Live Discussion: NFL Draft
- Thread starter Lil Wes
- Start date
ROFL I always thought that was Otah, and then yesterday I found out Otah's black
Otahs a freaking monster. Seen him once walking through Oakland by the Pitt campus. Dudes a a horse.
Okay, so I strongly feel that the Saints did a fantastic job with this draft. At least, much, much better than these past few years.
I'm stoked we ended up with Sedrick Ellis. He was ranked as the second best ranked DT in the draft, but very well could end up being the best overall when it's all said and done because of Dorsey's knee problems. Anyway, Ellis should figure into the front four mix immediately and be a regular fixture in the starting lineup by mid-season. His selection helps free up double team blocking on Charles Grant or Will Smith, depending on what side of the center he lines up. He also seems to be a high character guy with good quickness, strength and technique. Plus he's extremely agile for a big man. I couldn't be more happy with this pick.
I like our second pick as well in Tracy Porter out of Indiana. He was ranked as being the ninth best CB in the draft. From what I saw of him, he gambles a tad bit too much for my liking, but he does bring added value as a KR. He also projects as a nickel for the Saints early on, but should see considerable playing time and has all the intangibles it takes to become a starter by 2009, with proper coaching. Let's hope it works out
The Saints traded for Jonathan Vilma, one of the best MLBs in the league when healthy in my opinion, with their next pick. I absolutely LOVE this move. Vilma should start immediately and provide the bonafide interior presence the defense hasnt enjoyed since the departure of Winfred Tubbs. While Vilma is frequently a terror in the 3-4, hes coming off a season ending knee surgery and has been diagosed with a genetic bone defect that could result in further instability. Overall, Im cautious, but very optimistic on this one.
Next the Saints selected DeMario Pressley out of North Carolina State. He was ranked as the tenth best DT in the draft. Excellent value in the fifth round, but with reason. From what I've seen and listened to, Pressley is a sometimes dominating, sometimes non-existent player who seems to ebb and tide against the level of competition. Hes definitely a project pick, but one that should help early on in the way of backfield disruption and certain blitz packages. At least I hope so anyway.
Up next the Saints selected Carl Nicks out of Nebraska. He was ranked as the eighth best OT in the draft, and he's one of my favorite selections that the Saints made in this draft. Nicks's a 64" 344 man mountain. He's extremely raw, but exceptionally gifted for a big man from everything I've seen and heard of him. Hes more of a run blocker than a pass protector from what I understand, but has started to make significant strides in that area I hear. Was drafted as a RT and will likely begin to push Jon Stinchcomb for playing time over the next year or two. However, the downside to Nicks is that his stock dropped off dramatically due to character issues stemming from an offseason house party that he refused to leave. So let's hope he doesn't get into any off field shenanigans anytime soon.
Another great pick by the Saints was Taylor Mehlhaff. He was the highest rated PK in the draft. From what I understand, he has exceptional accuracy within 45 yards, though he did struggle a bit as a senior. He also gets outstanding lift on kickoffs, but needs to work on his distance. While Martin Gramatica finished the 2007 off without a hitch, hes been a hot/cold kicker throughout much of his career. This is clearly one of the areas on the team that needed a facelift and Mehlhaffs selection could provide dividends for years to come.
The Saints last pick was Adrian Arrington out of Michigan. He was the thirty-second rated WR in the draft. From what I've seen, he's a productive possession receiver who was completely overshadowed by Wolverine teammate Mario Manningham in college. He had a couple of off-the-field issues that dropped his stock, but I think he can overcome that in a new and professional enviroment. Also, assuming Robert Meachem emerges as the starter opposite Colston, Arrington could provide another nice sized slot target for Drew Brees. Considering the short term contracts the vast majority of the WR corps are currently working on, as well as the inexcusable amount of drops they served up as a unit last season, I cant see how this selection could hurt.
Unfulfilled needs - OLB, TE, FS, RB and C. Overall though, a very solid draft considering the players the Saints did pick. I cannot wait for next season to start.
