB, DE, DT or CB.

Due diligence? Smokescreen?

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Had we not matched Bush offer sheet id be delighted with Pryor makes no sense now unless they are hoping to bring in a trade offer if he falls to us.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Best player available. And the Saints do like to play 3-player Safety sets. Vaccaro, Pryor, Bush and Byrd. That's quite a rotation for the Byrd Bath defense.

Rice should be an incentive contract to see if he makes it through training camp.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Really worried about a offer for Rice. He has everything you wont but multiple concussion and many muscular injuries is a massive worry.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Sure if they fall to us BPA...

You really don't know whats going to happen Draft Day until it happens.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

I was thinking the same way back when we had Ricky Williams and drafted Deuce but that turned out to be a pretty smart move.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

I think thats apples and oranges. The difference being Deuce was clearly the BPA at that time, and they kinda knew Ricky was a headcase.

I don't see Pryor being that much of a BPA than what will likely be there at 27.

But who knows, maybe the Saints have him as a top 10 player on their board.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Bush cover skills are unknown, he is a hard hitter. Pryors skill set is more well rounded than Bush, maybe Atlanta gives up a pick for Bush and we get Pryor.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

PFF graded out Bush's coverage skills the highest of the Saints safeties last season and 17th among 171 safeties in the NFL.

He's also a hard hitter.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

I don't really start studying the draft until about a week ago, but from what I see so far I'd rather have...

CB-Gilbert
CB-Dennard
CB-Fuller
LB-Mosley
LB-Ford
LB-Shazier (but kinda iffy over Pryor)
DT-Nix
WR-Cooks
WR-OBJ

All of the above have just as much potential to fall as Pryor does. One of those guys will be there. I'd prefer all of them to Pryor.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Maybe their just trying to yank Atlanta's chain. You know how badly they need a safety and I'm sure they'd love to have Pryor.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

They also had in CB Colvin from Ok. I have seen him going from the 4th to the 6th rd

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

When is the draft, or Draft day that is.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Unless the sky falls or the saint pull a ditka none will be there when we pick

Besides i still like Deone Bucannon better than Calvin Pryor anyways.

saints annual smoke screen pre draft visits

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

My thought is a little on the wild side. What if you aren't bringing Ball in to play safety. The safeties as we look at it would be Vaccaro, Bush, Bryd, and Ball. If they are thinking Ball is gonna play special teams and Linebacker as he did in Canada then the thinking of getting a falling Calvin Pryor makes perfect sense. Also with more of the three safety looks you would be looking at pryor as a safety who held his own as a cb/safety hybrid player <<< again just my hypothetical on what they would be thinking inviting Pryor. Also Vaccaro didn't finish the season, another insurance policy making your safety combinations dangerous regardless of which ones are on the field.

If Gilbert drops there is no way you can pass up his multiple threats both as a corner and as a kick returner. I'm not in the mindset of reaching. but if he falls into I think you would be crazy to let him fall past us.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Rice? odds are he will be in the tub come playoffs so unless he is cheap i say pass

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

+1. Where has all the buzz gone with Deonne as of late? I haven't heard the likes of Mayock, McShay etc call his name. This guy seems to have the potential of becoming a serious ball hawk at the NFL level.

I too would take Buchanon over Pryor.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

From my ESPN insider:

1. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State

Dennard lacks the elite speed of some other cornerbacks, but he is the most complete guy at the position in terms of his skill set. I love his physicality and experience (three-year starter at MSU), and he got his hands on 20 passes, including 10 interceptions, in his career. Most importantly, he played against big-time competition in the Big Ten. He's not a 4.4-40 guy (4.51 at the combine), but he's got enough speed to stay with receivers, and I really like how he presses. He plays the run well and can recognize pattern combinations. He's going to be a solid player and has good size (5-foot-11, 199 pounds), although his injury history is a little bit of a concern.

2. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

Gilbert has a ton of natural ability, and there isn't a lot separating him from being No. 1 on this list. He's got range and is a factor in the return game (six career return TDs), and I love his length (33 1/8-inch arms) and speed (4.37 40-yard dash). Most importantly, he's a natural athlete and displays excellent hip flexion and acceleration. My biggest issue with him is his tackling. He doesn't wrap up well and misses a lot of tackles as a result. Like other players with a ton of natural ability, he can also be lax with his technique. He's better in off coverage than press, but he does have the speed to recover if he gets beaten.

