Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

I do. He has the strength to play nose and the quickness to play 3 tech. Don't see him giving up on plays either. Big boy Billings is a solid Pro prospect I'd be happy with at 12.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

I really don't want a DT at 12 but I could live with Billings for the reasons you mentioned. Billings and Jarran Reed are probably the only two DT's I wouldn't have my doubts about with the 12th pick.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

No. ### (R3, ##) QB Kevin Hogan, Stanford; 6' 4", 218 lbs.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Getting So Closer...

R1, S12 (Pick 12) WR Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi; Height: 6' 2"; Weight: 210 lbs.
Alternate Selection: CB William Jackson III, Houston; Height: 6' 0"; Weight: 189 lbs.

R2, S16 (Pick 47) NT Austin Johnson, Penn St.; Height: 6’ 4”; Weight: 314 lbs.
Alternate Selection: DE Bronson Kaufusi, Brigham Young; Height: 6’ 6”; Weight: 285 lbs.

R3, S15 (Pick 78) CB Kalan Reed, Southern Miss; Height: 5’ 11”; Weight: 192 lbs.
Alternate Selection: WR Keyarris Garrett, Tulsa; Height: 6' 3"; Weight: 220 lbs

R4, S14 (Pick 112) OL Joe Thuney, NC State; Height: 6' 5"; Weight: 304 lbs.
Alternate Selection: TE Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky; Height: 6' 6"; Weight: 249 lbs.

R5, S13 (Pick 152) LB Nick Vigil, Utah State ; Height: 6’ 2”; Weight: 239 lbs.
Alternate Selection: NT D.J. Reader, Clemson; Height: 6’ 3”; Weight: 327 lbs.

R6, S12 (Pick 187*) TRADED this pick with 2015 Sixth Round Pick traded for DB Damian Swann (2015, R5, S31, Pick 167)

R7, S16 (Pick 237) OG Jordan Rigsbee, California ; Height: 6’ 4”; Weight: 305 lbs.
Alternate Selection: K Jaden Oberkrum, TCU; Height: 6' 2"; Weight: 183 lbs.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Looking at the live mock draft going on over at WalterFootball right now and Walt has us going Jack Conklin from Michigan State in the first round moving inside to play guard. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we did do something like that.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

I would be surprised; suspect we're moving Zach Strief inside to left guard and letting the younger, agile Andrus Peat take over at right tackle...

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

We're all gonna be disappointed by who we pick in the first round in one way or another... Just be prepared for the unexpected like Jack Conklin.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

I agree completely.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

After the peat pick I could see it. let the looser play guard. winner gets RT

Peat better have spent the off season kicking and sliding to right in everything he did. I mean everything. going as far as kick slide to right - to get to the toilet.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Saints draft board unveiled.....

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

I don't think the FO is going to draft a safe player in the first round. It's BPA and BPA will not be a DT. I am expecting a OT, DE, or WR.

And this might suck but I would not mind if he we traded our 1st and 2nd to get Jack. Otherwise better to fix something that makes immediate impact.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

And if we draft Smith I won't be happy.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

It's been a whirlwind for Boehringer since his pro day. Last week, he was in Kansas City, Minneapolis and Green Bay for team visits. On Monday and Tuesday, he spent time getting to know the Rams in Los Angeles. On Wednesday, he will fly to Seattle to visit with Seahawks officials. And next week, it's off to New Orleans, Atlanta and Carolina.

Moritz Boehringer has visited with Chiefs, Packers, Vikings - NFL.com

Seems like we are taking a look at the German wunderkind.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Hi
Been a while since i posted. Taken a while to mentally recover from being so badly sick last year. I saw next to no football last year being in hospital and no college games at all so im well behind on whos who.

Whats everyones opinion on somebody like Leonard Floyd. Looks like he needs a few good meals and a trip to the weight room if he plays as a DE but looks like he has the skills

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Sorry to hear about that. Hope you are getting better my friend.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Yeah much better now thanks.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Great to have you and back. Glad things are on the looking better Lee I was wondering were you dropped of the to. now get up speed and pitch in. your va-ca is over :)

Leonard is a player we all see what you see. Talent. The big question most are asking is what happened to him? much like you he just disappeared for long stretches.

The little bit I saw of him I did not notice a ton of double teams or anything used to explain the lack of impact.

Going into the season i was really high on the kid. Now I am not sure about him and his desire.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Welcome back, Lee...

