After the draft is over, that’s when the real draft begins, or something.
The Saints attract quality players during the UDFA period because of their history of giving players a real opportunity to make the team. Pierre Thomas was a mainstay in the offense for years, and Junior Galette eventually earned a starting role and a sizable contract. Josh Hill is slotted as the starting tight end after the Jimmy Graham trade. While the starting lineup is all but cemented, there are a handful of spots primed for an UDFA to make it as rotational and special teams players.
- Sean Hickey. OL Syracuse.
(Hickey going against first round pick Vic Beasley) While he was projected as a late round pick, Hickey fell completely out of the draft. I suspect it had a lot to do with his short arms (32 3/4″) and smaller lower body. He played left tackle in college, but I think he projects as a LG in the pros. He’ll need to put work in the weight room, but he could prove valuable as a back up guard and swing tackle in a pinch. If he performs well during training camp and pre-season, it would allow for some more flexibility during final cuts.
While possibly bias, Hickey drew high praise for New York Giants lineman and fellow Syracuse alumni Justin Pugh:
“Everyone is saying Beasley ‐ and I haven’t seen much of Beasley ‐ but all I know is Sean Hickey shut him down two years in a row. And that kid is supposed to be a Top 10 pick,” Pugh said. “So if he’s a Top 10 pick and Sean handled him, Sean should be up there too.”
Giants’ Justin Pugh makes case for Syracuse offensive lineman Sean Hickey to be 1st-round pick - Bobby Richardson, DL Indiana
(Richardson could add some much needed toughness to the Saints defensive line) Richardson was projected to go anywhere from the 3rd-5th round. He’s 6’3″, 283 lbs with long arms and big hands. His long arms could be a huge asset for batting down passes and snatching ball carriers going through gaps or going around the outside. He’s athletic for his size and has a high motor, making plays down field in pursuit. Richardson is quick off the line and disrupts running plays in the backfield. Not just a hard hitter, Richardson plants running backs and quarterbacks into the ground. His hands are large and has a strong grip. Wraps up violently around the torso which leads to forced fumbles.
He fits in with the rest of the draft class: high effort guys who are passionate about the game. He could wind up backing up Cam Jordan. With the departure of Tyrunn Walker and lack of depth, Richardson has a golden opportunity to make the team.
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