Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Sometimes improvements are made in ways that aren't immediately obvious and require time to appear.

Each time a microphone was placed in front of a member of the New Orleans Saints front office this offseason, the interview almost always included an answer about how it was imperative to improve a pass rush that recorded 30 sacks last season.

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Full story by Nick: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ... | Saints | theadvocate.com

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Take the time to read this article. It addresses EXACTLY what I have been saying about the DE position and how it was addressed this off-season.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

ScottF, please read this article. It mirrors exactly what I was trying to point out to you in that other thread. You are "miffed" we didn't take a big-name pass rusher just like this writer's work addresses.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Watched East-West Shrine game with just the plays he was in...Hendrickson certainly gives 100% on every play & is quick, but added strength plus a different move or two would make him a pretty danged good pass rusher...we got the coaches now to make that happen. It does look like he'll be a pretty decent special teamer right away. It'll be fun watching him in the camp battle for that open DE spot.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

I read the article. I also listened to Loomis and Payton before the draft. It seemed they wanted a DE early. Instead we got a Maserati CB that odds are will be in the shop more than on the track. A moderate risk pick with a high reward. Higher reward than a DE if it works out. I understand it but I'm not a risk taker. I would have went with the DE but I have no access to what they know. Maybe it's much less of a risk than I assume.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Why do you assume he would be "in the shop more than on the track"? Is it the hamstring issues he faced when he was 17-18 years old? It has been explained that he went through a major growth spurt during that period. That plays havoc with any young man, but especially with an explosive athlete. He has outgrown those issues and played at a very high level all this past season. Those were age related issues, not chronic issues. Very much different.

And, yes, Payton and Loomis wanted a DE early, but they also said that all the ones they wanted were gone when it reached their valued spot. Bad teams draft for need only and pass on value.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Running can help the defense. Couldn't do it every play, but imagine a 4th and 1 or gaolline....our O line with Hoomanawanui and Phillips at TE with Ramczyk as a 3rd TE and Kuhn at FB and AP at RB. We used to bring in Strief when he was young for plays like this and run smash mouth style.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

I was unaware of the growth issue. All I know is we use to have a decent WR with a hamstring issue his whole career. Up and down.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

If you been following the saints draft for the past few years there is a trend.

BPA no matter the position. If we get BPA that fills a need great! The trend is drafting a player on each level of O and D. 3 levels of D (DB, LB and DL), O (OL, WR, Backfield).

I don't know why people get so caught up on filling needs... those are addressed during FA. Drafting is just trying to get someone that turns out to be a home run and keep our cap down.

If you look at it from this perspective... I am not surprised one bit of what, who and when.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

I had hamstring issues when I was younger. One time a player across the field yelled at me when I went down that he heard it pop. I got over it though and it hasn't been an issue in decades.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Yes. That was a chronic condition with both Devery Henderson and Lance Moore. I remember. Lattimore's was totally different.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

What's bothered me since we had Junior Galette was we've had 4-3 looking front on Cam Jordan's side and a 3-4 looking front on Galette's side...

And the Galette side (insert new name here) always seems to get gashed with these big run plays because that player was always too small to set the edge and was really just a pass-rush specialist...

That's why I've banged the drum for a Malik McDowell sized defensive end opposite Cam...

Sheldon Rankins is actually very undersized for a 3T, but he has other abilities that offset his lack of size...

But if you've got too many undersized guys, things become problematic along your front...

Yet, I'll say it again, I expect the guys we already have to play at a better level because they will now have another year in DA's system and we've got much better position coaches now for the defensive line and linebacking units...

I'd just like to see the grades that the Saints scouts assigned now that the draft is over to see who or what they valued more than say others because there were two opportunities to take what I'd consider very good DEs at 32, 42 and especially with the 67 pick we went out and grabbed...

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Most thought Lattimore pick was awesome until John Gruden ripped up the pick over the hamstring issue from his past. Don't be brainwashed by the media. Gruden just prompted to be the "bad cop" when the discussion happened. I don't trust ESPN at all.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Agree. Let's face it, picking defense is not Loomis and Coach SP's specialty. These are offensive minded people. Would rather they bring in a veteran (retired) GM as consultant on the defensive picks - someone who built a defense before, and NOT a former defensive coach.

