EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY

triman · 02-15-2017, 04:03 PM

Looking a the 2017 draft class these things stick out to me

Secondary and Running Back stick out as the strength of this year's draft

The depth and quality of this year's Offensive line and Linebackers is weak.

Given the above information it would appear that the team, would want to address the OL and LB in FA if possible.

This would conversely mean that if you plan to draft OL and LB you would need to do so early.

IMHO DE , CB , OG are our primary needs.

Lack of a quality pass rush was the most blaring problem with our defense last yr. Coming a close second was our CB play and depth.

So how do we approach this offseason?

First let's look at Free agent rankings

Melvin Ingram, Kevin Zeitler would be my top targets.

Donte Hightower, Zach Brown, T.J. Lang , Andrew Norwell being other lower rated options.

First Tier pass rushers and CB are very costly and I would rather draft than overpay.

Logan Ryan is interesting option as second tier CB

Drafting at #11 several defensive prospects would be available at or near our pick. Rueben Foster LB, Solomon Thomas DE, Derek Barnett DE.

Given the depth at DB there should be several possible CB available in the 2nd and 3rd RDs Gareon Conley, Adoree Jackson, Quincy Wilson.

Hassen Raddeck LB, T.J. Watt LB other possible 2nd picks

Of course this early it is way too early to consider these moves because Free agency really has to be taken care of because it changes draft strategy completely.

Any ,thoughts , opinons?

saintsfan1976 · 02-15-2017, 04:55 PM

Triman we have thoughts and feelings addressing every question. Unfortuately for you they're scattered throughout the message board.

Tune in more ofthen man. You may get hooked.

Utah_Saint · 02-15-2017, 06:43 PM

I'm with you on Kevin Zeitler. I think he should be the Saints number one objective in FA, assuming the Bengals don't tag him. Drew plays best in a clean pocket and Zeitler could be a strong fit for several years.
I don't think Melvin Ingram is going to be worth the money he gets in free agency. I worry about his consistency setting the edge. I could be wrong but I think the team might be better off addressing DE in the draft.
From what I've been reading about Hightower, the Pats won't let him hit the market. He's the center piece to Belichick's defense. They'll be as frugal as they can but they'll keep him. Otherwise, if he's available, hell yeah, who wouldn't want him.
Zach Brown could be a steal but I think with the interest he's generating, he's going to price himself out of what the Saints should pay. The Saints need help all across the board at the LB position and shouldn't pay too much for one guy unless he's a game changer. Although if he promises to get his band to play a few half time shows...
Norwell or Lang would be great pick ups if we don't get Zeitler. If I had my druthers, I'd take Norwell over Lang just because of age but either would be solid on the interior of the line.
There's a lot of CB's in free agency this year. Bouye and Gillmore are getting a lot of attention but to me, neither has proven themselves over several seasons. In which case, at least with these two, it might be better to look to the draft. Ryan is an excellent slot corner but has struggled on the outside.

Foster, Thomas and Barnett would be excellent upgrades to the Saints but free agency will determine what the most pressing needs will be come draft day.

Just my opinion.

halloween 65 · 02-15-2017, 06:48 PM

If there was a project out there that I would consider taking a flyer on I think Chad Kelley at Ole Miss would be it. Might be I'm an Ole Miss fan but I think with a little time and the right qb coach he might just come around.

papz · 02-15-2017, 07:25 PM

Josh Boutte - I hope we don't miss on this kid like we did with Trai Turner in the middle rounds. He's NASTY.

I like TJ Watt. I don't know how he'll test athletically but this kid is a good football player and I'd love to have him. I agree with Utah on Logan Ryan... I think he's going to land a lucrative contract as a starting corner but I think he's better suited in the slot as well.

Chad Kelly intrigues me a great deal. I wouldn't spend a high or even mid round pick on him but the kid has talent. If he slips through the cracks, he'd be an interesting flier.

K Major · 02-15-2017, 08:34 PM

Chad Kelly has character issues and will quit on you. And he is guaranteed to throw a game changing INT in the 4th quarter of just about every SEC match up. See how that translates at the elite level.

Pass.

voodooido · 02-15-2017, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by halloween 65

If there was a project out there that I would consider taking a flyer on I think Chad Kelley at Ole Miss would be it. Might be I'm an Ole Miss fan but I think with a little time and the right qb coach he might just come around.

