Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Relentless. Bends the edge hard. Plays with his hand on the ground and stands up. Scheme versatile. Best fit is in 3-4. Intelligent player. Saw a streak of 14 consecutive games with a sack broken at Arizona in 2014. Excellent with his hands, possessing a variety of techniques. Was a judo champion when he was younger and a high school wrestler, so he understands hand placement and leverage. Good change of direction. Maintains low center of gravity on his rush without losing his wheels. Ability to recover and get back into a play.

WEAKNESSES Can get swallowed up in the run game at defensive end. Has had knee issues in prior seasons. Perceived as a one-trick pony (pass-rush specialist). Upfield specialist and doesn't set the edge consistently. Needs work on playing consistently in space. Gets overly aggressive at times. Has had two ACL injuries and medicals will need to be scrutinized.

DRAFT PROJECTION Round 2 or 3

NFL COMPARISON Rob Ninkovich

BOTTOM LINE Kikaha is the most accomplished pure pass rusher in this draft class. Relies on a relentless motor off the edge more than athleticism. He has an elite determination to get to the quarterback. While he seems to specialize in just rushing the passer, Kikaha has the power, hands and frame to improve against the run. It might take some work to get fully comfortable as a stand-up 3-4 OLB, but Kikaha is a very safe draft prospect as long as his medicals check out.

Hau'oli Kikaha Draft Profile

Hau'oli Kikaha talks about being drafted by New Orleans Saints




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Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

Our LB corps just got better in 2 days and we still have 2 more picks tonight. Let's do this!!!!

Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

I freakin love it, Perryman and Petty in round 3

Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

Gotta say I agree with Walt:

image: http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/saintsb_logo.gif

New Orleans Saints: Hau'oli Kikaha, DE/OLB, Washington: MAYMILLEN BOXING KIELBASA Grade
WHOA... I didn't even have Hau'oli Kikaha being drafted, and there were teams that didn't even have him on their boards because of numerous knee injuries. The Saints could've A) obtained safer players who are close in terms of talent, or B) waited several rounds to draft Kikaha. This is a major head-scratcher.


Read more at Live 2015 NFL Draft Grades - WalterFootball.com

Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

Another solid, but not flashy pick. This may be the best Saints draft in a long time when looking at the early rounds. Picks like Colston in the 7th are one in a million. What winning teams do is consistently find solid starters in the early rounds Instead of a bunch of high risk high reward projects. I like this draft so far.

Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

He was projected as a 2nd to 3rd round pick.
Hau'oli Kikaha Draft Profile

Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

whats a saints draft with a roll of the IR dice. It is a family tradition.

Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

I don't get taking Kikaha over Eli Harold. ACL injuries and 4.9 speed... We could've gotten him next round.

Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

Wow. That was sick at 1:07 in the video by the OP. Love this pick. ACL's don't bother me. They are stronger after surgery. I know I have had one.

Our new Dome Patrol II OLB/DE ala Swilling / Jackson. Nice.

Re: Saints select Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2nd round
 

As someone that has had ACL surgery, I agree it has come a long way. This draft shows that Sean knows we had the worst LB Corp in the NFL last season.