I'm stoked we ended up with Sedrick Ellis. He was ranked as the second best ranked DT in the draft, but very well could end up being the best overall when it's all said and done because of Dorsey's knee problems. Anyway, Ellis should figure into the front four mix immediately and be a regular fixture in the starting lineup by mid-season. His selection helps free up double team blocking on Charles Grant or Will Smith, depending on what side of the center he lines up. He also seems to be a high character guy with good quickness, strength and technique. Plus he's extremely agile for a big man. I couldn't be more happy with this pick.
I like our second pick as well in Tracy Porter out of Indiana. He was ranked as being the ninth best CB in the draft. From what I saw of him, he gambles a tad bit too much for my liking, but he does bring added value as a KR. He also projects as a nickel for the Saints early on, but should see considerable playing time and has all the intangibles it takes to become a starter by 2009, with proper coaching. Let's hope it works out
The Saints traded for Jonathan Vilma, one of the best MLBs in the league when healthy in my opinion, with their next pick. I absolutely LOVE this move. Vilma should start immediately and provide the bonafide interior presence the defense hasnt enjoyed since the departure of Winfred Tubbs. While Vilma is frequently a terror in the 3-4, hes coming off a season ending knee surgery and has been diagosed with a genetic bone defect that could result in further instability. Overall, Im cautious, but very optimistic on this one.
Next the Saints selected DeMario Pressley out of North Carolina State. He was ranked as the tenth best DT in the draft. Excellent value in the fifth round, but with reason. From what I've seen and listened to, Pressley is a sometimes dominating, sometimes non-existent player who seems to ebb and tide against the level of competition. Hes definitely a project pick, but one that should help early on in the way of backfield disruption and certain blitz packages. At least I hope so anyway.
Up next the Saints selected Carl Nicks out of Nebraska. He was ranked as the eighth best OT in the draft, and he's one of my favorite selections that the Saints made in this draft. Nicks's a 64" 344 man mountain. He's extremely raw, but exceptionally gifted for a big man from everything I've seen and heard of him. Hes more of a run blocker than a pass protector from what I understand, but has started to make significant strides in that area I hear. Was drafted as a RT and will likely begin to push Jon Stinchcomb for playing time over the next year or two. However, the downside to Nicks is that his stock dropped off dramatically due to character issues stemming from an offseason house party that he refused to leave. So let's hope he doesn't get into any off field shenanigans anytime soon.
Another great pick by the Saints was Taylor Mehlhaff. He was the highest rated PK in the draft. From what I understand, he has exceptional accuracy within 45 yards, though he did struggle a bit as a senior. He also gets outstanding lift on kickoffs, but needs to work on his distance. While Martin Gramatica finished the 2007 off without a hitch, hes been a hot/cold kicker throughout much of his career. This is clearly one of the areas on the team that needed a facelift and Mehlhaffs selection could provide dividends for years to come.
The Saints last pick was Adrian Arrington out of Michigan. He was the thirty-second rated WR in the draft. From what I've seen, he's a productive possession receiver who was completely overshadowed by Wolverine teammate Mario Manningham in college. He had a couple of off-the-field issues that dropped his stock, but I think he can overcome that in a new and professional enviroment. Also, assuming Robert Meachem emerges as the starter opposite Colston, Arrington could provide another nice sized slot target for Drew Brees. Considering the short term contracts the vast majority of the WR corps are currently working on, as well as the inexcusable amount of drops they served up as a unit last season, I cant see how this selection could hurt.
Unfulfilled needs - OLB, TE, FS, RB and C. Overall though, a very solid draft considering the players the Saints did pick. I cannot wait for next season to start.
Yeah Ben wont be able to get him the ball. He only threw 35 touchdowns, and Sweed will make an immediate impact in the redzone, where our offense was horrible. Trips with Ward in the slot with possibly two tight ends, and a pounding back. Yeah Sweed wont make it in Pittsburgh.
