May 3, 2018
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I don’t know how good the Saints draft was this year, but I think it is safe to say it didn’t match last year’s as the “Greatest Draft Ever.”
Of course after last year, the Saints didn’t need to match such a lofty achievement. Leaving the real question, “Did the Saints get better through this draft?” This is the question I prefer to address instead of assigning draft grades, because draft grades ignore many factors including the fact that the draft is just one part of the off season process that includes free agency.
The Saints did not have an opening for a new starter at quarterback, running back, or offensive lineman. There is no disputing that statement. At the following positions, the Saints have one great player and one solid: receiver (Thomas and Merideth or Ginn), defensive end (Jordan and Okafor), defensive tackles (Rankins and Davison), cornerback (Lattimore and Crawley).
That leaves the biggest needs at linebacker, safety, and tight end. At linebacker, the Saints invested heavily in free agency with Demario Davis this year and AJ Klein last year. Safety is a position where Marcus Williams could possibly be a very good player and the Saints invested in Kurt Coleman during free agency. Finally, the Saints signed Ben Watson at tight end who is 37 years old.
I am pretty sure, everything I stated in the last two paragraphs would be the consensus and nobody would dispute. Let me add one more piece of information. The two teams that played in the NFC Championship Game were the best in the NFC at pressuring the quarterback.
Keeping all that information in mind, I don’t know if Marcus Davenport will turn out to worthy of the 14th pick, but I strongly support the decision. Remember, I am a huge Saints fan. Therefore, my nerves were on edge when the Saints traded up as far as they did and drafted a defensive lineman. Images of Jonathan Sullivan, Shawn Knight, and other first round busts came flashing in my head. Nevertheless, in a draft short on pass rushers, at a position that you can only improve through the draft or a trade (which usually costs too much), the Saints got what everyone considered to be the second best player in the draft at pressuring the quarterback.
I am very surprised the Saints did not select a defensive tackle. Some big names, like Maurice Hurst, where available later in the draft. Players that could have provided depth up front with Rankins, Davison, and Onyemata. Still, most NFL teams keep 8-9 defensive lineman on the roster. Right now, the Saints have the three I mentioned with Jordan, Hendrickson, Okafor, and now Davenport. Those are 7 players on the front line as talented as the Saints have had in years.
The third round pick of Trequan Smith at receiver was very interesting to me because he is another “outside” receiver. Entering the draft, I was of the mindset that the Saints would be looking for another Lance Moore type receiver if they drafted a receiver. That didn’t happen. As I read more, I saw Smith did play in the slot some at UCF, so maybe that works out.
The best case scenario at receiver is Thomas, Ginn, and Merideth take the majority of the snaps and Smith is able to progress at his own pace as the fourth receiver. In the worst case scenario, Merideth is slow to recover from his injury and the Saints need a third receiver. Smith should be capable of filling that role as a rookie.
The biggest loss of the off season was Senio Kelemete. Senio played all three positions on the offensive line and was needed in almost every game. I learned my lesson last year when I didn’t appreciate the Ramczyk selection.
I am not sure what Jermon Bushrod has left in the tank, but the Saints clearly need to develop depth on the offensive line. Consequently, selecting two offensive lineman is great. Again, I don’t know if they drafted the right players (neither do the analysts). It might be the homer in me, but I am pretty confident Clapp will make the team and develop nicely in this system.
The other picks were two defensive backs and Boston Scott at running back. I think Natrell Jamerson has a great chance to make the team because of special teams. All three of these picks were clearly for special teams. In the late rounds, with so few openings for starters, the Saints were looking for quality reserves that could excel on special teams. I think that was smart.
The draft is one part of the off season where teams try to improve. Free agency is the beginning. The Saints didn’t have too many guys to re-sign. They decided to allow Kelemete, Vaccarro, and Snead to move on to other teams. I haven’t heard anyone disagree with those decisions, and I certainly do not.
Keeping Okafor while signing Patrick Robinson, Kurt Coleman, Ben Watson and Demario Davis filled needs that makes sense considering how the draft played out. Last year the Saints had a high number of picks in the first three rounds and were able to find starters. This year, with most of their picks coming in the last four rounds, I would consider the draft a success if half of those players end up contributing as backups and on special teams.
At this point, I am still concerned about tight end. Maybe Ben Watson is able to find one more year of greatness at 37. Maybe the light comes on for Fleener or Hill. Maybe the undrafted free agent from Western Kentucky will be the next in line of undrafted free agents to make an impact for the Saints. All four have a low percentage of working in a manner to where the tight end position is improved from last year. In short, I am surprised the Saints passed on the tight ends that were available. I guess the Saints didn’t have those players rated as highly as the rest of us.
I am not as concerned as most in the media about linebacker. When NFL games are being won or lost in the last 5 minutes, most defenses only have 1-2 linebackers on the field. Over 50% of defensive snaps in NFL games are played with 2 linebackers on the field. Consequently, the Saints are on solid footing with Davis, Klein, Robertson, Anzalone, and Te’o.
Having said all that, I would not be surprised if the Saints pick up a running back, tight end, and defensive tackle that make the roster between now and September.
Davenport (DE), Merideth (WR), Davis (LB), Coleman (S), Robinson (CB) and Smith (WR) are the most significant additions to this point. The Saints selected those players to improve all three levels on defense and wide receiver. If these players are successful then Loomis, Ireland, Payton and the entire Saints staff will have done their job this off season.
HEY REF
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