Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Still think we need help at OL.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Mike is peaking at the best possible moment (Pro Day & NFL combine). Big, strong, fast & appears to be a freak of nature. He's compared well to Jimmy G. The only negative from a lot of scouts is his blocking :(.

I just don't think he'll be on the board after Day 2. Would love to have him though.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Dante Pettis. He is a super dangerous punt returner & has vision.

Possible upgrade over TLL?

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I've posted this on cornerback Jaire only because the Saints have recently interviewed (probably needs nothing) him. I question his durability. He's often injured :rolleyes:.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

No. 27 (R1, 27) DT Taven Bryan, Florida; Height: 6' 5"; Weight: 295 lbs.
No. 27 (R1, 27) LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise St.; Height: 6’ 4”, Weight: 245 lbs.
No. 27 (R1, 27) TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State; Height: 6’ 5”; Weight: 247 lbs.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

In my Hagan's voice ... "sell me on Leighton Vander Esch in the 1st rd!" :)

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

;)

Do you watch Inside New Orleans Sports with Eric Asher?

Mike Fazende was one of the guest last night (airs LIVE on Thursdays on WLAE at 6pm)...

I like Mike, good, humble guy with a great grasp on personnel, team fit, salary cap, and an unabashed, but honest, NOLA homer...

To paraphrase, Fazende highlighted a great point about how Vander Esch went from being a walk-On as a TE/WR to playing as an elite LB...

Vander Esch learned a new position and re-built his body, was outstandingly productive and earned first round grade in three years...

That kind of player to come from lean walk-on to top tier prospect linebacker is one who you jumps out at you and you take notice...

You factor in his SPARQ, his Combine Performance, his increase in production - this guy is the goods...

I'd also mention that unlike these Bama and UGA linebackers, he didn't have great talent around him or in front of him on his defensive line...

Evans and Smith will be solid pros, but they came from factories that mill out these guys and have superior talent around them, rarely challenged or directly targeted...

Consider Fazende's point and then you realize that this is a young man that understands adversity and challenge and has already demonstrated he can overcome it...

For me, it's Taven Bryan or Vander Esch or Bust...And I'd jump the Falcons to get either one...

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

You’ll like this JP...

Sean FazendeFOX8
@SeanFazendeFOX8
Saints will have a workout with Iowa LB Josey Jewell, I’m told.
8:18 AM · Mar 24, 2018

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Thanks for the insight, K.

Maybe he'd be a consideration if we trade down (ha) if all our targeted players are already gone by then.

One of those for me was DT Taven Bryan but I don't like that an analyst said Bryan wasn't consistent stopping the run. I am so tired of being gashed right up the middle.

So, liking DT Phillips more now. Or TE.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Opps, above I responded to the wrong post from you.

Thanks for the insight, K.

Maybe he'd be a consideration if we trade down (ha) if all our targeted players are already gone by then.

One of those for me was DT Taven Bryan but I don't like that an analyst said Bryan wasn't consistent stopping the run. I am so tired of being gashed right up the middle.

So, liking DT Phillips more now. Or TE.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Siran is a good run defender. Could become a solid contributor on special teams. Good value in later rounds of the draft.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

My guy. Im all in on him.

If im being realistic at who could possibly be there at 27, My cloud in the first would probably look something like...

Taven Bryan - DT, Florida
Leighton Vander Esch - LB, Boise St.
DJ Moore - WR, Maryland
Harold Landry - DE, Boston College
Arden Key - DE, LSU
Connor Williams - OT/OG, Texas

I also would not be mad at....

Lamar Jackson - QB, Louisville
Jaire Alexander - CB, Louisville
Josh Jackson - CB, Iowa
Mike Hughes - CB, UCF
Uchenna Nwosu - LB/DE, USC
Christian Kirk - WR, Texas A&M
Rashaan Evans - LB, Alabama
Hayden Hurst - TE, South Carolina
Mike Gesicki - TE, Penn St.
Dallas Goedert - TE, South Dakota St.
Isaiah Wynn - OT/OG, Georgia


although plenty of those guys SHOULD be gone by pick 27 i still wanted to throw their names in bc several will fall as they do every year. If you notice guys missing from that cloud it’s because i fully believe/EXPECT them to be gone and locks for the top 20ish...
Baker Mayfield
Roquan Smith
Bradley Chubb
Marcus Davenport
Denzel Ward
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Derwin James
Vita Vea
Da’ron Payne
Tremaine Edmunds
Calvin Ridley
etc.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

How can this not excite some people???? He shows it all on tape too.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Since TE is popular among the Saints options this year, as it should be, My TE rankings probably go against the grain but here is how i rank the top 4 this year...

1. Hayden Hurst - South Carolina
2. Mike Gesicki - Penn State
3. Dallas Goedert - South Dakota State
4. Mark Andrews - Oklahoma

this ranking is based on how i envision each could be used in the Saints offense and who their play style reminds me of in the current NFL...

Hayden Hurst - All around athlete. Former baseball player and drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a pitcher. Definitely believe he could be used the same way Travis Kelce is utilized in the Kansas City offense. plays much faster on tape than he tests and thats what matters to me. doesnt shy away from contact and shows great athleticism/speed. running/passing ability on Trick plays at south carolina immediately come to mind when thinking of his Kelce like impact. Biggest knock is the age(24/25 during the season). I wish he was 22.

