I went 1-5 in my picks with the Saints getting Terron Armstead, OT from Arkansas Pine-Bluff, so at least I was able to predict one correctly before the draft. While we are on Armstead, I like the pick for where the Saints got him in the third round. He gives us a highly athletic left tackle that may or may not start in the first year but will be there when we need him to be, and it allows for a more complete offensive line after the departure of Jermon Bushrod.
Moving on to the first round
with the pick of Kenny Vaccaro, I'm okay with this pick. As all of you know, I wanted Barkevious Mingo more than anyone not named Dion Jordan. Whereas the Saints didn't get my guy, they still got help on the backside of the defense and that's what matters in the first round. I've heard mixed reviews about this guy ranging from not being able to make tackles on a consistent basis to having elite athleticism so that plays into my final verdict of "I'm okay with the pick". From what I've seen of this dude, he's pretty solid and time will tell how good he can be for the Saints.
The Saints then essentially traded Ivory and their fourth round pick to move back into the third round. I didn't like this then, and I don't like this now. My reasoning for this is: While Jenkins is a good value pick at the spot that he was picked, I feel that the team gave up way too much to get him. If the Saints hadn't traded back into the third round, they would have had 1 extra draft choice and 2 total in the fourth round. With those choices, the Saints could have selected 2 of the following: Barrett Jones (can play any offensive line position), Sean Porter (LB), Khaseem Greene (LB), Phillip Thomas (Safety, Who I had on my mock draft), or Quinton Patton (WR from La. Tech who had a second round grade on most experts' boards). I think the Saints could have gotten more talent than they did get for those 2 picks. I will happily eat crow if he turns out to be good, but as it stands now, I think the Saints made a mistake on that account.
The Kenny Stills pick is, in my opinion, a steal. Stills had 204 receptions for 2594 yards and 24 touchdowns. Great target for Drew Brees to throw to, faster than fast and can easily step in and contribute. Great pick.
For the sixth round pick, I don't know who he is. Rufus Johnson, DE from Tarleton State is an unknown player. He didn't work out at the combine, but from what I read, he ran a 4.7-4.8 in the 40-yard dash which is good. I have no idea if this pick is a good one or not.
Extra Thought: Chase Thomas being signed as a UFA – Wow. What a signing. A four year starter at Stanford who slipped out of the draft, I am absolutely loving that the Saints signed him. With the Cardinal, Thomas racked up a total of 227 tackles, 27 sacks, 50 TFL, 10 FF, and 2 INTs. This kind of undrafted talent is very hard to come by, and I'm just thankful that the Saints jumped on him before anyone else could. Could potentially see playing time early and often, and maybe even challenge for position on the depth chart. Love the pickup.
I would like to know your thoughts on my thoughts and maybe any additional thoughts or points you want to make!
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