2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............

[lee909]

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