Trying to sell everyone on my 2016 mancrush - WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss...

The Georgia Bulldogs do have a problem with not having enough sand in the pants...

We failed to upgrade Nose Tackle in Free Agency, so it'll have to be addressed in the draft...

Draft Needs:

Nose Tackle

Wide Receiver (X)

Offensive Guard

Defensive Back

Defensive End

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Mike Mayock has Jaylon Smith going to us in the 3rd round. I love this pick. I think he'll be a star.

Jaylon Smith (OLB)
HT: 6'2" WT: 223LBS.
POSITION: OLB
SCHOOL: Notre Dame
ARM LENGTH: 33"
HANDS: 9 1/2"

Overview:
Heading into the Fiesta Bowl, Smith was considered one of the best defenders in the country and a sure-fire elite prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft. He tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee during the team’s loss to Ohio State, however, placing some doubt on whether he would apply for early entry. The 2015 consensus All-American decided he had done enough in his college career, however, deciding to put his name in the hat despite the intense rehabilitation ahead of him. Smith became the second player to win both the high school and college Butkus Awards as the nation’s top linebacker, joining former Notre Dame star Manti Te'o, by leading the Irish with 113 tackles, nine of which went for losses. It was the second straight season Smith topped the defensive stats chart in tackles (112) and made nine TFLs. In his first year on campus, Smith started all 13 games, making 67 stops, 6.5 for loss. It is expected that Smith will bounce back from his knee surgery to become the athletic, explosive defender that wowed scouts over the past three years.

Strengths:
Angular, sinewy build with a body fat number you could count on one hand. Checks every size, weight, speed and athleticism box there is. Can sink hips and change direction with suddenness in space. Has length and quickness for extended playmaking radius. Racked up 225 tackles over his last two seasons as a starter. Lightning quick lateral scrapes from gap to gap following track of the ball. Able to transition from scrape to spring seamlessly. Has a turbo boost to race running backs to the corner. Tries to meet oncoming blocks with physical punch and desired arm extension to stay clean. Adequate speed to diagnose and respond. Play speed is elite for the position. Very talented in man coverage. Asked to take on challenging man coverage responsibilities and responded. Has tools to become an excellent blitzer.

Weaknesses:
Tackles for loss production doesn't match up with his traits. Too passive in his approach preferring to wait on plays rather than racing downhill to own them. Not strong enough at point of attack to maintain balance and positioning when blockers get into his frame. Understands angles to the ball, but still learning shortcuts through the gaps. Flies after the ball with reckless abandon failing to come to balance as a tackler. Has habit of lunging into arm tackles rather than using feet to work into better tackling position. Missed 11 tackles this year. Tore ACL and MCL in his bowl game and his rookie season is in doubt.

Sources Tell Us:
"He reminds me so much of DJ (Derrick Johnson) when he came out. Same frame, same speed and same playmaking ability. Both of those guys are made for the pro game." --* Former AFC defensive coach

NFL Comparison:
Derrick Johnson

Bottom Line:
In this day and age of "tweeners" being labeled "hybrid" players, Smith is the rare commodity who is truly hybrid in the sense that he has the athleticism, speed and physical makeup to play any linebacker spot in either the 3*-4 or the 4-*3. Smith was productive but slightly miscast in the middle of the Notre Dame defense and is better suited to play in space as a 4*-3 outside linebacker. However, his length and upfield burst could draw the attention of a 3-*4 team looking to transition him into a rush linebacker while utilizing his rare cover skills. News regarding Smith's injury and potential issues surrounding recovery have created doubt regarding his draft stock and his final landing spot will be determined by a team's medicals. Without the injury issues, he's one of the top player's in this draft.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Just to piggy back on Rez ....

Saints land Sheldon Rankins, Jaylon Smith in Todd McShay's latest mock draft - New Orleans Saints Blog- ESPN

If Jaylon's updated medical checks out, I'd love to have him in Black and Gold.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Medical/Physical 're-check' for Jaylon Smith will be April 14~15 in Indianapolis...

Deuce McAllister made an excellent point earlier in the week re: how we can't afford to 'redshirt years' with draft picks...

New Orleans Saints cannot afford 'redshirt years' with top draft picks, Deuce McAllister says | NOLA.com

My concern is not just missing this season and possibly part of next season, but him having a lingering, debilitating injury as Vilma had...

