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Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

I see some people knocking his height but personally I prefer the DTs to be a little shorter. That usually gives them a lower center of gravity and better leverage.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusader (Post 701519)

I see some people knocking his height but personally I prefer the DTs to be a little shorter. That usually gives them a lower center of gravity and better leverage.

True that.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusader (Post 701519)

I see some people knocking his height but personally I prefer the DTs to be a little shorter. That usually gives them a lower center of gravity and better leverage.

He's a real monster DT...

http://i.imgur.com/BHSwRSz.gif?noredirect

Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharityMike (Post 701485)

For those that don't like the pick or don't think he was the best DT in the draft, just listen to what Payton said about him. He checks ALL the box's. He can do it all. Is good against the run and can push the pocket in the pass. Can play any position on the line.

In the senior bowl, he was UNBLOCKABLE in one on one's. He is going to be good. I won't disagree with getting another DT. Not having to pin our hopes on Jenkins and Fairly makes me feel better. It all starts up front and this pick filled a need and was the best DT in the draft. Grade A+

I've said a few times that I'm good with the pick, but I'm not as enthusiastic as some of you. Coaches tend to always gush over players they just picked. Our track record of picking DT's, or even signing them as free agents is horrible. So you'll forgive me if I don't give two craps what Payton says about Rankins.

I'm not sold that he can stop the run. This is not college anymore, and I am reminded of Brodrick Bunkley when I look at his size. Some guys can over-come that lack of leverage and I'm hoping Rankins will. I would have liked to double up on tackles. But instead we took an over-rated WR.

Like Rankins, but he's not going to do it all by himself.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

This is from a senior bowl person:

Sheldon is a two-plus year starter at defensive tackle for Louisville. He has a proportioned, sturdy build with development in all major muscle groups. This fourth-year senior looks strong in the lower half through his calves, thighs and glutes. The Cardinals emanate from a 3-4 base and Sheldon has aligned as a defensive end and nose in that front. Once Louisville goes to its sub package, which is often the case against their ACC opponents, he slides to a 1- or 3-technique and looks really comfortable from that position.

At the point-of-attack, he stays square to the line-of-scrimmage and is physical with his hands. He typically keeps them inside the framework of his opponent and shows some shock and shed on direct runs. When plays go away from him, he is rarely cut and does a consistent job of staying on his feet and keeping his balance. As a pass rusher, he has a low center of gravity and can bull the bottom of the pocket. Sheldon is also active with his hands and has the initial quickness to penetrate a gap and get upfield on occasion. For the NFL, he is likely a rotational rookie with the potential to become a full-time starter in the future. Because of his background in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s pro-like scheme that has asked him to play virtually every technique along the front, he should be able to transition very quickly to the NFL game. This player has quality eyes (instincts), feet (balance), hips (explosion) and hands (strong), which should translate into a very solid career for him. In some respects, he is similar to Sylvester Williams, the former North Carolina defensive tackle and late first-rounder of the Denver Broncos in 2013.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

Yeah, he has talent. He wouldn't go in the first round without it. I just think that if we were only getting one tackle, I'd prefer a strong nose tackle, type. I don't think Rankins is weak, by any means, but he's going to have a difficult time utilizing his pass rushing abilities without some help.

I'll never forget when we had Norman Hand, and put up 66 sacks with guys like keith Mitchell and Charlie Clemons, of all people, putting up double digit sack totals. Not that Norman was the sole factor, but I don't think it's coincidental that all of those guys had their best statistical season with him there.

I'm less concerned with Rankins' height as I am with his length. That's where I wonder how his leverage will translate into the NFL. I really like his quickness and moves. I just would feel a lot better if he had a sidekick. But I guess we're supposed to trust Nick Fairley... Here's hoping for the best.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

Did 500+ words on the Rankins pick, if anyone is interested.

https://obnoxiouswhodat.wordpress.co...rankins-j-a-g/

Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

Quote:

Originally Posted by burningmetal (Post 701927)

True, if he was 10 pounds heavier he'd have been a top 5 pick.

Only one DT had graded out higher over the last 2 seasons than Rankins, Aaron Donald, who happens to be 1" shorter and 15 pounds lighter than Rankins.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

10lbs 2inches
Its all overblown if the player has the right skillset