Rating: (0 votes - average)

New Orleans Saints draft Florida LB Ronald Powell with the 29th pick (169 overall) in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

OVERVIEW
A tall, yet lean, and muscular athlete with very little body fat, Powell returned triumphantly in 2013. Unfortunately for the strong-side linebacker, most of his team-mates succumbed to the “injury bug” last season, with fourteen projected starters missing considerable playing time. That led to a 4-8 season and Florida watching bowl games on television rather that customarily playing in one.
In three seasons at Florida, he has recorded 83 tackles, getting to the quarterback 12 times (10 solos/two assists) along with recording 28 tackles behind the line of scrimmage (16 solos/12 assists). Of his 11 quarterback pressures, three caused interceptions and four others resulted in incomplete passes on third-down plays.

The Moreno Valley, California native was regarded as a five-star prospect by Rivals.com during his senior season at Rancho Verde High School, where he played defensive end, linebacker and tight end. That recruiting service considered him to be the nation’s best weak-side defensive end and placed him at the top of their California Top 100 and Rivals 100 national lists. He also received a five-star grade and was ranked the best overall defensive end in the prep ranks by Scout.com.

During Powell’s senior season, he totaled over 80 tackles, 13 sacks, 28 tackles for losses on defense, while averaging over 15 yards per catch on offense. He was named a High School All-American by USA Today, Parade, and EA Sports. He was selected to play in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and earned MVP honors, in addition to being a finalist for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award.

Powell would travel cross country to play college football, signing his national letter-of-intent to become a Florida Gator on January 9th, 2010. As a true freshman, he paid immediate dividends as a gunner on special teams, also earning his only starting assignment vs. Appalachian State at strong-side outside linebacker. He finished his first varsity season with 25 tackles that included one sack among his three stops-for-loss.
Trying to capitalize on Powell’s quickness and backfield penetration skills, he was moved to the “Buck” linebacker position as a sophomore. In 11 contests, he delivered 32 tackles, getting to the quarterback for six sacks, as two of his three QB pressures resulted in interceptions. He also finished fourth on the squad with nine tackles-for-loss.

Powell returned top action in 2013 and was one of the team’s few bright spots. Due to injuries, he often shuttled between the “Buck” and strong-side outside linebacker positions last season. He only collected 26 tackles, but did his most damage in the opposing backfield, collecting four sacks with seven tackles behind the line of scrimmage and eight quarterback pressures.

Read more: New Orleans Saints draft Florida LB Ronald Powell in fifth round



He may or may not amount to anything, but I really like the pick. Lots of upside and untapped potential imo. Very highly recruited player coming out of high school.

K Major

Hopefully he can stay somewhat healthy. Looks like a player.

SmashMouth

Developmental at best... practice squad material.

papz

I really don't expect to contribute anywhere immediately... even on special teams. But if he's motivated and Ryan can coach him to his potential, he can be a good player.

SmashMouth

OK.... but that could also mean UDFA.

SaintLeonard

Was the #1 recruit in the country coming out of high school. He has very good talent, just a matter of him staying healthy and committed to getting better.

papz

Naw too much untapped talent. We were at the end of the 5th already. It's a fitting spot.

|Mitch|

He was projected going in rounds 4 - 6, so in the 5th is acceptable

Danno

Well its pretty apparent we aren't standing pat on the #4 defensive ranking.

Most of these guys will be special teams standouts at worst.

SmashMouth

Perhaps the beginning of a transition from Brees as a Saints QB.