TheDeuce

Howdy fellas... I really, really like what the Saints did in this draft. Unlike the past few years where I walked away with several "why the hell did we draft that guy?" comments, I feel like we really improved our roster this weekend.

I really like the Andrus Peat pick, and I think I'll like it even more when we find out what's going to happen between Armstead and Strief and Peat. The guy has a great frame, huge arms, and is probably the best pass pro prospect in the draft.

My favorite pick in the draft, and I totally understand why it's considered a reach, is Stephone Anthony. He might have been there in the second round when we picked, but I love that the Saints got him. He's a high energy, high character, explosive player (4.56 and great broad jump) at linebacker, a position that badly needs an upgrade. He's the unquestioned leader of the best defense in college... I feel like he's going to be a guy that is going to push our defense to get better.

The Kikaha pick surprised me a bit because of his injury history and his poor showing at the combine, but the guy can play football. He's got a high motor and a good first step. He'll push Gallette to get better.

The Grayson pick wasn't a surprise since we've so many rumors about how much Payton liked the guy. If he can develop into a good QB at the pro level then the value is tremendous. I really enjoyed watching him at the Gruden QB Camp. My biggest concern is his collarbone... he's broken it three times, the last one by lifting a couch???

My second favorite pick of the draft is PJ Williams. The guy has the talent to be an early second rounder, borderline first. There are clearly character concerns here, and hopefully the organization will hold him accountable. But on the field, the guy is a really good player. Unlike our last FSU cornerback, Williams is stout in run defense. He's also very instinctual in pass coverage and has good ball skills. What I like most about him is that he shows up in the biggest games... he was a superstar in the NCG in 2013. I see him as an immediate contributor.

The Tull and Davison picks continue with the theme of high motor, overachievers who should help our front 7. I like both picks and am curious to see if both can play right away, especially Tull whose measurables at the combine are pretty impressive.

Swann seems to me like he may be best at the Safety position... I'm not quite sure why we felt the need to trade up and get him, but after the way we drafted the first five rounds, I've got to trust the decision-makers on this one.

I really like the Murphy pick in the seventh round. I watched a lot of Missouri football this past season and the kid is special with the ball in his hands. I think he will be good for us in the return game and hopefully can contribute on third downs.

Overall, I really like what the Saints did in this draft. I think our defense is much better than it was before the draft, and depending on how things shake out on the OL, we've addressed our biggest weakness on the offensive side of the ball as well. I'm honestly not too concerned with our WR/TE depth... I think Brees can throw most people open.

Danno

Yep, solid post TD.

But one thing I'm seeing a lot of is people posting about Kikaha's injury history. He's played injury free for the last 2 years and he's played lights out. I'm not sure that qualifies as an injury history.

And I keep hearing that Anthony was a reach. I disagree. We had the 2nd to last pick in the 1st, and he was slated as a 2nd rounder.

I honestly think he would have been picked before we picked in the 2nd. I don't think he was a reach in any way shape or form. The best MLB in the draft at 31 is not a reach.

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.

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