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Could be a GEM if he can stay healthy.

hagan714

never returned to form last year after the knee injury

Rugby Saint II

True Dat but he's had another year to build strength in his knee. I'm pulling for him........just like every other Saint.

Ashley

His Highlight films are amazing. But then comes his downfall. Staying on the field

brees84

2014 NFL Draft: 10 players teams will regret passing on - NFL.com

Ronald Powell, LB, Florida

Drafted: Saints, 169th overall (5th round)
Analysis: Injuries are a big factor with Powell, but when he was healthy at Florida he showed he can be an impact player on defense. His flexibility in playing either end or outside linebacker is a plus, and he is one of the more athletic players you'll find for his size. A former No. 1 recruit, he still needs some time to develop since he doesn't have a ton of snaps under his belt, but he has all the potential to turn into a Pro Bowler for Rob Ryan.

hagan714

you know for the risks involved this maybe a solid pick. i am warming up to the idea but the knee still worries me. i hope they got it right this time and Powell skipped any accelerated rehab.

rezburna

He's just the type of player Rob Ryan likes. Versatile. Can put his hand down and rush off the edge as a DE or stand up and pressure the QB.

Danno

He seems a bit light to put his hand down, but as a stand up OLB he looks good.

I think I read where Powell will make a good WILL and the Fortt kid will make a good SAM or MIKE.

As someone mentioned earlier, you wanted LB's with some more speed, you got it.

SaintsBro

Or as I keep saying, perhaps it's the beginning of the transition to PAYING Drew Brees once his cap numbers start to go up.

Every single one of these picks or UDFAs this year, that are diamonds in the rough or borderline quasi-damaged goods...they're risky players, and people here don't like this one or that one -- they come with attitude problems, injuries, marginal stats, didn't try hard enough, they have bum raps with the scouts...almost every single one of them except Cooks, has something like this to him, SOME flaw or problem.

But THESE are the guys that are going to come CHEAP, cheaper than a well known, well-scouted UDFA with a standup record and stats. A guy like that, well known, with good numbers, you almost have to throw him an extra fifty or sixty thousand above league minimum, to be competitive.... it is what it is.

Because of these players' obvious flaws, Loomis is able to sit down with each and every one of them, and haggle them down in price, to absolute rock bottom. And if you don't like it kid, go back to driving the truck or bouncing at the bar, because no one else is looking at them.

THEN by doing this a bunch of times, by shaving $50,000, $100,000, $200,000 here or a little $30,000 there, off each of their contracts, that ALL ADDS UP to more cap room for Brees and Graham. They are literally nickle and diming on these smaller players. This is the future. This is how it's gonna be from now on. Mark my words.