Mike Gesicki - I see Jimmy Graham...frame and athletic ability is top tier at the TE position. will he have the same impact? who knows but talent is definitely there. like Jimmy, don’t expect much in the blocking lasrt of his game.

Dallas Goedert - I’ve seen/heard Ertz and Gronk comparisons thrown around but Im still upset we didnt get to see him at the combine or Senior bowl against better talent he’s accustomed to seeing. Love how smooth he is on tape but i feel like Hurst/Gesicki play faster and against better competition. Right now He’s Hunter Henry but with the right system/development he could be ertz, but i dont see gronk, maybe baby gronk. the arrow is definitely UP on him though.

Mark Andrews - Gotta like some of the things he puts on tape, good hands and finds soft spots in the defense. tested well at the combine but definitely plays slower on tape. He reminds me of witten with his route running & finding ways to get open minus the blocking.

imo Hurst, Gesicki, Goedert all rank closely with each other. I dont think either are 1st rounders...more early 2nd, but I understand if the Saints take one of ‘em in the first. although i want BPA this year.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Not a very flattering photo of Arden Key who looks more like a Dave Chappelle on meth than a defensive end...

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Saints FO ... due diligence on Arden. 1st rounder? Highly unlikely.

One too many red flags with this guy.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Just from watching 3 games (replay of course), he is a step too slow, stiff hips & I don't see the instincts that many seem to emphasize. Esch measurable says he a MIKE but I see him on the outside (WLB) at the elite level. The combine cone drills, 40 times were impressive but I didn't see those traits on tape. Sparq scores are nice but they are only a small piece to a big picture.

There are lots of other players I'd like at 27 but this kid ain't one of em.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Did you see him at his pro day

https://media.giphy.com/media/l26w5uLKmpPHO/giphy.gif

Can argue with that strength

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Possible option @ #27 .... Harold Landry.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

If Sean Payton wants a new toy opposite Michael Thomas ... Kirk could be the answer. Not sure if falls to 27 though.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Leighton Vander Esch ... quite a few mocks have him to the Steelers @ 28 (fills a hole/need due to unfortunate Shazier injury).

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

The Cowboys seem to be very enamored with him as well. I more I keep reading about Vander Esch, the bigger fan I am becoming of him. I wouldn't mind him at all.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

MEAC stud Darius Leonard. He could be there in the 3rd round ...

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Mr. Danny Johnson - Southern University - Baton Rouge. Good cornerback prospect at the next level.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

If we draft a lb. I hope it would be him.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I watched his games. He was Kuechly-esque when defending the run.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

That's fair Rez ...however what about his inability to shed blocks in some of those games? Just imagine what will happen when a NFL caliber tackle put their hands on him?

I have no hate for Leighton as a player but I just believe he's a Day 2 guy.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Great athlete. Not sure how old the scouting report was I read but they had him projected to go late 2nd -4th round :confused:. But with his skill set, I think Uchenna is gone late 1st.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Nick Underhill
@nick_underhill
Payton says edge, wide receiver, tight end are all must positions. “There’s no flexibility” on getting one.
6:26 AM · Mar 27, 2018

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Mike Triplett
@MikeTriplett
High praise for Lamar Jackson from Sean Payton: “I like him, I like him. Hes athletic. Hes got a magic smile to him. Hes a leader. ... He’s a special guy. You just have to be around him and interview him and you can see why he was successful.” Said next QB won’t be “Brees clone”
6:33 AM · Mar 27, 2018

That last part is telling to me. Everyone just kind of expects us to go after a pocket passer, West Coast offense kind of QB.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

He didn’t have a lot of experience. He was a reserve as a freshman and hurt most of that next year, but this past year he showed up. I don’t think he’s as strong as he’s going to be either. It’ll probably come with time. I wouldn’t be mad at the pick.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Pro Day March 27: Appalachian State, Texas A&M & Mississippi | Draft Analyst

I spoke with several people who are still buzzing about the workout of Sam Houston State defensive tackle PJ Hall. We posted his numbers yesterday and I’ve spoken with some over the past 24 hours who have confided they believe Hall had one of the best pro-day workouts of any non-combine defensive line prospect from the past ten years. Hall tested well then transfered that athleticism in position drills, easily moving around the field and looking good in zone drop drills. This comes as no surprise to anyone at SHSU as Hall entered the school's football program as a 260 pound tight end.

Hall, who was dominant for three days of Shrine practice, measured 6004 and 308 pounds. He touched an impressive 38 inches in the vertical jump, reached 9-foot-8 in the broad jump and completed 36 reps on the bench.

His first 40 time clocked under 4.8 (4.76 on a few watches) into the wind while his second attempt, with the wind, was under 4.7 (4.68 on a few watches).

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

"Payne" ... a solid run stuffer & deceptively quick for a man of his size. Fast forward to 5:26 ... you think Sean Payton can't use a guy like this on 3rd and goal ?

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

This CB looks like a late-round target of ours...

Herbie Teope
@HerbieTeope
Source confirms the #Saints will host Cincinnati CB Linden Stephens on a predraft visit, as @AaronWilson_NFL reported. Visit scheduled to occur in mid-April and Saints also met with Stephens, who has sub 4.4 40-yard dash speed, night before Pro Day, I'm told.
11:47 AM · Mar 27, 2018