Saints Off-Season Recap
by nathan.lejeune | 9 years ago | 0 Comments
Saints Off-Season Recap
Saints front office puts finishing touches on strong draft and off-season
The New Orleans Saints put their finishing touches on their Season 4 roster last night, with the aquisition of 2 Free Agents and the signing of their 6 draft picks. We will break down each round and the player recieved.
Foloi Jordan - 1st round #9 - WR - The LSU WR stands in at 5'10", 175 lbs and brings with him speed and playmaking abilities. The young burner is able to catch the ball in a wide radius, is a solid route runner and can block down field. A solid pick-up for the Saints offense who is looking for play-makers. Grade: A
Taylor Robinson - 1st round #25 - OG/OC - The G/C out of UCLA stands in at 6'2", 302 lbs. He brings a big body with some mobility to get out and pull. He can do it all, but his specialty is run blocking to open up holes for Smith and company. Grade: B-
Kyle Hennings - 2nd round #7 - OG/OC - The G/C out of Florida stands in at 6'3", 313 lbs. He boast a bigger body that Robinson, but with simular skills. Only slightly slower he is a bit stronger and both will decide between starter at G or back up at C. Look for Hennings to get the job at G and Robinson to get the job at C, but both will be starting for the Saints soon with fast devo. Grade: B
Brandon Morales - 2nd round #9 - DE - The DE from Penn State shows great potential coming off the weak side. His strength, burst and speed to get around the corner, might give him the ability to do something the Saints struggled with - get sacks! Look for Morales to be the starter at weak side DE and even have the ability to play some zone blitz looks. Grade: B+
Deantre Carter - 6th round #9 - CB/FS - After not having any 3rd, 4th or 5th round picks, the Saints took a chance on Carter. The 6 foot, 183 lb CB can also play some FS after filling in back in Miami. Carter brings size, play-making ability at the line and some coverage skills. His awareness and speed will be something to watch for, but look for Carter to get on the field sometime this year in the dime packages. Grade: C
Nick Butler - 7th round #9 - OG - After a very O-Line heavy draft for the Saints, the front office picked Nick Butler with their 7th round selection and the kid made the team out of camp. Nick has shown impressive ability to hold his own, but with a lack of speed, I wouldn't be surprised if the front office bumps him inside to C. The bottom line is the kid can run block and is strong as a mule - that combo will keep you a job in the GFML. Grade: B-
After the draft the Saints then turned their attention to a few free agents. Though they lost out on their main target at MLB, the Saints were able to pick up an attention getting FS and a back up RB.
Kenjon Barner - RB - Barner was a target two offseasons ago to come in and be a primary back-up to Smith. Though a trade was never worked out, Barner, now 29, will be the 3rd option out of the backfield. He adds speed and catching ability to a Saints RB group who needs some insurance after an injury riddled season in season 3.
Jamerius Graham - FS - Graham gives the Saints another big bodied kid to have in the back 7, a back 7 which they have relentlessly tried to improve this off-season. Though the Saints have moved CB PJ Williams to FS, look for Graham to get some playing time in a few sub situations. The 215 lb rookie brings speed, catching and hitting power, but struggles with the small details of the game.
After another off-season the Saints now look to build on last year. We give them a A- on a total grade for their draft and a B on their off-season in its entirity. Next up is the Bengals to kick off the season and a new stadium for the Saints.