I hate ole piss but would love Kelly. If we could wait till the 5th would jump all over it. Unfortunately, I see him going no later than the 4th. If we go qb I want Watson but that's only if we shore up the defense in FA. I just pray we don't draft Keizer. I think that dude is trash.

spkb25 · 02-16-2017, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by Utah_Saint

I'm with you on Kevin Zeitler. I think he should be the Saints number one objective in FA, assuming the Bengals don't tag him. Drew plays best in a clean pocket and Zeitler could be a strong fit for several years.
I don't think Melvin Ingram is going to be worth the money he gets in free agency. I worry about his consistency setting the edge. I could be wrong but I think the team might be better off addressing DE in the draft.
From what I've been reading about Hightower, the Pats won't let him hit the market. He's the center piece to Belichick's defense. They'll be as frugal as they can but they'll keep him. Otherwise, if he's available, hell yeah, who wouldn't want him.
Zach Brown could be a steal but I think with the interest he's generating, he's going to price himself out of what the Saints should pay. The Saints need help all across the board at the LB position and shouldn't pay too much for one guy unless he's a game changer. Although if he promises to get his band to play a few half time shows...
Norwell or Lang would be great pick ups if we don't get Zeitler. If I had my druthers, I'd take Norwell over Lang just because of age but either would be solid on the interior of the line.
There's a lot of CB's in free agency this year. Bouye and Gillmore are getting a lot of attention but to me, neither has proven themselves over several seasons. In which case, at least with these two, it might be better to look to the draft. Ryan is an excellent slot corner but has struggled on the outside.

Foster, Thomas and Barnett would be excellent upgrades to the Saints but free agency will determine what the most pressing needs will be come draft day.

Just my opinion.

Just in reply to oline, absolutely. All QB's play best in a clean pocket. Look at Brady in the SB. Once they wore out the Falcoms D and he wasn't rushing everyt hrow with people in his face he just went up and down the field. Dominating the LOS on both sides is as old as the game, but it is really the
truth

hagan714 · 02-16-2017, 07:36 AM

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hagan714 · 02-16-2017, 07:45 AM

my 10 cents for what it is worth and it has not changed much

Melvin Ingram? I am not on the bandwagon as many here are but he wull probably end up tagged in 2017.

OG OT has some great options in upgrading talent and to get younger

There is only one top FA 10+ mill
Kevin Zeitler RG Cincinnati Bengals 26 / 6'4' / 320 / Rd. 1 (27) / CIN

Level 2 - 6 - 9 mill
Rick Wagner RT Baltimore Ravens 26 / 6'6' / 310 / Wisconsin / 2013 / Rd. 5 (168) / BAL
Johnathan Hankins NY Giants 25 / 6'2' / 320 2013 / Rd. 2 (49) / NYG

Level 3 - 3 - 5 mill
is were I would focus right out of the gate, Top Priority
A.J. Klein MLB/OLB Carolina 25 / 6'1' / 240 / 2013 / Rd. 5 (148) / CAR
Micah Hyde FS/SS Green Bay 26 / 6'0' / 197 / Iowa / 2013 / Rd. 5 (159) / GB

Level 4 - 1 - 2mill
Huge special teams impact player.
Brynden Trawick S Oakland Raiders 27 / 6'2' / 225/ 2013 / UDFA / BAL
others
Jarvis Jones DE/OLB Pittsburgh 26 / 6'3' / 248 / 4.90 / 2013 / Rd. 1 (17) / PIT
Corey Lemonier DE Cleveland Browns 24 / 6'3' / 255 / 4.60 / 2013 / Rd. 3 (88) / SF
Justin Hunter WR Buffalo Bills 25 / 6'4' / 203 / 4.44 / 2013 / Rd. 2 (34) / TEN

Remember Drew is a FA in 2018

So if the saints want to stash some cash for next year. I would be ok with

A.J. Klein MLB/OLB Carolina 25 / 6'1' / 240 / 2013 / Rd. 5 (148) / CAR
Micah Hyde FS/SS Green Bay 26 / 6'0' / 197 / Iowa / 2013 / Rd. 5 (159) / GB
Brynden Trawick S Oakland Raiders 27 / 6'2' / 225/ 2013 / UDFA / BAL

And call it the end to the 2017 FA season.

Though Kevin Zeitler and Rick Wagner on the right side would inspire Drew to sign quickly, I am sure. That would be a lot of Badgers for sure.

