All of us knew that the Saints were an aging team (oldest team in the league last year) and that they desperately needed an infusion of talented youth to regain their form. Many speculated that they needed their best Draft since 2006, and I for one believe they succeeded in that regard. I’ll give a more in depth take on the Saints picks after I have reviewed their film and had a chance to take a better look at how I think they will fit within the team as a whole, but for now let’s just look at the draft in its entirety.
To start with I want to make it clear that the distinction of ‘the best draft since 2006’ isn’t nearly as impressive as I would like for it to be. The Saints have gotten a few good players, but really haven’t gotten multiple starters or key role players in a single draft since that miraculous haul they pulled in. I have always been of the belief that the draft comes in two ‘waves’, the first ‘wave’ consists of the first five rounds where you try to get players who will see the field, and preferably become key contributors (especially the first three rounds). The second ‘wave’ is like a game of craps. A true grade can’t be determined until about three years after the draft is done so we won’t know for sure until a few years have passed.
WHAT DID WE GET?
The Saints got arguably the best tackle in the draft (a position where we need depth as well as someone who can be a starter for years to come). The pick wasn’t necessarily one the fans were clamoring for, nor was it one at 13 that we will cheer for. However the value of the pick in both the long and short term is tremendous if Peat becomes what he is supposed to be. There is a chance he wins the job and becomes the starter at either left or right tackle (some believe Armstead is actually more suited to being a RT), but even if he doesn’t he WILL be a starter by next season and having a seasoned and experienced guy take over is NOT a bad thing. It’s a great pick in the long run and brings us depth that we desperately needed. Considering how the rest of the draft played out it was a fantastic move by the Saints brass.
With their second pick the Saints massively upgraded what is the single biggest weakness on their defense. Saying Anthony was a reach at 31 because he is a few picks above where the fans decided he ‘should’ go is stupid and short-sighted. The guy has the potential to be a transformative player for the Saints defense and tremendous upside. His Wikipedia page could be littered with accolades before long. He was arguably the best linebacker in the draft and also the best fit for the Saints defense bar none. The Saints weren’t taking a chance that a guy who they clearly loved wouldnt be there at their next pick (entirley possible) and so they got a tremendous football player who also fits a massive need. EVERYTHING at this point is potential, but Anthony has a very high floor and should quickly become the leader of the Saints defense as well as a difference maker.
The Saints third pick is , at least in my opinion, going to be the guy who will stand out the most to fans early. Kikaha is a sack machine. He is an ideal blend of skill, tenacity, and physical ability that gives him the potential to be a dominant sack master for years to come. He shouldn’t have any trouble transitioning to being a full time 3-4 OLB (his best fit) and on third down in particular he makes the Saints extremely scary for opponents. Having to worry about a relentless force like Kikaha on one side means they can’t divert attention to Junior on the other…and vice-versa. I’m not positive he will hit double digits in his rookie year, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the 10-15 sack range right off the bat. I think a lot with him is going to depend on his usage rate and the performance of the defense as a whole, but as far as prospects though, Kikaha is the best pass rusher in this draft…period.
I am going to go much more in depth on my opinion of Garrett Grayson after I watch his film, because right now I really just don’t have an informed opinion. However, here is why I like the pick regardless of whether or not he becomes a true heir to Brees (he at least has the potential to be a solid starter). The last two QB’s that Sean Payton went out of his way to work with are Drew Brees and Tony Romo. That’s phenomenal company. There is no guaruntee, but if he can work his magic again then Grayson will be making Saints fans smile for a long time in a few years. But what if he doesn’t? have no fear, there is still value. Grayson is GOING to look good in pre-season and in mop-up duty as well. To me, his floor is Kevin Kolb as far as value is concerned…go back and take a look at what Philly got for him. You guys think Loomis can’t fleece some QB desperate team for a few high picks? Yea. Thought so. Relax guys, as one of my favorite Saints fans loves to say ‘we make the rules pal’…Payloo are always playing chess.
Each of the next three guys are potential steals in their own ways:
P.J. Williams was a fringe first round talent who was VERY likely to go in the second…if he wasn’t a bit of a knucklehead. If Williams can mature the Saints will have an extremely young and confident corner on their hands whose skill set is a solid match for what they want to do (press man). Williams is the only guy they drafted who isn’t of the HIGHEST level of character, but with guys like Browner and Byrd in the secondary, men whose character is beyond contestation, the odds of him shaping up are certainly higher. There is also Joe Morgan who seems to have crawled his way out of Payton’s doghouse. He knows full well the kind of trouble DUI’s can bring and Williams would be smart to seek him out.
Davis Tull is a stud. He is one of the best Athletes in the entire draft and his torn Labrum might actually be a blessing in disguise for the Saints as it caused him to drop. Tull is a phenomenal athlete who is also a very good OLB and pass rusher. He brings both developmental talent and depth and could well be the biggest steal of the entire draft (that includes Dallas getting Gregory at 60). Tull is a second round level talent that was taken in the 5th…might be a small chance he has a chip on his shoulder.
We also traded up for Damian Swann another talented Corner, I believe it will come down to either him or Williams making the roster (not likely both) with the best player taking over slot duties and eventually moving outside. Either way losing a 6th rounder to get a guy the coaches were high on in the 5th round is a fair trade. Even if he doesn’t work out its a good gamble. We need depth at corner.
If Tull isn’t the biggest ‘steal’ of the draft for the team, then Davison might well be. He is a mammoth of a man who brings some positional flexibility and at worst depth along the defensive line that the team desperately needs. If he can be coached up properly Davison can even become a key rotational player for the team. You can’t ask for anything more from a 5th round pick.
BRIAN’S FINAL GRADE:
As I said before we won’t really know for a couple of years how this class turned out, but I love the moves the Saints made. 4 of the teams first 6 picks have at least pro bowl potential and all fill spots of need for the team. I believe that each of the Saints first three picks are at WORST going to be solid contributors. With Anthony and Kikaha to bring life to the defense I am optimistically hopefull that the Saints defense will rise from the ashes of 2014 and will be the best unit we have seen under Payton (not the highest praise to be honest though).
The Draft is a very solid B+
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