Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

-----
screw interview. All they are is a temptation to ignore the tape. Should draft on game tape performance plus investigators who can tell us if they are mental cases, criminal, ets.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Yeah I still don’t think we have the right line-up yet at LB. I like the guys we have, but they aren’t big playmakers. I have a feeling the team will probably stick with Klein and Te’o as starters, but is Anzalone the answer on the weak side? He did beat out Robertson.

Any favorite LB’s in the draft? I’m liking Tremaine Edmunds (brother of our own Trey Edmunds.)

Tremaine Edmunds*, OLB, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-5. Weight: 236.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2018): 1-3

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

---
too true. We shoulda gone with LB Kendricks at the bottom of the 1st a couple years ago instead of LB Anthony. Got scared off because he was (supposedly) too small. Ha, started for MN and was a good LB who could play all 3 LB positions plus cover.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I’m interested to see how much Arden Key’s draft stock has fallen. Once a sure fire top 5 pick, he could provide a ton of value if he falls into the back end of the first round. I can’t remember the last time we had two legitimate double digit sack threats.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

What’s his story? There’s rumors that he has Randy Gregory-type drug issues.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I’m not positive. Family issues I think... he might have had a kid too but don’t hold me to that. But if it was drugs, it wouldn’t be too surprising either. We’ve had rampant issues with that down in Baton Rouge over the years.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

If not addressed in FA we have got to go cb in rd 1. PJ is trash and cost us bigtime. I know breaux might be coming back but with his injury history you can’t rely on him. With no second rd pick cb in rd1 is huge.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

My current first round targets:

Mark Andrews*, TE, Oklahoma
Height: 6-5. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Projected Round (2018): 2-3.

Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 315.
Projected 40 Time: 5.34.
Projected Round (2018): 1-2.

Tremaine Edmunds*, OLB, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-5. Weight: 236.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2018): 1-3.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Arden recently had surgery on his fingers (partly why he missed the bowl game), gained 15+ pounds this season and was unable to finish strong.

IDK, there are quite a few more consistent Bama/Georgia guys I would look at over Key.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Sometimes I wonder if some of you seasons begin and end with the draft. Those guys played their dayum hearts out and the 1 st thing some of you do is complain and look for replacements during the season and playoffs. This is not tecmo bowl where you can line up all stars. The season is over every single guy on the roster deserve to be on this team. Manti teo played unbelievable.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Problem is those two guys aren’t in our range unless we move up. Getting our hands on either Smith or Evans would be a dream scenario.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

You never know. I didn't think we had any shot at a difference maker tackle OR corner at pick #11 or 32. Both landed in our laps.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I just like the draft. Don’t know what to tell you man.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I'm checking out a few mocks and I'm seeing Evans projected in the 2nd in a couple of them. That can't be right... but if he's there, I'd definitely love to have him. You're right, you just never know.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

We should never stop looking for ways to get better.

Never.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

After beating Carolina, I really thought we'd be pick 32nd in the draft...

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

We would've stomped the Eagles. And the the Jags.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

You think they get by Brady and the Yoda on Sunday?

The Jags are very stout on D. Can't believe that hung 45 on the Steelers at home.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I think Jeff Ireland and his team locates and finds the next Demarcus Ware at pick #27 ;).

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Which is why I have them going. Brady will spread them out and Gronk will have a day but man Jax is legit.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I think losing Okafor showed us that side is far from solid.

But I will agree we need another inside force.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Round 1

Rashaan Evans ILB/OLB Alabama 6021 232 4.73 #32 Sr
Harrison covers tons of ground and create turnovers.

Josh Jackson CB/WR/FS Iowa 6012 185 4.50 #15 rJr
an athletic tall and long arm one year wonder play maker

Mason Rudolph, QB Oklahoma State 6036 235 4.77 #2 Sr
A big, athletic and talented, but needs more polish and consistency.

Rashaan Evans ILB/OLB Alabama 6021 232 4.73 #32 Sr
athletic physical and versatile linebacker

Sam Hubbard SDE OSU 6045 265 4.86 #6 rJr
A big solid all around DE

Christian Kirk WR/KR/PR Texas A&M* 5106 200 4.39 #3 Jr
Electric.

Dante Booker OLB/ILB Ohio State 6021 233 4.62 #33 Sr
Solid LB prospect

Da’Ron Payne DL Alabama 6012 308 5.38 #94 Jr
No one impressed me as the season went on than this guy

Malik Jefferson MLB/OLB Texas* 6015 238 4.57 #46 Jr
rare range and explosiveness for his size. Yet another read and react LB limited upside?

Tarvarus McFadden CB Florida State* 6012 198 4.49 #4 Jr
It is all there like Malik Jefferson but no one feared him.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Watching PJ Williams getting beat like a snare drum the last few weeks makes me believe that we will draft another CB. Having 3 solid ones (see Jacksonville) can really benefit a defense.

Maybe this is the season a healthy Delvin Breaux shows his worth on D, no?

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

I just realized that lost in the attention Lattimore and Crawley have received is the fact that this essentially was PJ’s rookie season because he finally stayed healthy. He’s a fine back-up to play on the outside but nickel just doesn’t suit him.