#1 goal is to get younger proven players ready to get their shot at starting and offer versatility

02-15-2017, 04:03 PM	#1
triman 500th Post Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 783	EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY Looking a the 2017 draft class these things stick out to me Secondary and Running Back stick out as the strength of this year's draft The depth and quality of this year's Offensive line and Linebackers is weak. Given the above information it would appear that the team, would want to address the OL and LB in FA if possible. This would conversely mean that if you plan to draft OL and LB you would need to do so early. IMHO DE , CB , OG are our primary needs. Lack of a quality pass rush was the most blaring problem with our defense last yr. Coming a close second was our CB play and depth. So how do we approach this offseason? First let's look at Free agent rankings Melvin Ingram, Kevin Zeitler would be my top targets. Donte Hightower, Zach Brown, T.J. Lang , Andrew Norwell being other lower rated options. First Tier pass rushers and CB are very costly and I would rather draft than overpay. Logan Ryan is interesting option as second tier CB Drafting at #11 several defensive prospects would be available at or near our pick. Rueben Foster LB, Solomon Thomas DE, Derek Barnett DE. Given the depth at DB there should be several possible CB available in the 2nd and 3rd RDs Gareon Conley, Adoree Jackson, Quincy Wilson. Hassen Raddeck LB, T.J. Watt LB other possible 2nd picks Of course this early it is way too early to consider these moves because Free agency really has to be taken care of because it changes draft strategy completely. Any ,thoughts , opinons?
triman 500th Post Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 783

02-15-2017, 04:55 PM	#2
saintsfan1976 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 10,846 Blog Entries: 3	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY Triman we have thoughts and feelings addressing every question. Unfortuately for you they're scattered throughout the message board. Tune in more ofthen man. You may get hooked. saintfan, jeanpierre and Sarik like this.

02-15-2017, 06:43 PM	#3
Utah_Saint Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,521	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY I'm with you on Kevin Zeitler. I think he should be the Saints number one objective in FA, assuming the Bengals don't tag him. Drew plays best in a clean pocket and Zeitler could be a strong fit for several years. I don't think Melvin Ingram is going to be worth the money he gets in free agency. I worry about his consistency setting the edge. I could be wrong but I think the team might be better off addressing DE in the draft. From what I've been reading about Hightower, the Pats won't let him hit the market. He's the center piece to Belichick's defense. They'll be as frugal as they can but they'll keep him. Otherwise, if he's available, hell yeah, who wouldn't want him. Zach Brown could be a steal but I think with the interest he's generating, he's going to price himself out of what the Saints should pay. The Saints need help all across the board at the LB position and shouldn't pay too much for one guy unless he's a game changer. Although if he promises to get his band to play a few half time shows... Norwell or Lang would be great pick ups if we don't get Zeitler. If I had my druthers, I'd take Norwell over Lang just because of age but either would be solid on the interior of the line. There's a lot of CB's in free agency this year. Bouye and Gillmore are getting a lot of attention but to me, neither has proven themselves over several seasons. In which case, at least with these two, it might be better to look to the draft. Ryan is an excellent slot corner but has struggled on the outside. Foster, Thomas and Barnett would be excellent upgrades to the Saints but free agency will determine what the most pressing needs will be come draft day. Just my opinion.

02-15-2017, 06:48 PM	#4
halloween 65 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Grand Haven, Michigan by way of a little Mississippi River town in Louisiana Posts: 5,893	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY If there was a project out there that I would consider taking a flyer on I think Chad Kelley at Ole Miss would be it. Might be I'm an Ole Miss fan but I think with a little time and the right qb coach he might just come around.

02-15-2017, 07:25 PM	#5
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,754	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY Josh Boutte - I hope we don't miss on this kid like we did with Trai Turner in the middle rounds. He's NASTY. I like TJ Watt. I don't know how he'll test athletically but this kid is a good football player and I'd love to have him. I agree with Utah on Logan Ryan... I think he's going to land a lucrative contract as a starting corner but I think he's better suited in the slot as well. Chad Kelly intrigues me a great deal. I wouldn't spend a high or even mid round pick on him but the kid has talent. If he slips through the cracks, he'd be an interesting flier.
	Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. All little common sense goes a long way.

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02-15-2017, 08:34 PM	#6
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,622 Blog Entries: 3	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY Chad Kelly has character issues and will quit on you. And he is guaranteed to throw a game changing INT in the 4th quarter of just about every SEC match up. See how that translates at the elite level. Pass.

