New Orleans Saints Draft thread

[Sveen]

We are finally back on the clock. Plenty of interesting players still available. Romeus, Herzlich, Jeron Johnson, McDaniel...

[CJSchneider]

Greg Romeus - Welcome to the Big Easy!

[Sveen]

Greg Romeus it is. Excellent value. I like it.
Top rated available player in Scott's top 254

[wicket]

back issues as reason for his big fall I guess

[Bosanac01]

Man you guys just stole Romeous from us. Hopefully he stays healthy, because he's a hell of a player.

[CJSchneider]

Yeah, get his butt to a chiropractor and get him healthy.

[Saints-Tigers]

I'd like a safety, but I think it will be some OL that we never heard of that becomes a damn good player :D

[Sveen]

I'm guessing Southeastern Louisiana OT Kevin Hughes.

[CJSchneider]

DeAndre McDaniel, Mark Herzlich, Ian Williams and Deunta Williams, Jeron Johnson, Lee Ziemba, Martin Parker and Daniel Hardy are all still available.

[CJSchneider]

Nathan Bussey, welcome to the Saints!

[Sveen]

Anyone know anything about Nate Bussey? I wish they had drafted Mark Herzlich instead.

[wicket]

Originally Posted by Sveen

Anyone know anything about Nate Bussey? I wish they had drafted Mark Herzlich instead.

I dont see it, payton was talkg about you want to see something even if its one thing that is special about their games with late rounders

no idea what that thing would be with bussey

[SaintsMan]

Originally Posted by Sveen

Anyone know anything about Nate Bussey? I wish they had drafted Mark Herzlich instead.

http://**************.com/nate-bussey-mr-versatility

[Seasonticketholder]

Greg Romeus is my second favorite pick after Mark Ingram. He was a guy I mentioned several times leading up to the draft as a player I liked and thought would be a good backup plan if missed on a DE in the first round. I think Romeus is a huge steal and a guy who can rush the passer and play the run. If healthy, he's a HUGE steal in the 7th round.

[aregand]

Herzlich unsigned free agent hope Saints consider giving him a shot. couple big DT prospects too...

[CJSchneider]

That is as soon as teams can talk to UDFA's.

[diabsoule]

Here are my top UDFA targets:

1. Ian Williams, DT, Notre Dame
2. Jeron Johnson, S, Boise State
3. Martin Parker, DT, Richmond
4. Darvin Adams, WR, Auburn
5. Tori Gurley, WR, South Carolina
6. Willie Smith, OT, East Carolina
7. Schuyler Oordt, TE, Northern Iowa
8. Mario Fannin, RB/WR, Auburn

[CJSchneider]

Add Mark Herzlich to that and it will be even sexier.

[diabsoule]

Originally Posted by CJSchneider

Add Mark Herzlich to that and it will be even sexier.

I admire Herzlich very much and there is no denying his courage, commitment, and leadership abilities but I just don't see him being successful at the next level.

[diabsoule]

Immediately after the NFL Draft was a time where the 32 teams around the league would contact undrafted free agents (UDFA's) to see if they would like to be invited to their training camp to compete for a roster spot. Since the NFL lockout is still in effect, teams will not be allowed to contact any of the priority UDFA's that they might have on their radar.

The New Orleans Saints have been very successful in finding these hidden “gems” as running backs Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory, wide receiver Lance Moore, and defensive tackle Remi Ayodele are just a few of the UDFA's (undrafted free agents) that have made a significant impact for the Saints. This year would be no different if the team was allowed to contact any undrafted player.

It is all but guaranteed, however, that once the lockout is lifted that every team will be burning up the phone lines to bring in some of the players that fell through the cracks of the NFL Draft. Below is a list of ten priority UDFA's that could and should be on the New Orleans Saints radar once the time comes that they're able to contact the undrafted players.

No. 1 – Ian Williams, defensive tackle, Notre Dame
The big, 320lb Williams is the type of prototypical run stopper that most teams covet. He's smart, aggressive, and possesses good instincts and is the type of player that could effectively take over for Shaun Rogers once his time in New Orleans comes to a close.

No. 2 – Jeron Johnson, safety, Boise State
It was very surprising that Johnson didn't get his name called during the draft since he possesses all the tools necessary to succeed at the next level. He loves to hit, has a strong upper body, had excellent production in college, and is a solid defender just to name a handful of traits. Johnson would make an excellent special teamer and provide better depth at safety than the Saints currently posses on the roster.