If we could only resurrect Jim Finks' draft mind from the grave for two drafts, the defense would be top in the league.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

this is what we are all praying for. not that i hate praying or anything but i would rather not waste my time doing it for our first pick.

oh well

our father who ........

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

I have been in Gruden's camp all season long. Achilles was off my draft board.
Actually I think he showed up after i pitched camp.

Every time I watched OSU i came away saying Damn I wish Lattimore was as far along in his mental game as Conley.

oh well lets see what happens. All he has to do is have a bigger impact on the field than OJ Howard.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Lol,

Let it go Hagan. OJ is a Buc now ;).

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

If Achilles sits :brood: and Howard blows up the NFL, oh heck no :p

Let the four year head to head start now

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Look how fluid his hips are in this video & top speed to go with it. Notice his head is already turned around. It's the little things. Pretty damn impressive from a Pro prospect. Where is Rez when I need him (lol). Hagin, consider yourself warned. Lattimore will be a play maker in B&G.

https://usatraiderswire.files.wordpr...f-5.gif?w=1000

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

What gives you the feeling that he couldn't do it for sixteen (plus) games? He has had no recurrence of the hamstring issues that he experienced during his growth spurt. He didn't have any issues at all with them this past season.

I have a son that was a Division I athlete that went through the same growth spurt around the same time in his career. The difference with him was his discipline relied upon the slow twitch muscles so it was never an issue. Lattimore's problem was that the fast twitch muscles required for his discipline can't handle the added stress until they "catch up" to the new body structure. The apparently caught up and are no longer an issue.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Coaches used to curse me out for flipping my hips to the inside on a go like he just did instead of turning and facing the receiver. I told them when the ball is in the air I'm the receiver and if I'm facing the receiver I'll be more likely to reach and grab. I rather run with him and lean into him using my outside arm to keep track of him until I can make a play on the ball. His coverage is BEAUTIFUL off the line when you watch him play. I love this pick man. Plus...he's got WAY more speed then I ever had.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Yes, 50+ for sure and by week one of the 2017 season you can update that to 60+. (I do accept monetary gifts if anyone is so inclined) ;)

And I am slightly more than "cautiously" optimistic when comes to Lattimore, and that doesn't have to do with his former medical history, it has to do with the history of CB's as a whole for the Saints. When a player has chronic (non age related) hamstring issues you would expect some sort of impact on a regular ongoing basis. They pop up on injury reports on an annual basis. In Lattimore's case he was totally free from any related problem throughout his last season at OSU. I see that as VERY promising.

And, yes, I agree about the Saints history with injuries, but do not know how it could be addressed, especially under the most recent CBA. Injuries to supportive tissues such as ACL's and the like very difficult to prevent, especially within the window of time now allowed. Preventative measures include strengthening all of the surrounding muscles in a balanced nature. They key here is the term "balanced". From the research I have done on the subject I have learned that unless the muscle groups are strengthened to a somewhat equivalent degree it can actually increase the probability of supportive tissue injury. This requires a very dedicated training regimen that cannot only take place during "official" team activity periods. It requires near year round workouts. That puts the onus on the players themselves. That worries me.

I also can see an issue with Payton's passion for the crossfit training method. Each player grouping, and even individual players, should be training in a manner that best fits their individual position requirements and their personal body type. Once again, difficult to accomplish given the reduced hours, and days, allowed under the current CBA.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

I know he's a Whodat favorite and was simply awesome, but after reading some of his tweets... well... is Deuce channeling WillSaints81?

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Where have I pit down no name school players?

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Idk, too many times last year I saw Qbs given all day to throw the ball. The backfield was doing its job as depleted as it was. If a QB has all day to throw the ball then the defense has all day to get pressure, they just didn't.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Honestly Will, I was commenting on the occasionally random posts you put up that leave many of us scratching our heads as to trying to figure out what you're talking about. I'm finding quite a few of Deuce's draft tweets are making me feel the same way.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

let it go? say whay? i will try but i keep track of these things

2006
2 D'Brickashaw Ferguson OT Virginia
34 D'Qwell Jackson LB Maryland
99 Jahri Evans OT Bloomsburg
135 Dawan Landry S Georgia Tech
171 Johnny Jolly DT Texas A&M
210 Zach Strief OT Northwestern