02-15-2017, 08:46 PM	#7
voodooido 1000 Posts + Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2,770	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY Originally Posted by halloween 65 If there was a project out there that I would consider taking a flyer on I think Chad Kelley at Ole Miss would be it. Might be I'm an Ole Miss fan but I think with a little time and the right qb coach he might just come around. I hate ole piss but would love Kelly. If we could wait till the 5th would jump all over it. Unfortunately, I see him going no later than the 4th. If we go qb I want Watson but that's only if we shore up the defense in FA. I just pray we don't draft Keizer. I think that dude is trash.
voodooido 1000 Posts + Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2,770

02-16-2017, 06:49 AM	#8
spkb25 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 13,101	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY Originally Posted by Utah_Saint I'm with you on Kevin Zeitler. I think he should be the Saints number one objective in FA, assuming the Bengals don't tag him. Drew plays best in a clean pocket and Zeitler could be a strong fit for several years. I don't think Melvin Ingram is going to be worth the money he gets in free agency. I worry about his consistency setting the edge. I could be wrong but I think the team might be better off addressing DE in the draft. From what I've been reading about Hightower, the Pats won't let him hit the market. He's the center piece to Belichick's defense. They'll be as frugal as they can but they'll keep him. Otherwise, if he's available, hell yeah, who wouldn't want him. Zach Brown could be a steal but I think with the interest he's generating, he's going to price himself out of what the Saints should pay. The Saints need help all across the board at the LB position and shouldn't pay too much for one guy unless he's a game changer. Although if he promises to get his band to play a few half time shows... Norwell or Lang would be great pick ups if we don't get Zeitler. If I had my druthers, I'd take Norwell over Lang just because of age but either would be solid on the interior of the line. There's a lot of CB's in free agency this year. Bouye and Gillmore are getting a lot of attention but to me, neither has proven themselves over several seasons. In which case, at least with these two, it might be better to look to the draft. Ryan is an excellent slot corner but has struggled on the outside. Foster, Thomas and Barnett would be excellent upgrades to the Saints but free agency will determine what the most pressing needs will be come draft day. Just my opinion. Just in reply to oline, absolutely. All QB's play best in a clean pocket. Look at Brady in the SB. Once they wore out the Falcoms D and he wasn't rushing everyt hrow with people in his face he just went up and down the field. Dominating the LOS on both sides is as old as the game, but it is really the truth

02-16-2017, 07:36 AM	#9
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY http://blackandgold.com/saints/80943...ad-anyone.html

02-16-2017, 07:45 AM	#10
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: EARLY THOUGHTS ON DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY my 10 cents for what it is worth and it has not changed much Melvin Ingram? I am not on the bandwagon as many here are but he wull probably end up tagged in 2017. OG OT has some great options in upgrading talent and to get younger There is only one top FA 10+ mill Kevin Zeitler RG Cincinnati Bengals 26 / 6'4' / 320 / Rd. 1 (27) / CIN Level 2 - 6 - 9 mill Rick Wagner RT Baltimore Ravens 26 / 6'6' / 310 / Wisconsin / 2013 / Rd. 5 (168) / BAL Johnathan Hankins NY Giants 25 / 6'2' / 320 2013 / Rd. 2 (49) / NYG Level 3 - 3 - 5 mill is were I would focus right out of the gate, Top Priority A.J. Klein MLB/OLB Carolina 25 / 6'1' / 240 / 2013 / Rd. 5 (148) / CAR Micah Hyde FS/SS Green Bay 26 / 6'0' / 197 / Iowa / 2013 / Rd. 5 (159) / GB Level 4 - 1 - 2mill Huge special teams impact player. Brynden Trawick S Oakland Raiders 27 / 6'2' / 225/ 2013 / UDFA / BAL others Jarvis Jones DE/OLB Pittsburgh 26 / 6'3' / 248 / 4.90 / 2013 / Rd. 1 (17) / PIT Corey Lemonier DE Cleveland Browns 24 / 6'3' / 255 / 4.60 / 2013 / Rd. 3 (88) / SF Justin Hunter WR Buffalo Bills 25 / 6'4' / 203 / 4.44 / 2013 / Rd. 2 (34) / TEN Remember Drew is a FA in 2018 So if the saints want to stash some cash for next year. I would be ok with A.J. Klein MLB/OLB Carolina 25 / 6'1' / 240 / 2013 / Rd. 5 (148) / CAR Micah Hyde FS/SS Green Bay 26 / 6'0' / 197 / Iowa / 2013 / Rd. 5 (159) / GB Brynden Trawick S Oakland Raiders 27 / 6'2' / 225/ 2013 / UDFA / BAL And call it the end to the 2017 FA season. Though Kevin Zeitler and Rick Wagner on the right side would inspire Drew to sign quickly, I am sure. That would be a lot of Badgers for sure. #1 goal is to get younger proven players ready to get their shot at starting and offer versatility
	"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins Last edited by hagan714; 02-16-2017 at 08:03 AM..

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