NFL Draft Needs: Saints

papz · 04-19-2016, 01:59 PM

No. 1 Team Need: Defensive Line

Silva's Analysis

Last year's Saints ranked 27th in Football Outsiders' run-defense DVOA and tied for 27th in the NFL in sacks (31). Up front, New Orleans' lone imposing defensive presence is DE Cameron Jordan, although the one-year addition of mercenary DT Nick Fairley will help in the short term. 2015 second-round pick Hau'oli Kikaha is transitioning from linebacker to defensive end, but projects as only a situational player there. Primarily in the form of pass rushers, the Saints need help both on the interior and on the edge.

No. 2 Team Need: Cornerback

Silva's Analysis

The recoveries of Keenan Lewis (hip, knee, sports hernia) and Damian Swann (concussion) will determine the extent of this need, but neither can be counted on as a significant 2016 contributor at this stage of the offseason. While LCB Delvin Breaux established himself last season as the one of the league's top cover corners, the Saints lack certainty throughout the rest of their three-cornerback package. One in-house candidate for a bigger role is 2015 third-round pick P.J. Williams, who redshirted as a rookie with a torn hamstring.

No. 3 Team Need: Wide Receiver

Silva's Analysis

Offensive line is arguably a fourth need with question marks at both guard spots, and LT Terron Armstead and C Max Unger both entering contract years. I opted for wide receiver as New Orleans' No. 3 need with Marques Colston gone and Brandon Coleman coming off a disappointing season. Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead form an underrated starting tandem, but the Saints could use a big, more physical receiver to round out their three-wide package. Saints decision makers obviously won't see wideout as much of a need if they truly believe Coleman is the answer.

Read more: NFL Draft Needs: Saints - Draft Decisions - Rotoworld.com

Utah_Saint · 04-19-2016, 02:59 PM

I'd rate the need at OG just below DL.

WillSaints81 · 04-19-2016, 03:00 PM

Honestly it's not even worth stressing this whole stuff. Payton is gonna do what he wants.

jeanpierre · 04-19-2016, 03:08 PM

Saints identity is that they roll on offense with Drew Brees...

Gotta replace Colston with a serious threat (e.g. Laquon Treadwell)

SaintFanInATLHELL · 04-19-2016, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Saints identity is that they roll on offense with Drew Brees...

Gotta replace Colston with a serious threat (e.g. Laquon Treadwell)

Saints identity has resulted in 2 consecutive 7-9 seasons out of the playoffs.

There is little correlation between additional offensive firepower, wins, and playoff success.

The last 2 years the Saints' offense was in the top 10 in every positive statistical category except rushing.

The last 2 years the Saints' defense was in the bottom 10,5,2, or 1 in every defensive category.

Take a look at the point for, against, differential, and record for the last 8 years:

Year PF PA PD Record
2015 408 476 -68 7-9
2014 401 424 -23 7-9
2013 414 304 110 11-5
2012 461 454 7 7-9
2011 547 339 208 13-3
2010 384 307 77 11-5
2009 510 341 169 13-3
2008 463 393 70 8-8

The correlation is between wins and points differential. Even in years where the offense scores a ton of points (2008,2012) the record was not real good. However each and every year the defense held their points down under 350 (which is 21.9 points per game) the team won more than 10 games and went to the playoffs.

If I have learned nothing else the last 2 years is that the team could not close out games because they couldn't make a stop when it was absolutely crucial. There is no offensive player in the draft that can change that.

SFIAH

SmashMouth · 04-19-2016, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL

Saints identity has resulted in 2 consecutive 7-9 seasons out of the playoffs.

There is little correlation between additional offensive firepower, wins, and playoff success.

The last 2 years the Saints' offense was in the top 10 in every positive statistical category except rushing.

The last 2 years the Saints' defense was in the bottom 10,5,2, or 1 in every defensive category.

Take a look at the point for, against, differential, and record for the last 8 years:

Year PF PA PD Record
2015 408 476 -68 7-9
2014 401 424 -23 7-9
2013 414 304 110 11-5
2012 461 454 7 7-9
2011 547 339 208 13-3
2010 384 307 77 11-5
2009 510 341 169 13-3
2008 463 393 70 8-8

The correlation is between wins and points differential. Even in years where the offense scores a ton of points (2008,2012) the record was not real good. However each and every year the defense held their points down under 350 (which is 21.9 points per game) the team won more than 10 games and went to the playoffs.

If I have learned nothing else the last 2 years is that the team could not close out games because they couldn't make a stop when it was absolutely crucial. There is no offensive player in the draft that can change that.

SFIAH

And the winner......

K Major · 04-19-2016, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL

If I have learned nothing else the last 2 years is that the team could not close out games because they couldn't make a stop when it was absolutely crucial. There is no offensive player in the draft that can change that.

