With all the new drafted players on board for the Black and Gold I took the time to reach out to some of the most knowledgeable fans, beat writers and bloggers for information on what to expect from the newest crop of talent. When the Saints traded up to draft cornerback Damian Swann of Georgia in the 5th round, it left us all scratching our heads. But when you read what Michael Collins has to say below, it makes more sense that the Saints were comfortable letting Ty Zimmerman and Marcus Ball go after the draft. Maybe they see him as a safety? Michael is a long time contact that I always catch up with before the big Saints-Falcons matchups and he’s as knowledge as they come about Georgia sports. He’s currently the Senior Editorial Director for FanSided’s college division and national columnist. Many thanks to him for this great information. Here’s what he had to say on Swann:
What you’re getting in Damian Swann is a very versatile player with a lot of durability and a great work ethic. One of the leaders in the clubhouse at UGA, and always willing to be coached and learn.You can take his 2013 numbers and throw them out the window. Former defensive coordinator Todd Grantham had him playing completely out of position (somewhat by necessity due to injuries and incoming 5-star players). They moved him to press coverage on the outside, and that’s simply not his strength. He did well at times, but was often beat by speedy, larger receivers.
Once Jeremy Pruitt saw what he was capable of, he moved him back to a free safety position and let him man the middle of the field. He’s got great instincts for the ball when playing there, and can use his solid tackling skills, which were wasted playing the corner.
He’s a guy who could get you 3-4 interceptions a year, play special teams, can return kicks/punts and knows how to blitz from the safety position and get pressure on the QB.
The Saints were smart to move up to get him, he was on Atlanta’s radar.
I’m wondering if the Saints might move him around on passing downs like they do with Vaccaro?
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