3. Bradley Roby, Ohio State

Roby is probably the cornerback with the most natural ability in this class. He's got great quick-twitch ability and long speed (4.39 40) and OK ball skills (36 passes defensed in his career, but only eight INTs). Watching him on tape, I like his form tackling; he's not afraid to get up near the line of scrimmage and play the run. He's a versatile corner who can succeed in both man and off coverage. Roby definitely needs to work on his focus and technique, but if he does, he could end up moving up this list when we look back in a couple of years.


If TCU's Jason Verrett were a few inches taller, he might be on top of this list.

4. Jason Verrett, TCU

The knock on Verrett is that he's a bit undersized (5-9, 189), but I like this kid's toughness. If he were a couple of inches taller, he'd likely be in the discussion for the No. 1 spot on this list. Right now, I think he's a perfect fit in the slot, because he has the flexibility and foot quickness to keep up with receivers such as Percy Harvin, but also the strength to match up against an Anquan Boldin. Verrett is also very athletic, as displayed by a 39-inch vertical leap, 128-inch broad jump and 6.69-second three-cone drill at the combine. He's better in off-man than bump coverage and has good ball skills. He also has great discipline, which is key for a slot corner, and is very good -- and willing -- in run support.

5. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State

Joyner is a tough player with really good closing speed and vision. Undersized at 5-8, 184, he should be strictly a nickel corner. The bigger question is going to be: Can he hold up against the run? He's a very competitive CB with good vision and instincts but is better against quicker receivers than seam-stretching tight ends. I love the fact that he showed up big in big-time games and was a galvanizing force for that FSU defense on its run to a national championship.

Honorable mention

Pierre Desir, Lindenwood

The inaugural Cliff Harris Award winner (best small-school defensive player), I think Desir has the potential to be a real steal in the middle rounds. With 25 interceptions in his college career and 52 passes defensed, he clearly has terrific ball skills. The level of competition he faced is a concern, along with the fact that he mostly played off coverage and let his athleticism dominate. But he has size (6-1, 198), and you simply can't teach his ability to take the ball away. One opposing coach I spoke with couldn't stop singing Desir's praises and reassured me that Desir could handle the jump in competition level. Desir could be a real difference-maker from late Day 2 or early Day 3 of the draft.

Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Nebraska

A converted wideout, Jean-Baptiste has the length (6-3, 32 3/8-inch arms) and athleticism that you look for in a corner for today's NFL. He lacks long speed (4.61 40) but can compensate for that with that length. He's still new to the position, so he'll need a little while to learn the concepts and angles. I think he can be a successful press corner on the outside but has the potential to move inside as well.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Rice signs with Seahawks again. Big dummy.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Is he on IR yet?

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

I love the part where this writer says "safety didn't appear to be one of their most glaring needs before they took Vaccaro".

Really? I remember that being one of the ABSOLUTE MOST glaring needs, and many people predicted the Saints would draft Vaccaro. I hate ignorant statements like that.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

I'll take any one of those guys in a heart beat......:bng:
All of them could be considered a position of need and BPA.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

It was a need, but I wouldn't say it was even close to "ABSOLUTE MOST" glaring need. Switching to the 3-4 most thought the OLB position was a bigger need than a safety. Many were not sold on Galette.

Also IIRC, the majority wanted Jarvis Jones, but I damn sure didn't.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

That was me, I also wanted Okafor when he slipped to later rounds.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

I said ONE OF the most glaring needs. Though I think a case could easily be made that it was the biggest need. I felt like we had good athletes at linebacker who needed to be in a 3-4, and had high hopes that they would succeed, and it's apparent the Saints thought so, too.

I did, however, want Jarvis Jones. I was fine with Vaccaro, but Jones was my first choice due to his being an utterly dominant pass rusher in college. He didn't do anything last year, that I noticed, but he should still turn out to be a good one.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Having watched a lot of UT games, initially I thought KV was a poor pick and Jarvis would have been the right one. It appears that both players will have promising futures on their respective teams/systems.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

No Kyle Fuller is a joke.

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

I was not impressed with Roby in the games I watched when Ohio State actually played against a formidable opponent. With that being said i'd be happy with any of those CBs but him...

Re: Saints show interest in Gilbert, Pryor, Rice
 

Agreed. tOSU's pass defense last year was a joke. Roby was burned a lot. The more I'm hearing about Verrett and Desir, the more they're becoming my top two choices for CB.