This ^^^. Gotta find a way to get off the field on 3rd down.

WillSaints81 · 04-19-2016, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL

Saints identity has resulted in 2 consecutive 7-9 seasons out of the playoffs.

There is little correlation between additional offensive firepower, wins, and playoff success.

The last 2 years the Saints' offense was in the top 10 in every positive statistical category except rushing.

The last 2 years the Saints' defense was in the bottom 10,5,2, or 1 in every defensive category.

Take a look at the point for, against, differential, and record for the last 8 years:

Year PF PA PD Record
2015 408 476 -68 7-9
2014 401 424 -23 7-9
2013 414 304 110 11-5
2012 461 454 7 7-9
2011 547 339 208 13-3
2010 384 307 77 11-5
2009 510 341 169 13-3
2008 463 393 70 8-8

The correlation is between wins and points differential. Even in years where the offense scores a ton of points (2008,2012) the record was not real good. However each and every year the defense held their points down under 350 (which is 21.9 points per game) the team won more than 10 games and went to the playoffs.

If I have learned nothing else the last 2 years is that the team could not close out games because they couldn't make a stop when it was absolutely crucial. There is no offensive player in the draft that can change that.

SFIAH

But look at the dropoff in PF from 2013 on. Also the lowest scoring year was 2010 but that was a lot to do with Brees' injury. And that schedule was pretty bad.

The big question is if we have clutch receivers outside of Cooks to grind out games and I guess we'll see.

hagan714 · 04-19-2016, 03:18 PM

Mitch Mathews WR/TE BYU 6055 222 4.49

i have been looking into this kid and he looks like a nice option late

DL is huge I agree but this stressing over pass rush vs run stopping is not the right direction to go

CB is a good pick in this draft. CB/S hybrids are good this year

Danno · 04-19-2016, 03:27 PM

Agree with needs, but I'd also rank OG above CB, simply because we also have PJ Williams returning so its like we've already drafted a 2nd round CB before the draft has even started.

04-19-2016, 01:59 PM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,768	NFL Draft Needs: Saints No. 1 Team Need: Defensive Line Silva's Analysis Last year's Saints ranked 27th in Football Outsiders' run-defense DVOA and tied for 27th in the NFL in sacks (31). Up front, New Orleans' lone imposing defensive presence is DE Cameron Jordan, although the one-year addition of mercenary DT Nick Fairley will help in the short term. 2015 second-round pick Hau'oli Kikaha is transitioning from linebacker to defensive end, but projects as only a situational player there. Primarily in the form of pass rushers, the Saints need help both on the interior and on the edge. No. 2 Team Need: Cornerback Silva's Analysis The recoveries of Keenan Lewis (hip, knee, sports hernia) and Damian Swann (concussion) will determine the extent of this need, but neither can be counted on as a significant 2016 contributor at this stage of the offseason. While LCB Delvin Breaux established himself last season as the one of the league's top cover corners, the Saints lack certainty throughout the rest of their three-cornerback package. One in-house candidate for a bigger role is 2015 third-round pick P.J. Williams, who redshirted as a rookie with a torn hamstring. No. 3 Team Need: Wide Receiver Silva's Analysis Offensive line is arguably a fourth need with question marks at both guard spots, and LT Terron Armstead and C Max Unger both entering contract years. I opted for wide receiver as New Orleans' No. 3 need with Marques Colston gone and Brandon Coleman coming off a disappointing season. Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead form an underrated starting tandem, but the Saints could use a big, more physical receiver to round out their three-wide package. Saints decision makers obviously won't see wideout as much of a need if they truly believe Coleman is the answer. Read more: NFL Draft Needs: Saints - Draft Decisions - Rotoworld.com
	Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. All little common sense goes a long way.

04-19-2016, 02:59 PM	#2
Utah_Saint Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,521	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints I'd rate the need at OG just below DL. SmashMouth likes this.

04-19-2016, 03:00 PM	#3
WillSaints81 1000 Posts + Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4,267	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints Honestly it's not even worth stressing this whole stuff. Payton is gonna do what he wants.