It's not like he is Sam Mills, Mike Singletary; but with him missing even one season, foolish to invest first or second rounder on that scenario...

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

This "mock" was drafting JS in the third round. You could draft a completely healthy player & see him get injured at camp with no pads on (see Dante Fowler). I would have absolutely no issues if the Saints FO decided to draft Jaylon in the 3rd healthy or not.



JS in action - >

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

I agree.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

If the re check comes back and he gets good news and is on the board in the second. I say you would be absolutely stupid to think short term and not pick the kid. He is the type of player that is worth sitting for a season. So in the third I would be asking who in the draft room got kicked in the head by a mule and who let that said mule into the room in the first place.

with that said you must trust in your medical staff opinion.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

And I don't trust ours :rolleyes:.

Bottom line - feel bad for Jaylon - timing couldn't have been any worse. Notre Dame was on NBC in prime time damn near every sat and the kid stood out every time I tuned in. Rare talent and ability.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

I do to a point

While initial reports in January did not indicate there was any nerve damage, reports coming from the Combine have indicated that there is indeed nerve damage in his ankle and knee. The severity of his injury has been compared to that of former South Carolina running back, Marcus Lattimore.

Lattimore ended up being taken in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. Should Smith end up falling that far, he will end up cashing in thanks to the loss of value insurance policy. The policy, which Notre Dame is allowed to pay for, cost $50,000 and could pay out as much as $5 million for Smith, depending on how far he falls.

It is pretty much a given that no one will take him in the first round, now. I that's the case, his policy will pay him $700,000. For each pick after the first round he will get an additional $100,000 with a max payout of $5 million.

So should he fall as far as Lattimore he will definitely have $5 million coming his way.

Former Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith Stands To Make $5 Million From Insurance Policy Depending On Draft Fall | Celebrity Net Worth

Smart kid

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Sounds like Willis McGahee's situation after that Fiesta Bowl loss back in the day.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Watch Belicheck pull the trigger on him. If we drafted year in and year out like NE then we could easily take J. Smith in the 2nd, but we draft poor so talent like his will get away. Maybe Ireland will be the voice of reason. I would love to get him.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

For what it's worth, the Patriots just released their 2014 first round pick who had a knee injury when they took a gamble on him.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

From listening to the locals up in Bean town, most were quite shocked. The Pats didn't even attempt to trade for him (D Easley). Good defensive player but maybe there were some type of internal differences within the organization, no?

Gotta be more to this one. Head scratcha.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Thank you, Los Angeles Rams!

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Walter Football thoughts?

New Orleans Saints: Jack Conklin, OT/G, Michigan State
Many expect the Saints to go defense here, and they very well could. However, it shouldn't stun anyone if New Orleans selects an offensive lineman like Jack Conklin. The team has a major whole in the inside of the blocking unit, which is problematic because the Saints greatly value interior blocking. Keeping Drew Brees healthy in the final few years of his career is extremely important if the team wants to have any sort of Super Bowl aspirations.

And yes, Conklin over Ronnie Stanley. I have a feeling that's going to happen, as some teams have New Orleans Saints: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
We all know how bad New Orleans' secondary is, but part of the problem is that the team hasn't gotten any sort of push up front. It's especially dire at defensive tackle, where 80-year-old Kevin Williams was the team's best player last year. Something absolutely needs to be done about that. Nick Fairley was signed, but that was just to a 1-year deal, so I don't think he'll affect this choice. shared a growing concern with Stanley and his lack of passion for football. I don't think he'll fall that far, but Conklin could be chosen before him.



New Orleans Saints: Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah
The Saints can continue to upgrade their horrible defensive line, as they really don't have any edge rushers of note after Cameron Jordan. In a division comprised of Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston, New Orleans will have to improve its ability to get to the quarterback.


New Orleans Saints: Deiondre' Hall, CB, Northern Iowa
The Saints have to bolster their secondary. Knowing Brandon Browner, he'll still be penalized even though he's not on the team



New Orleans Saints: Connor Wujciak, DT, Boston College
It shouldn't be surprising if the Saints double up at defensive tackle in the 2016 NFL Draft, considering their dire need at the position.



Charlie Walter Football

New Orleans Saints: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The Saints cut Junior Galette and still need a replacement. Lawson could form a dangerous pass rush with Cam Jordan and Hau'Oli Kikaha.

