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Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

I like our draft. Every pick addresses a need. WE needed a DT/NT and we got the Highest Rated one. We needed another Safety and we got a Safety with CB skills. We all could see the team lacked the necessary size in the red zone, now we have a 6'3 receiver who has hands to high point balls.
What is there not to like?

Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

The more I watch highlights the more excited I get, especially from Vonn Bell who I truly believe will replace Jairus Byrd.

Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

And don't forget Daniel Lasco who was voted one of the five draft bargains along with Bell in the NFC South:

Quote:

DB Vonn Bell, New Orleans Saints
Drafted: 2nd round (61st overall)
Why he's a bargain: Bell was considered a potential late-first-round pick, though the top of the second round was the more common projection. Instead, he fell to the bottom of the round. Beyond just roaming, reading and helping on pass plays, Bell has the skill set to match up with anyone. In two years as a full-time starter at OSU, he came up with eight interceptions and 15 pass breakups.

RB Daniel Lasco, New Orleans Saints
Drafted: 7th round (237th overall)
Why he's a bargain: Given Lasco's performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, one would never suspect he came within 16 picks of going undrafted. He ran the fourth-fastest time among running backs (4.46 seconds) in the 40-yard dash, and had the best vertical and broad jump marks (41 1/2 inches; 11 feet, 3 inches). A hip injury limited his playing time last year, and it limited his effectiveness when he did take the field. With scouts having to go back to 2014 to see his most impressive tape, his draft slide was predictable, but not necessarily warranted.

Five best 2016 NFL Draft bargain picks: NFC South - NFL.com

Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

The Lasco thing didn't make a lot of sense to me. You have a lot of money committed to Spiller and Ingram, with Spiller coming off an injury plagued season, and now you draft a RB coming off a hip injury. Just didn't seem necessary. But for a 7th rounder, I can't really call it a risk. Just not what I would have done. Has a chance to maybe be of value down the road, so we shall see.

Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

Quote:

Originally Posted by burningmetal (Post 703266)

I saw something in this draft that many didn't see outside of the first and perhaps second pick. They were drafting insurances that can also fill holes if healthy. Lasco is possible injury insurance to Ingram or Spiller and possibly a way to replace Ingram down the road when it comes to managing the cap. Spiller hasn't shown to stay healthy so far and that needs to change or else Lasco takes his place. Lasco could be a major special teams guy.

If there is a injury in our secondary again, Bell fills a need. If there is a injury with our starting DTs or DEs, Onyematta fills a need. Thomas was drafted to be perhaps a starter if Coleman does not show up in camp and pre-season. Also, given the injuries I believe Thomas is possibly a injury or poor performance replacement. If Cooks were to go down, move Coleman to Cooks' role and Thomas to Coleman's. If Snead goes down, same situation, except Coleman to Snead's side. If Coleman goes down, it's obvious where Thomas goes. Or maybe Thomas is the starter and Coleman is best reserved as a backup.

Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

Quote:

Originally Posted by burningmetal (Post 703266)

Spiller signed a 2 year deal. The best teams don't wait until they need a replacement to find one. With depth at RB, we don't have to worry about it going forward. All of our picks have been towards getting deeper at positions.

Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillSaints81 (Post 703269)

Bingo!! This draft is about having enough bodies to replace players that either get hurt or ineffective.

Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

Here are the grades for last year among us draft experts. LOL!
http://blackandgold.com/saints/72282...s-draft-3.html
Some hits and misses.

Re: Grading the Saints NFL Draft

Round 1 (Pick 12): Sheldon Rankins, DT

B+

This was the safe pick. We filled a need with the highest rated player at his position. He's an instant starter, and combining his pass rush ability with Nick Fairley's in the middle of our defense could get us the push we need to finally start pressing the QB.

Round 2 (Pick 47): Michael Thomas, WR

A-

My initial reaction was disgust. After thinking it over for 10 minutes, I fell in love with this selection and I think it was our best pick. Again, we filled a need. Brees needs weapons. Although our offense was 2nd in the NFL, we stalled in moments we would once shine in. Again, I believe he's an instant starter and could have the same impact Marques Colston had in his rookie year, especially having a QB like Drew Brees. He never played with a QB remotely close to the talent level and style of Brees.

Round 2 (Pick 61): Von Bell, FS

B+

This was another "WTF" moment for me. It seems like the league is about to make a shift to the Cardinals style of defense after the success of Deone Buchanon. I foresee the Saints playing both Vacarro and Bell closer to the line in similar roles to Buchanon. Also, if Bell is successful we can cut ties with Byrd and his huge contract that he hasn't earned.

Round 4 (Pick 120): David Onyemata, DE/DT

C

This was a good project pick. There were some other people on the board I would have preferred, and unlike the previous 3 picks, I don't see this guy becoming an immediate starter on the defensive line. However, it's not all about his lack of talent, but more so because I feel like our defensively is drastically improved in the middle.

Round 7 (Pick 237): Daniel Lasco, RB

B-

If not for the log jam at RB I would have given this pick an A+. I truly believe this kid is going to make CJ Spiller and maybe even Mark Ingram very expendable.