No. 3 – Cedric Thornton, defensive tackle, Southern Arkansas
Thornton was one of the few small school invitees to the Senior Bowl. He's big, solid, and country strong and is the type that if brought along slowly he could emerge as a starter. Needs a veteran locker room, like the Saints possess.

No. 4 – Darvin Adams, wide receiver, Auburn
A tall, intelligent, football-savvy, SEC tested receiver who is dependable in the passing game. He's not an effective run blocker but he is more than willing to toss his body around and draws some comparisons to current Saint, and possibly cap casualty, Devery Henderson.

No. 5 – Martin Parker, defensive tackle, Richmond
The defensive tackle position for the Saints lacks effective depth and Parker would help rectify that. A big, fast, intelligent, productive tackle for a top-notch FCS football program, Parker is the type that with the proper coaching could turn into a very solid rotational DT.

No. 6 – Dane Sanzenbacher, wide receiver, Ohio State
A tough, gritty, reliable receiver who rarely drops the football. He's a tremendous route runner who simply knows how to get open. One of the few drawbacks to his game is his lack of bulk and that he throws his body around too much. His game and ability to catch any pass will draw similar comparisons to Lance Moore who may depart through free agency.

No. 7 – Willie Smith, offensive tackle, East Carolina
A converted tight end who is understandably a very athletic offensive tackle that plays with proper technique. His solid character, work ethic, and passion for the game will help him out as he already possesses the size and length to be a developmental NFL tackle.

No. 8 – Mario Harvey, outside linebacker, Marshall
An extremely aggressive, compact, muscular and thickly built linebacker prospect who racked up excellent statistics against BCS competition. Harvey has the potential, desire, coachability, work ethic, blitzing skills, and overall football instincts to make him at the very least a standout special team performer and adequate back-up for multiple linebacking positions.

No. 9 – Henry Hynoski, fullback, Pittsburgh
Heath Evans future is in doubt in New Orleans so that leaves a gaping hole at FB. The Saints need someone to help open running lanes for new running back Mark Ingram and Hynoski is a nasty, old-school, aggressive, instinctive blocker that craves contact. He can also effectively catch the ball out of the backfield having caught 40 catches for an average of 7.1 yards while playing at Pitt.

No. 10 – Garrett Chisolm, offensive guard, South Carolina
The reason for Chisolm falling out of the NFL draft is that he blew out his knee at the end of the season. He has the ability and size to play either at guard or tackle at the next level and given time could very well be a hidden “gem” that every team covets.

Those ten are just a handful of players that the Saints could and should target once they are allowed by the NFL to discuss with undrafted free agents. While this draft may not have been particularly deep at most positions, there is a possibility that it could yield a few diamonds in the rough and the Saints have proven to be effective miners of talent.

[wicket]

My pick by pick grades:

Cameron Jordan A+
Mark Ingram F
Martez Wilson A+
Johnny Patrick C
Greg Romeus A
Nate Bussey C+
Overall draft B-

[BaLLiN]

Originally Posted by diabsoule

Here are my top UDFA targets:

1. Ian Williams, DT, Notre Dame
2. Jeron Johnson, S, Boise State
3. Martin Parker, DT, Richmond
4. Darvin Adams, WR, Auburn
5. Tori Gurley, WR, South Carolina
6. Willie Smith, OT, East Carolina
7. Schuyler Oordt, TE, Northern Iowa
8. Mario Fannin, RB/WR, Auburn

Fannin at WR? i see him as a west coast FB really

[CJSchneider]

Originally Posted by diabsoule

I admire Herzlich very much and there is no denying his courage, commitment, and leadership abilities but I just don't see him being successful at the next level.

Are you serious? The guy was going to be a top 15 pick before his medical battles. I am amazed that no one took a chance on him. I will eat my words if I am wrong, but I doubt I will have to.

Originally Posted by diabsoule

No. 1 – Ian Williams, defensive tackle, Notre Dame

No. 2 – Jeron Johnson, safety, Boise State

No. 4 – Darvin Adams, wide receiver, Auburn

No. 5 – Martin Parker, defensive tackle, Richmond

No. 7 – Willie Smith, offensive tackle, East Carolina

No. 9 – Henry Hynoski, fullback, Pittsburgh

Add Herzlich to that list and I would be ecstatic.

[Flyboy]

I really think we should have drafted Mason Foster over Johnny Patrick... hopefully I'm proven wrong.

[Caddy]

Originally Posted by Flyboy

I really think we should have drafted Mason Foster over Johnny Patrick... hopefully I'm proven wrong.

Hopefully you aren't!!!! :D