While teams have told me they gave Lawson a second-day grade, in speaking with a variety of teams they think that Lawson could be a mid- to late first-rounder. I think the team that likes him enough to take him will probably do so in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Lawson played really well in 2015 with 60 tackles, 25.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks and one forced fumble. The 6-foot-2, 270-pounder has speed and strength on the edge. Lawson looked good with his power and speed, giving Notre Dame left tackle Ronnie Stanley a lot of issues.


Rd. 1, Pk. 12 Shaq Lawson, DE/3-4OLB, Clemson
The Saints cut Junior Galette and still need a replacement. Lawson could form a dangerous pass rush with Cam Jordan and Hau'Oli Kikaha.

While teams have told me they gave Lawson a second-day grade, in speaking with a variety of teams they think that Lawson could be a mid- to late first-rounder. I think the team that likes him enough to take him will probably do so in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Lawson played really well in 2015 with 60 tackles, 25.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks and one forced fumble. The 6-foot-2, 270-pounder has speed and strength on the edge. Lawson looked good with his power and speed, giving Notre Dame left tackle Ronnie Stanley a lot of issues.

Lawson is a smooth pass-rusher, but lacks explosion and is not twitchy. In 2014, he was a backup and totaled 34 tackles with 11 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Given his body type, he could fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Rd. 2, Pk. 16 Austin Johnson, DT/3-4DE/NT, Penn State
The Saints signed Nick Fairley, but they could use more talent on the inside of their defensive line. Plus, Fairley only signed a 1-year deal.

The 6-foot-4, 314-pounder produced a quality season for Penn State in 2015. Johnson was a tough defender at the point of attack with 78 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. At the Senior Bowl, Johnson had a quality week, though he wasn't overly impressive.

Johnson had one sack as a sophomore and freshman. The jump was in part due to quarterbacks stepping up to avoid Carl Nassib in 2015. Johnson projects as a nose tackle for a 3-4 or 4-3 defense in the NFL.

Pick change; previously Vadal Alexander, OL
Rd. 3, Pk. 15 Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State
New Orleans traded Ben Grubbs last offseason and cut Jahri Evans this year. Adding some young guard talent is necessary.

Whitehair (6-3, 300) played left tackle for the Wildcats, but he should move to guard in the NFL. Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah illustrated that. Whitehair also could use more power for the next level, but he is a good technician who is a reliable blocker.

Pick change; previously Sebastian Tretola, G
Rd. 4, Pk. 14 Joe Dahl, G/OT, Washington State
The Saints could draft multiple guards.

Dahl broke into the lineup as a sophomore starter at guard, but he played left tackle for Washington State in his final two seasons. In the Cougars' offense, Dahl got a lot of preparation for blocking in pass protection on the edge.

The 6-foot-3, 299-pounder is undersized and really

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Patriots just don't let go of good players and take a cap hit...

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Agree that Walter Cherepinsky's difference comparison between Ronnie Stanley and Jack Conklin is dead on...

...Lack of passion for the game...and it's the same concern I have about Garnett...

Though I'd say there's better value at pick No. 12...

Discussing committing a Top 12 pick of the NFL draft - Do you really want to make that selection on a two-down defensive linemen?!?

Get the importance of a Nose Tackle, in fact, I belabored the point ad nauseum on the Free Agency Thread since the end of last season...

But if we're spending a Top 12 pick, it should be on a guy who's going to get a maximum amount of snaps on the field...

Could see Conklin before I could see A'shawn, who I consider a second round talent anyways...

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

We've invested a lot of time in this dude. Is it possible they will shock us all and take him at 12? Two weeks from tonight we'll know!

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

ok this page in the thread has me pretty well sick to my stomach


Ronnie Stanley vs Jack Conklin -

Stanley can pull that swing duty LT to RT and miss without missing a beat. One of the better pulling OT in the past couple of years to come out. excels at the second level hitting moving targets. Needs training against bull rushes I will admit.

Conklin might be the nastiest and one of the smarter OL in the draft but he does have range limitation.

This is were I start stating my case that the OL depth in this class with Conklin as becoming scattered and sort of hit or miss by rounds. some rounds will be solid values others will be filled with reaches.

Conklin is power - OT Stanley is zone

This is a no brain-er in my book

Draft Stanely and the Saints would have two of the better athletic OT in the NFL.

Peat goes to LOG.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Because of Spence?

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

I don't think our first round pick will be sexy.

Re: 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............
 

Well,with all that money he'll be getting,he can go buy some high heels and lip stick...