New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

Danno · 04-29-2016, 04:43 PM

Crusader · 04-29-2016, 05:20 PM

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.

rezburna · 04-29-2016, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by Crusader

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.

SmashMouth · 04-29-2016, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by Crusader

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...

QBREES9 · 04-29-2016, 09:33 PM

Oh Boy,

CharityMike · 04-29-2016, 10:33 PM

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.

burningmetal · 04-30-2016, 12:33 AM

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.

Danno · 04-30-2016, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by burningmetal

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.

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.

burningmetal · 05-02-2016, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

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.

True enough. I didn't say anything about his weight, though. He's not a run stuffer (not to say he can't help there any), he's more of a pass rusher. La'roi Glover was undersized, and had some really great years with the Saints, but also played along side DT's like Wayne Martin and Norman Hand. He didn't do much after he left the Saints. Aaron Donald, as good as he is, has played with some really good defensive linemen, as well.

So I'm not knocking Rankins, and I've stated that a few times. I just firmly believe in having strong interior linemen. Not just quick guys. They've brought in some people who have a lot to prove at that position, but hopefully they will do the job. I'm sick of watching RB's jog through there, year after year.

Utah_Saint · 05-02-2016, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by burningmetal

True enough. I didn't say anything about his weight, though. He's not a run stuffer (not to say he can't help there any), he's more of a pass rusher. La'roi Glover was undersized, and had some really great years with the Saints, but also played along side DT's like Wayne Martin and Norman Hand. He didn't do much after he left the Saints. Aaron Donald, as good as he is, has played with some really good defensive linemen, as well.

So I'm not knocking Rankins, and I've stated that a few times. I just firmly believe in having strong interior linemen. Not just quick guys. They've brought in some people who have a lot to prove at that position, but hopefully they will do the job. I'm sick of watching RB's jog through there, year after year.

Just curious, where did you get that Rankins isn't a run stuffer? Most of the scouting reports I've read say he's a natural run stuffer.

"IN OUR VIEW: Rankins is one of the better run defenders in this draft class and continues to grow as a pass rusher. - CBS Sports scouting report

"An explosive gap shooter with power and a strong base for run defense, Rankins is a complete defensive tackle - Rotoworld

"Strengths:
Three-down starter
Good run defender
A burst to close
Strong
Tough to move
Played a variety of techniques
Powerful bull rush
Active hands
Pad level
Maintains his gap in run defense - WalterFootball

And I've read many more.

Sheldon Rankins Draft Profile
Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...dl-louisville/
2016 NFL draft: Sheldon Rankins scouting report
Recent news on Sheldon Rankins - Louisville Cardinals - Rotoworld.com
WalterFootball.com: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sheldon Rankins

Most of the scouting reports say the same thing, he's a run stuffer with the potential of being an effective pass rusher. So, I'm curious why you say he's not.

04-29-2016, 04:43 PM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,748	Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

04-29-2016, 05:20 PM	#2
Crusader Resident Swede Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Märsta, Sweden Posts: 8,031	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. Danno, rezburna and MarchingOn like this.

04-29-2016, 05:29 PM	#3
rezburna 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kenner, LA Posts: 7,999	Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft Originally Posted by Crusader 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.

04-29-2016, 05:39 PM	#4
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,479 Blog Entries: 29	Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft Originally Posted by Crusader 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... Crusader likes this.

04-29-2016, 09:33 PM	#5
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,989	Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft Oh Boy,

04-29-2016, 10:33 PM	#6
CharityMike Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Mid City, New Orleans Posts: 3,556	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.

04-30-2016, 12:33 AM	#7
burningmetal 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3,923 Blog Entries: 3	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. MarchingOn likes this.
	If I had a nickel for every time I heard that, the NFL would fine and suspend me.

04-30-2016, 08:07 AM	#8
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,748	Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft Originally Posted by burningmetal 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. 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. MarchingOn likes this.

05-02-2016, 12:24 PM	#9
burningmetal 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3,923 Blog Entries: 3	Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft Originally Posted by Danno 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. True enough. I didn't say anything about his weight, though. He's not a run stuffer (not to say he can't help there any), he's more of a pass rusher. La'roi Glover was undersized, and had some really great years with the Saints, but also played along side DT's like Wayne Martin and Norman Hand. He didn't do much after he left the Saints. Aaron Donald, as good as he is, has played with some really good defensive linemen, as well. So I'm not knocking Rankins, and I've stated that a few times. I just firmly believe in having strong interior linemen. Not just quick guys. They've brought in some people who have a lot to prove at that position, but hopefully they will do the job. I'm sick of watching RB's jog through there, year after year.
	If I had a nickel for every time I heard that, the NFL would fine and suspend me.

05-02-2016, 12:51 PM	#10
Utah_Saint Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,521	Re: New Orleans Saints select Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft Originally Posted by burningmetal True enough. I didn't say anything about his weight, though. He's not a run stuffer (not to say he can't help there any), he's more of a pass rusher. La'roi Glover was undersized, and had some really great years with the Saints, but also played along side DT's like Wayne Martin and Norman Hand. He didn't do much after he left the Saints. Aaron Donald, as good as he is, has played with some really good defensive linemen, as well. So I'm not knocking Rankins, and I've stated that a few times. I just firmly believe in having strong interior linemen. Not just quick guys. They've brought in some people who have a lot to prove at that position, but hopefully they will do the job. I'm sick of watching RB's jog through there, year after year. Just curious, where did you get that Rankins isn't a run stuffer? Most of the scouting reports I've read say he's a natural run stuffer. "IN OUR VIEW: Rankins is one of the better run defenders in this draft class and continues to grow as a pass rusher. - CBS Sports scouting report "An explosive gap shooter with power and a strong base for run defense, Rankins is a complete defensive tackle - Rotoworld "Strengths: Three-down starter Good run defender A burst to close Strong Tough to move Played a variety of techniques Powerful bull rush Active hands Pad level Maintains his gap in run defense - WalterFootball And I've read many more. Sheldon Rankins Draft Profile Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...dl-louisville/ 2016 NFL draft: Sheldon Rankins scouting report Recent news on Sheldon Rankins - Louisville Cardinals - Rotoworld.com WalterFootball.com: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sheldon Rankins Most of the scouting reports say the same thing, he's a run stuffer with the potential of being an effective pass rusher. So, I'm curious why you say he's not. Danno, AsylumGuido, dizzle88 and 1 others like this.

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