TheDeuce

Good points Danno.

About Kikaha, the fact that he's had two ACL tears is cause for concern, but agree that it's a good sign he's played injury free that last two seasons. Clearly the Saints medical staff feels comfortable with the structure of his knees.

Totally agree about Anthony. DE and CB tend to get the most attention on defenses these days, but I don't know if there's a more important position on the defensive side of the ball than a good MLB. He will bring athleticism to that position that we haven't had in a long time. Pumped about him.

Rugby Saint II

We see rugby players come back from the ACL surgery and still keep playing into their 50's.

frydaddy

Andrus Peat - initially I didn't like it, as I thought it was a reach for someone who won't be playing guard and possibly not starting at all this year... But I'm liking it more and more as time passes. In past years we have incorporated that swing tackle position into the offense with effectiveness. Last year with Bryce Harris? Not so much. Having Peat as no worse than that swing tackle for the next year or two sounds great to me. And there is always the chance he beats out one of the other tackles for a starting gig. If he's the best man for the job, I want him there. Not to mention the fact that both Strief and Armstead missed time with injuries last year, and we all know how it worked out for Harris.

Stephone Anthony - my favorite pick of our draft. Finally, the athletic monster LB we've been begging for. I agree with others here that he almost certainly wouldn't have been there in round 2. Grade be damned, this was a glaring need and the best possible player is in your lap. 31 overall is like a glorified second round pick anyway. He's gonna be a stud in the middle for years to come. Great pick.

Kikaha - no, I'm not gonna waste my time looking up his full name again..one day I'll remember it. This pick confused me at first. I saw the slow 40 time and the injuries and I was freaked out. But after learning that he's gone without another injury for two years I feel better about it. As for the 40 time, I'm way less concerned about it now. 40 times really are way overrated and so easily schewed by a number of factors. Watching his film I see game speed and obviously massive production. My preference was Eli Harold, but this is another pick that I like more as time goes on.

Garrett Grayson - this is the one I just can't get over hating. I get that Payton likes the kid, and I can kinda see why.. but with a number of needs on defense and even a couple more on offense, I feel like this pick could have been put to much better use. You still have a future HOF'er under contract for the next 2 years, and I am among those who thinks he'll sign an extension for at least another year and maybe even two. I don't believe he's fallen off a cliff, and with a rebuilt offensive line to keep him off his backside I think he'll continue to produce just fine. This kid probably ends up walking in free agency before he ever gets the chance to succeed Brees. I've backed off my prediction that he won't even make the team, but I still think it ends up being a wasted pick.

PJ Williams - my second favorite pick. Borderline first round talent. Good size, good speed. Plays nasty and steps up when the pressure is on. I think he wins the nickel corner spot this year and he'll be starting in 2 years at the most. Awesome value getting him in the latter half of the third. Another great pick.

Davis Tull - another good value pick. Don't think he'll make much noise this year outside of special teams, and he'll probably never be a superstar. But we need to get younger on D and we need depth, so this pick checks both boxes. I think he develops into a solid rotational player and I'm happy to get him this late.

Tyeler Davison - more good value. Quality rotational player who I think could probably play end when we're in a 34 look and inside if we go with a 4 man line. I don't think he's a great fit at NT in a 34, but our defense is so multiple I don't think think it'll be hard to find a role for him.

Damian Swann - this one still has me scratching my head some. I don't hate the pick but I question the need to trade back into the 5th to get him. The front office must really love this kid is all I can think. Hopefully they're right about him. I will say that I love the fact that we have loaded up on talent in the secondary. Last year's version was atrocious and I'm glad the coaching staff agrees. Big time competition for every spot in the secondary this year, can only mean good things for us.

Marcus Murphy - to be honest I don't know much about him. I thought it was a bad pick at first, but after reading a little more and seeing what some folks here have to say I'm guessing he has a good shot at being our return specialist. He may or may not make the team, but for a seventh round pick it isn't a big loss if he doesn't. Best case scenario he ends up being a good returner and it's another great value pick.

Overall I'm pretty happy with our draft this year. Not a lotta sexy picks but very solid and addressed some needs. As of today I give it a B.

Mais forte do que a morte

hagan714

for the record here is my draft from the draft party

13 WR DeVante Parker
33 DT Malcom Brown
44 OT Jake Fisher
75 OLB Eli Harold
78 CB P.J. Williams
148 OG Jarvis Harrison
154 CB Charles Gaines
157 WR Darren Waller
232 OLB Edmond Robinson

as you can see i went a different direction almost completely.

ChrisXVI

@ frydaddy... I just about agree 100% with your take on it. Only difference is that I like the Grayson pick. I'm one of the few who thinks Brees plays out the last two years of his contract and signs elsewhere. I don't think he retires a Saint.

Mr.Riaton

If Brees is still playing at a high level in two years,then I don't see the need to get rid of him. Sign him to one year deals until his production drops or he retires. I really want him to retire a Saint,but not if it hinders our team from winning.

ChrisXVI

I know what you mean, but in two years Brees will be 38 and and it'll be time to move on. He probably wouldn't even sign one year deals with us when other teams will give him one last big payday. We have to accept the fact that Brees will not be here forever. Indy could do it with Peyton and Green Bay could with Favre... We can as well. Grayson will be ready after two years of development.

Mr.Riaton

Well, the Indy situation was different with Payton coming off of neck surgery with alot of unknowns and Luck was a can't miss, once in a decade prospect. You make a good point with Favre, but obviously Rogers was ready. What happens if Grayson doesnt develop like we think and Brees is still performing at a high level? Then what? I honestly dont have a problem moving on from Brees if Grayson is ready and Brees' production has dropped. Not saying you don't have a good point, its just my opinion.