We need a bonafide nickel CB. Someone like Nickell Robey-Coleman or Aaron Colvin will be available in free agency.

Who are some good options in the draft? Maybe Mike Hughes (UCF) or Mark Fields (Clemson)?

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Mark Fields? "Now there's a name I haven't heard in a very long time."

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Nice options.

From the collegiate ranks, I like cornerback Michael Jackson from the U. 6'1, thick frame and can run.
Or Jaire Alexander of Louisville
Ohio St Denzel Ward... possibly nickle backs at the next level.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Just hadn't seen any VA Tech games to have insight. Chris, is he a MIKE or SAM? Where would that put Anzalone ?

Hmm ...

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Here is a BIG LB with range ...

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Slot options out there.

TJ Carrie CB/FS Raiders (27) 5115 205 4.43 #38 Rd 7 2014
He has become one of the NFLs most reliable slot CB this year. PPF coverage grade of 82.0. One of the NFL’s underrated cornerbacks. This is a break out year for him I like his physicality in tackling too.No cornerback has more tackles resulting in an defensive success while defending the pass than Carrie’s 14. A versatile defensive back with inside-outside flexibility. A must be re-sign for the raiders?

Aaron Colvin CB Jaguars (26) 5113 177 4.51 Rd4 2014
Colvin tore his ACL at Oklahoma. He played just 292 snaps in 2016 following a four-game suspension and season-ending ankle injury but did receive plus marks for his coverage from Pro Football Focus. Jags have a bit of a cap issue and are worth watching to see who gets cut lose when the money runs out.

a few later round prospects

Greg Storman CB/KR/PR/WR Virgina Tech 5116 180 4.50

Davontae Harris CB/FS Illinois St 5111 200 4.50 #10 Sr

Jaylen Dunlap FS/CB/SS Illinois 6002 190 4.45 #1 rSr

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Virginia Tech runs some weird variation of a 4-6 defense so I’m not really even sure what you would call Edmunds lol. There’s times where he’s a Mike and other times he’s an edge rusher. All I know is that he’s 6’5”, 250 lbs and fundamentally excellent as a tackler.

I really just want a LB that strikes fear into people.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

East-West Shrine Game Team Interviews:

New Orleans Saints

Syracuse S Jordan Martin
Penn WR Justin Watson
Bowling Green P Joseph Davidson
Michigan State C Brian Allen
Miami DE Chad Thomas
SMU DE Justin Lawler
Northwestern S Godwin Igwebuike
Texas DT Poona Ford
Indiana LB Tegray Scales

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Needs in the draft or FA
DE (need a beast opposite of Cam)
DT (pass rushing)
WR/TE (big physical player that is a threat)

Really wanted us to grab Campbell, and man that would have been huge. I like Okafor but he has a history of injuries we likely need an upgrade. I would love for Jimmy G to come back, think he solved a lot of issues on O.

Our LBs are set we just need them to stay healthy, same with our DBs.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Set at the linebacker position B&G? We desperately need SPEED at the MIKE. Anzalone is supposed to fill this need however you can't count on him as this (injuries) was the knock coming out of FL. Assuming he does come back, we are still thin at the position. It's time to get ELITE at the position. Robertson, Klein etc are solid but not game changers. We were close with Reuben Foster (when healthy, he is as good as advertised) in last year's draft.

Kuechly, David, Debo Jones, Barr, Kendrick types are necessary in NO.

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

This system is one reason why one of my top 5 prospects in the draft for the saints is a possible replacement for Kenny if he is let go. Even then I would draft him if all the specs check out in the pre draft beauty shows

Kyzir White SS/OLB West Virginia 6025 215 4.56 #8 Sr

A true hybrid safety-linebacker. White is one of the most physically imposing safeties in the country with his long arms and a linebacker’s mentality. His role at West Virginia is not traditional. He plays as a "big nickel" player, spending a lot of time in the slot or off the edge as a pseudo-linebacker. He fits the new breed of safeties that fits what NFL defenses need to combat offenses looking to create mismatches with running backs and tight ends in the passing game. White possesses quick awareness and has the range to cover in space, but also can be assigned gap responsibilities closer to the line of scrimmage, while being able to cover both shifty and larger targets in the passing game. If you want a player who can defend the run and be an enforcer near the line of scrimmage, White can be that type of player. White doesn’t spend a lot of time on the deep end of the field, so if he can prove himself in that regard at the Senior Bowl in January it will go a long way toward his draft stock. I bet he may be seen as a linebacker down the road. He is one of the more intriguing players at his position in the draft class. His coverage skills have improved by leaps and bounds this year.

Heep an eye on

Fred Warner OLB BYU 6025 228 4.68 #4 Sr
Skai Moore LB South Carolina 6021 218 4.65 #10 Sr

Re: 2018 NFL Draft Prospects - Saints
 

Thanks so much Hagan for turning me on to Kyzir White! After doing a little research on West Virginia’s defensive scheme and White’s role within it, I’m now convinced that he would be a perfect fit in Vaccaro’s role should we decide to move on from him.