2007
27 Ben Grubbs G Auburn
58 Ryan Kalil C USC
125 Jermon Bushrod OT Towson

2008
10 Ryan Clady OT Boise State
40 Matt Forté RB Tulane
78 Cliff Avril DE Purdue
113 Red Bryant DT Texas A&M

2009
14 Brian Cushing LB USC
Trade Shokey TE NYG
Trade Vilma
164 Chris Clemons S Clemson

2010
Patrick Robinson CB FSU
Brandon LaFell WR LSU
Dennis Pitta TE BYU
Kam Chancellor S Virginia Tech


2011
Cameron Jordan DE
John Moffitt G Wisconsin
Dion Lewis RB Pittsburgh
Pernell McPhee DE Miss St

2012
27 Nick Perry LB USC
89 Nigel Bradham LB FSU
122 Malik Jackson DE Tennessee
162 Jeremy Lane CB NW State
179 J R Sweezy OG NC State

2013
15 Alec Ogletree, WLB
75 Terron Armstead, OT
144 A.J.Klein MLB

2014
27 SS Deone Bucannon Washington St
57 WR Allen Robinson Penn St
91 RB Jerrick Mckinnon Georgia Southern
167 C Tyler Larsen Utah St.
202 OT Laurent Duvernay-Tardif McGill - RG

2015
13 WR DeVante Parker Louiville
33 DT Malcom Brown OSU
44 OT Jake Fisher Oregan
75 OLB Eli Harold Virgina
78 CB P.J. Williams FSU
154 CB Charles Gaines Louisville


2016
1 - Laremy Tunsil ROT Ole Miss
2 - Jarran Reed, DT/DE, Alabama
3 - Justin Simmons DB Boston College
4 - Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State
5 - DJ Reader NT Clemson

Sean Davis vs Vonn Bell

2017
O.J. Howard TE Alabama 6056 251 4.51 #88 Sr
Ryan Ramczyk ROT/OG Wisconsin 6052 314 5.29 #65 rJr
Marcus Williams FS Utah 6005 202 4.56 #20 Jr
Fabian Moreau CB UCLA 6004 206 4.35 #10 rSr
Trey Hendrickson DE Florida Atlantic 6040 266 4.64 #9 Sr
(117) NE (From Saints) - Cook trade
Redskins (From Saints) - George Kittle TE Iowa 6036 250 4.53 #46 rSr
Brandon Wilson, RB/KR/CB, Houston 5101 198 4.40 #26 rSr
Kai Nacua, FS/SS, BYU 6005 209 4.50 #12 Sr

not a chance :p

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Hagin,
I'll leave my grade on the draft as W - WAIT AND SEE. I thought Anthony was a outstanding pick & I was almost ready to label Peat as a bust. After year 2, the opposite holds true ;).

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

I always give our draft picks 4 year prove it contract time.

Rob Ryan, FA and trad players do not get a break

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

True Dat! We have been insufficient evaluating talent. Ireland has helped on the defensive side of the ball but we may need a true football GM, which Loomis is not. He's a yes man and bean counter.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

He will probably play 8 games a season average and have a good year in year 4 but we won't pick up the option. He goes to another team and starts all 16 games year in and year out.

"Why all the negativity?"
Have you seen anything about the health of our backfield in the past 5 years to be positive about?

I hope the new coaches came with a new strength and conditioning staff.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Look at the offensive lineman we got those first couple years. Payton saw the future withBrees and built around him. We wound up having the best line in the league a few years there.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

I see a rotation of situational pass rushers We need about 12 more sacks.If three guys get four sacks I'm ok with that add in a few CB and S blitzes and we are top fifteen D !

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

Don't forget the whole turnover thing.

Re: Underhill: If you're miffed Saints didn't draft big-name pass rusher, consider this ...
 

If the Saints were to add 12 sacks to last year's total (30, 27th NFL) they would have tied for 3rd in the league behind only Arizona (48) and Carolina (47). A marginal improvement of even six more sacks would have them in 13th position.

Think about that for a second. We are not far off from having very good defense with a little health and improved players and coaching. I feel we have just that.