04-19-2016, 03:08 PM	#4
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints Saints identity is that they roll on offense with Drew Brees... Gotta replace Colston with a serious threat (e.g. Laquon Treadwell)

04-19-2016, 03:36 PM	#5
SaintFanInATLHELL The Professor Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lithonia, GA Posts: 2,781	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints Originally Posted by jeanpierre Saints identity is that they roll on offense with Drew Brees... Gotta replace Colston with a serious threat (e.g. Laquon Treadwell) Saints identity has resulted in 2 consecutive 7-9 seasons out of the playoffs. There is little correlation between additional offensive firepower, wins, and playoff success. The last 2 years the Saints' offense was in the top 10 in every positive statistical category except rushing. The last 2 years the Saints' defense was in the bottom 10,5,2, or 1 in every defensive category. Take a look at the point for, against, differential, and record for the last 8 years: Year PF PA PD Record 2015 408 476 -68 7-9 2014 401 424 -23 7-9 2013 414 304 110 11-5 2012 461 454 7 7-9 2011 547 339 208 13-3 2010 384 307 77 11-5 2009 510 341 169 13-3 2008 463 393 70 8-8 The correlation is between wins and points differential. Even in years where the offense scores a ton of points (2008,2012) the record was not real good. However each and every year the defense held their points down under 350 (which is 21.9 points per game) the team won more than 10 games and went to the playoffs. If I have learned nothing else the last 2 years is that the team could not close out games because they couldn't make a stop when it was absolutely crucial. There is no offensive player in the draft that can change that. SFIAH lumm0x, jnormand, foreverfan and 4 others like this.
	Super Bowl Championships: New Orleans Saints:1, Carolina:0, Atlanta Chokers: STILL ZERO Only Atlanta choked in an unchokable situation... Life is definitely good.

04-19-2016, 03:43 PM	#6
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,477 Blog Entries: 29	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL Saints identity has resulted in 2 consecutive 7-9 seasons out of the playoffs. There is little correlation between additional offensive firepower, wins, and playoff success. The last 2 years the Saints' offense was in the top 10 in every positive statistical category except rushing. The last 2 years the Saints' defense was in the bottom 10,5,2, or 1 in every defensive category. Take a look at the point for, against, differential, and record for the last 8 years: Year PF PA PD Record 2015 408 476 -68 7-9 2014 401 424 -23 7-9 2013 414 304 110 11-5 2012 461 454 7 7-9 2011 547 339 208 13-3 2010 384 307 77 11-5 2009 510 341 169 13-3 2008 463 393 70 8-8 The correlation is between wins and points differential. Even in years where the offense scores a ton of points (2008,2012) the record was not real good. However each and every year the defense held their points down under 350 (which is 21.9 points per game) the team won more than 10 games and went to the playoffs. If I have learned nothing else the last 2 years is that the team could not close out games because they couldn't make a stop when it was absolutely crucial. There is no offensive player in the draft that can change that. SFIAH And the winner......

04-19-2016, 03:46 PM	#7
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,738 Blog Entries: 3	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL If I have learned nothing else the last 2 years is that the team could not close out games because they couldn't make a stop when it was absolutely crucial. There is no offensive player in the draft that can change that. This ^^^. Gotta find a way to get off the field on 3rd down. SaintFanInATLHELL and dizzle88 like this.

04-19-2016, 06:38 PM	#8
WillSaints81 1000 Posts + Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4,267	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL Saints identity has resulted in 2 consecutive 7-9 seasons out of the playoffs. There is little correlation between additional offensive firepower, wins, and playoff success. The last 2 years the Saints' offense was in the top 10 in every positive statistical category except rushing. The last 2 years the Saints' defense was in the bottom 10,5,2, or 1 in every defensive category. Take a look at the point for, against, differential, and record for the last 8 years: Year PF PA PD Record 2015 408 476 -68 7-9 2014 401 424 -23 7-9 2013 414 304 110 11-5 2012 461 454 7 7-9 2011 547 339 208 13-3 2010 384 307 77 11-5 2009 510 341 169 13-3 2008 463 393 70 8-8 The correlation is between wins and points differential. Even in years where the offense scores a ton of points (2008,2012) the record was not real good. However each and every year the defense held their points down under 350 (which is 21.9 points per game) the team won more than 10 games and went to the playoffs. If I have learned nothing else the last 2 years is that the team could not close out games because they couldn't make a stop when it was absolutely crucial. There is no offensive player in the draft that can change that. SFIAH But look at the dropoff in PF from 2013 on. Also the lowest scoring year was 2010 but that was a lot to do with Brees' injury. And that schedule was pretty bad. The big question is if we have clutch receivers outside of Cooks to grind out games and I guess we'll see.

04-19-2016, 03:18 PM	#9
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints Mitch Mathews WR/TE BYU 6055 222 4.49 i have been looking into this kid and he looks like a nice option late DL is huge I agree but this stressing over pass rush vs run stopping is not the right direction to go CB is a good pick in this draft. CB/S hybrids are good this year

04-19-2016, 03:27 PM	#10
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,747	Re: NFL Draft Needs: Saints Agree with needs, but I'd also rank OG above CB, simply because we also have PJ Williams returning so its like we've already drafted a 2nd round CB before the draft has even started.

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