Intel on Sheldon Rankins from @UofLCardGame

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I caught up with Charlie Springer for five quick questions to get his impression of Sheldon Rankins. Charlie writes for Card Game which is the definitive Louisville sports site. You can also find him on Twitter if you have follow up questions on the Saints’ new 1st round pick. Many thanks to Charlie for taking the time.

Saints Nation: More globally, what can we expect from Sheldon Rankins on the Saints? Is he worthy of the 13th pick?

Charlie from Card Game: Sheldon Rankins will play many years in the NFL, as steady and dependable as they come, and I expect to see him in the Pro Bowl within a couple of years.

The Saints have some edge guys. No one really special, but Cam Jordan is solid, and then you have Kikaha (who is not out for the year with an ACL already), Edebali, Gwacham and Tull — guys that have flashed pass rushing potential. What the Saints don’t have is any gap penetrators and/or pocket pushers. I try to explain to Saints fans that if Rankins does that well, but only gets 5-6 sacks a year, that might be more beneficial to the balance of a pass rush than an edge guy getting 8-10 sacks. Agree?
I would agree. He always seems to be where he needs to be, like some the old Chicago Bears on their legendary defensive teams. He will be one of your better defenders.
The concern with Rankins is his run stopping ability. Where do you think he is currently in terms of his ability to eat space and hold blocks?

Well I certainly can’t disagree. He will always be where he needs to be.

Character is big with Sean Payton. What kind of person are the Saints getting? Any tidbits you can share on Rankins off the field or in the locker room?

He’s a straight arrow, exemplary actually. He was a team leader throughout his college career.

How worried should we about his size falling short of the usual parameters for an NFL DT?

He is as strong as a tank. Not to worry.

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