Time to take a look at the team that hopes to capture the NFC South crown after struggling for a couple of years first without DREW BREES then sans-SEAN PAYTON. They conducted one of the off-season’s biggest transactions in signing DEREK CARR as their new QB. He may not be DREW BREES, but he is a better than average pro QB and the hope is if all their skill position players are around and healthy they can bypass the BRADY-less BUCS.
So let’s get them some young ammunition for their 2023 season…
Round 1, Pick 29 O’CYRUS TORRENCE OG Florida 6’5/330 TORRENCE took his game to Florida, following his Ragin’ Cajun Head Coach BILLY NAPIER there. He moved inside to OG and showed he had the right stuff in the tough SEC. Yes, the Saints have a solid IOL group, but they are growing old together and are paying second contract dollars to most of their OL starters. If TORRENCE is having a good Training Camp look for the team to possibly part ways with a guy named PEAT.
Round 2, Pick 40 WILL McDONALD ER/OB Iowa St 6’4/240 First and foremost McDONALD is a skilled edge-rusher. Let’s call him a OLB because at 240, he’s not replacing CAM JORDAN at DE. But he should get moved around in. formations and add some youth to their Front-7. I would look for him to produce the pocket-pressure that now departed DAVENPORT, and currently TURNER have failed to produce yet as pros. He should have a decent shot to develop some LB skills as well long term.
Round 3, Pick 71 TYJAE SPEARS RB Tulane 5’10/200 SPEARS has some similar skills to KAMARA, who may have some off-field legal issues coming up soon. He is explosive with the ball in his hands, and like KAMARA can get you yards in the running or passing game. He put on quite a show in the post-season for Tulane in their Bowl game, and looked very comfortable playing and practicing at the Senior Bowl. He would seem to be primed for a RB2 as a Rookie.
Round 4, Pick 115 MICHAEL WILSON WR Stanford 6’2/215 This young man really excelled during Senior Bowl week. He is not a speedster, but gets separation and can fight for those 50/50 balls with his 6’2 height in a WR Draft Class that is dominated this year by the quick/little guys. If MICHAEL THOMAS cannot come back from another year of lower leg issues WILSON might be the guy to step up.
Round 5, Pick JERROD CLARK DT Coastal Carolina 6’3/330 The Saints went out and got some VFA help for their DT group, but I like the idea of this big, physical guy who adds bulk and youth to the DL crew. He showed over the past 2 college seasons the ability to shoot gaps and push IOL around to pressure the pocket up the middle. Has surprising quickness off the snap for his size.
Round 5, Pick 165 DAVIS ALLEN TE Clemson 6’5/245 Adam Trautman seems to have progressed a bit in his pass coaching skills, but I don’t think he’s the receiver this guy can be. And ALLEN will block. You have to in DABO’s offensive scheme at Clemson.
Round 6, Pick 227 MO DIABATE’ LB Utah 6’3/230 Not sure he will ever be a starting LB in the NFL, but he should be a Special Teams standout, and provide some backup snaps behind their aging LB ace DAVIS, as needed. Is a bit undisciplined in LB assignments, but maybe the SAINTS coaches can find the right buttons to press in that regard.
Round 7, Pick 257 JASON TAYLOR S Oklahoma St 6’/205 A reasonably athletic collegian, who has progressed as a player every season in college. Is a willing tackler, and has some decent cover skills. He can run a bit (4.5040 @ Combine) and has nice size. Showed some leg explosion with a 43″ Vertical and 10’9″ Broad Jump. The player-formally-known-as The Honey Badger didn’t look quite as explosive last season and may be past his prime. This young man could surprise, and have a starting S slot in his future.
I like this mix of players, and have to assume that the scouting crew has a bunch of names for Day 4 Draft recruitment, which has pretty much always been a source of developmental talent for the low end of the Saints roster. On paper the Saints look like the team best positioned to take over the NFC South. The SAINTS, and their fans, owe their former Coach Payton another thank you for ending his retirement this year and netting his ex-team that First Round Pick at 29.
Cheers
Pigskin
