The Saints were a play away from the NFC Championship game, and are only in need of a few tweaks in personnel to get to another Super Bowl. Of course, this is under the assumption they resign Drew Brees, without that they have no chance. Free agency will address some needs but the draft is always the best way to build a team and replenish talent. The Saints braintrust can’t top what happened last draft, but just have a solid, no frills effort and compete for the big prize. So without further adieu here is my Faux Draft 2018:
Round 1 Pick 27
Raashan Evans LB Alabama
Auburn guy who went to Alabama, which caused his family grief, is an athletic thumper the Saints would love to get. A sideline to sideline linebacker who can play inside or outside. At 6’3″ 235 has all the physical tools but also a high football IQ. A very effective blitzer and a sure tackler. Evans is also excellent in coverage a big problem with the Saints last season. A solid pick and day one contributor.
At 6’3 275 looks the part has every box checked as far as rushing the passer. Has good initial quickness and has multiple moves. Has nice recognition of screens and a great motor. He can be a passing down specialist early and develop into a very good player if he’s still there at 92.
Round 4 Pick 27 Overall 123
Dante Pettis WR Washington
Saints grab Dante Pettis here and fill two roles that need competition or an upgrade. The Huskies receiver is a good route runner with sudden hands and can play inside or outside. He broke the all time PAC 12 record for punt return touchdowns in a career. Punt returning on the Saints has been mediocre at best for awhile and he might be the best in the 2018 draft. His father Gary was an MLB player for 11 seasons and his brother was on the St Louis Rams for 4 years. A complimentary receiver with an outstanding work ethic. Should be a solid professional.
Round 5 Pick 10 Overall 138
Luke Falk QB Washington St
Have to take a quarterback, sorry I don’t think Taysom Hill is the future behind center. Falk is 6’5″ but has very good feet. The second best walk on quarterback in the nation after Mayfield. Ran Mike Leachs’ offense at a high level even when offensive line didn’t protect well. Extremely accurate and throws a nice ball. Can learn from a master.
Only about 5’9″ but plays much bigger. Competes hard against taller receivers on 50/50 balls and a sure tackler. Another special teams star and an excellent kick returner. A Bill Synder coached player is always good in the fundamentals. A later round steal here.
Round 6 Overall 175
Brandon Parker OT North Carolina A+T
If he’s still on the board this isn’t move here. At 6’7 and 305 he has good feet and a powerful punch. Dominated lesser competition but more than geld his own. Can probably slide to guard but with Armstead’s recent injury history this position must be addressed
Round 6 Overall 187
Christian LaCouture DL LSU
As an LSU fan this one was easy, everything that is good about athletics this guy exemplifies. Wore the coveted number 18 for the purple and gold and has always been a team first guy. Can be a good rotational defensive lineman and great for the locker room.
Very good inline run blocker and natural pass catcher. Does everything well and built solid. Obligatory Stanford statement he has a high football IQ, I bet his other IQ is pretty high too. Played a lot of 22 personnel, which the Saints do at times also. Just seems like a perfect fit for me.
So there is my pre-combine mock draft hope you enjoyed it, it was pretty fun for me too.
The Saints were a play away from the NFC Championship game, and are only in need of a few tweaks in personnel to get to another Super Bowl. Of course, this is under the assumption they resign Drew Brees, without that they have no chance. Free agency will address some needs but the draft is always the best way to build a team and replenish talent. The Saints braintrust can’t top what happened last draft, but just have a solid, no frills effort and compete for the big prize. So without further adieu here is my Faux Draft 2018:
Round 1 Pick 27
Raashan Evans LB Alabama
Auburn guy who went to Alabama, which caused his family grief, is an athletic thumper the Saints would love to get. A sideline to sideline linebacker who can play inside or outside. At 6’3″ 235 has all the physical tools but also a high football IQ. A very effective blitzer and a sure tackler. Evans is also excellent in coverage a big problem with the Saints last season. A solid pick and day one contributor.
Highlights Here
Round 3 Pick 92
Duke Ejiofor Edge Wake Forest
At 6’3 275 looks the part has every box checked as far as rushing the passer. Has good initial quickness and has multiple moves. Has nice recognition of screens and a great motor. He can be a passing down specialist early and develop into a very good player if he’s still there at 92.
Round 4 Pick 27 Overall 123
Dante Pettis WR Washington
Saints grab Dante Pettis here and fill two roles that need competition or an upgrade. The Huskies receiver is a good route runner with sudden hands and can play inside or outside. He broke the all time PAC 12 record for punt return touchdowns in a career. Punt returning on the Saints has been mediocre at best for awhile and he might be the best in the 2018 draft. His father Gary was an MLB player for 11 seasons and his brother was on the St Louis Rams for 4 years. A complimentary receiver with an outstanding work ethic. Should be a solid professional.
Round 5 Pick 10 Overall 138
Luke Falk QB Washington St
Have to take a quarterback, sorry I don’t think Taysom Hill is the future behind center. Falk is 6’5″ but has very good feet. The second best walk on quarterback in the nation after Mayfield. Ran Mike Leachs’ offense at a high level even when offensive line didn’t protect well. Extremely accurate and throws a nice ball. Can learn from a master.
Film Session Here
Round 5 Overall 155
DJ Reed CB Kansas State
Only about 5’9″ but plays much bigger. Competes hard against taller receivers on 50/50 balls and a sure tackler. Another special teams star and an excellent kick returner. A Bill Synder coached player is always good in the fundamentals. A later round steal here.
Round 6 Overall 175
Brandon Parker OT North Carolina A+T
If he’s still on the board this isn’t move here. At 6’7 and 305 he has good feet and a powerful punch. Dominated lesser competition but more than geld his own. Can probably slide to guard but with Armstead’s recent injury history this position must be addressed
Round 6 Overall 187
Christian LaCouture DL LSU
As an LSU fan this one was easy, everything that is good about athletics this guy exemplifies. Wore the coveted number 18 for the purple and gold and has always been a team first guy. Can be a good rotational defensive lineman and great for the locker room.
Story Here
Round 7 Overall 219
Dalton Schultz TE Stanford
Very good inline run blocker and natural pass catcher. Does everything well and built solid. Obligatory Stanford statement he has a high football IQ, I bet his other IQ is pretty high too. Played a lot of 22 personnel, which the Saints do at times also. Just seems like a perfect fit for me.
So there is my pre-combine mock draft hope you enjoyed it, it was pretty fun for me too.
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