For Second Round Draft hopes...

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 28, 2012 10:03 AM CST

I think we can start discussing our options for the Draft. I'll list some draft prospects For LB'er. Some of these are listed as 1st or 2nd round draft prospects.Some are 3rd round or no projected round. Let the conversation be whether or not, they will available at our 2nd round pick, as well as should they be considered. I used NFL DRAFT SCOUT, and a few others to get this list. Also list and discuss any others you feel may be available, that we should target in the 2nd round. For this post let's keep it to the Defensive side of the field.

LB'ers:

Zach Brown, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina. Projected 1st or 2nd round.

Chandler Jones, Outside Linebacker, Syracuse. No current round projection.

Whitney Mercilus, Outside Linebacker, Illinois. No current round projection.

Vontaze Burfict, Inside Linebacker, Arizona State. Projected 3rd round.

Nick Perry, Outside Linebacker, USC. Projected late 1st, to middle 2nd round. DE prospect as well as OLB

Dont'a Hightower, Inside Linebacker, Alabama. Probably 1st round but Injury concerns could cause a drop

Lavonte David, OLB Nebraska. Projected 2nd Round.

Sean Spence,OLB Miami. Projected 2nd to 3rd Round.

This FanPost was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.

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As long as we spend our first pick on a LB.....

I will be completely ok with whomever they go with. I would like to possibly move up a little……the end of the second round is kind of a scary place to start out at.

I guess I can go anywhere I want. If only I knew where to go-Layne Staley

by AcquiredPanic on Jan 28, 2012 10:09 AM CST reply actions

we got to figure out (since we running the team.. ha ha..) which defensive position we really targeting..

speculation on the success or even the intent of resigning FAs will play a mayor role..
also, the new defensive direction will put a handful of players at the proverbial crossroads..

ignoring the 1st of the 2 and moving right along with cc58’s choices, we must make up our mind what we need or want the most..
1. passrushing type linebacker, better suited for a 3-4 defense (no what we will mostly run) but that could be used as an edge DE rusher on the 4-3.. it would help if he was adecquate enough to be able to play the run & even cover at least a FB out of the backfield..
2. outside LB for as many downs as possible (got to keep in mind the importance of coverage skills by the LBs in spag’s scheme)
3. inside LB (of any kind) a guy with good to great range, stout, with ability to shed blockers, big hitter, can cover a little..

once we figure all that out we can target a player or two..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 11:15 AM CST reply actions

also, insignificant detail.. but the nebraska guy's name goes backwards..

one of the better all purpose on that list, although undersized.. may be projected as a safety at 220lb.. maybe in the style of casillas, but skinnier.. although he excels in coverage, which would make him interesting.. he sure makes a lot of tackles..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 11:27 AM CST reply actions

Your right

I got it backwards…Thanks…Fixed

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 28, 2012 4:56 PM CST up reply actions

If Zach Brown is available.....

we should snag him. I saw him quite bit living in NC and he can be a beast at times! With a little more coaching and incentive, he could be a beast ALL THE TIME!!!!!

Member of the WHO DAT NATION!
Another SAINTS fan in Panther country!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!

by SAINTSfaninNC on Jan 28, 2012 3:18 PM CST reply actions

Ever since what's his name

went absolutely crazy about Audie Cole in that one thread, I’ve been keeping my eye out for him (Cole, not the crazy poster). Cole has apparently made an impression at the Senior Bowl with quickness and coverage skills that were previously missing from his game, and he’s only expected as a mid to late round pick. Maybe crazy dude was right.

by Jimbo03 on Jan 28, 2012 4:08 PM CST reply actions

watching the game.. just barely missed a pick..

was way over his head.. he is bigger than i though, taller.. anyway.. 6-5.. looks a little like hawk for the packers..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 4:34 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, man

I saw that too. Dude looks pretty good. And he is huge. Looks like he could tone up just a bit, but that’s what NFL trainers are for, right?

by Jimbo03 on Jan 28, 2012 4:40 PM CST up reply actions

that's the guy i like.. that no. 4..made that tackle just then.. lavonte david..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

Projected 3rd or 4th round

Audie Cole

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 28, 2012 4:48 PM CST up reply actions

who you like, cc..?

or who do you think our geniuses may be targeting..? either..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 4:53 PM CST up reply actions

I like...

Brown, but don’t know if he will drop that low in the Second Round
Lavonte also and probably a better chance at our draft position
Cole looks like a possible but he should go in later rounds.
Also Spence would be interesting

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 28, 2012 5:06 PM CST up reply actions

I think we could go for a DE early as well

From watching the senior bowl practices, I really like what I’ve seen out of Vinny Curry from Marshall(potential 2nd rounder) and Cam Johnson from Virginia, who could also play OLB (potential 3rd or 4th rounder).

by shipgoalie05 on Jan 28, 2012 4:56 PM CST reply actions

Gonna do a DE/DT post later

and maybe a CB post also. Started to do them all together, then saw how much was involved while researching.

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 28, 2012 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

a big issue we may have.. like i said above..

is the fact that we don’t have anything at DTs other than ellis..?
if we don’t resign either rogers or aubaryo.. we are down to practice squad guys & the possible flex move of some of our ends + jonhnson, who had a modest year by most reviews..
if that position is a need come the draft.. we got to go there.. those big guys up the pipe are the first ones that are taken.. typically..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 5:03 PM CST up reply actions

I think this should be a good draft for DT's

There should be one available in the 2nd round if Loomis chooses to go in that direction. There also could be some players with potential available in later rounds.

by shipgoalie05 on Jan 28, 2012 5:09 PM CST up reply actions

Gonna take the wait and see approach on Jordan.

I assume that’s who you meant and not Johnson. Was his first year and seemed to be coming on at the end.

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 28, 2012 5:10 PM CST up reply actions

no.. i meant tom johnson.. DT interior guy.. actually didn't seem to play much..

mostly on passing downs.. but he had a 2 year contract as opposed to rogers & aubrayo.. who are FAs..
i heard a lot of people thinking cam can be moved inside, & he has done already some, this year.. but i just think that is more a passing situation.. we still need some ol’ beef at DT in the NFC south..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 5:14 PM CST up reply actions

OK forgot about Tom

Like you said didn’t see enough of him to form a opinion.

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 28, 2012 5:16 PM CST up reply actions

I think LB'ers are a first priority

Franklin if picked back up cheap enough would be OK at DT and we could get a DT or DE in later rounds. We need some major improvement at LB though IMHO.

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 28, 2012 5:20 PM CST up reply actions

agree.. another factor is vilma's health..

if he goes and has off-season microscopic surgery like sharper.. that could be the fat lady singing for him..
we can’t afford to wait & see if he’s gonna come back for the length of the season.. we may have enough young players already to make it work.. but one.. just one really good one.. the best all purpose LB sure wouldn’t hurt..
it would be the highest ever for the saints (i think).. so don’t hold your breath..
that may be wrong.. ricky jackson was a 2nd round..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

i'm good with cam.. he is really a young will smith.. which is not incredible but a good player..

i just wish we could find or draft a guy that can dip down under an OT or spin & get to the QB in a flash.. a real specialist passrusher.. even if he sucks at anything else.. gallette has shown some promise, tho.. still got a sleeper in romeus, who was a sack beast in college..

by the 9th plague on Jan 28, 2012 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

I’ve kinda thought it would be funny if we had a pair of cams in our DL. Especially if they turn out to be the two best players on the line are are what makes it all work.

by FriarBob on Jan 28, 2012 6:06 PM CST up reply actions

Travis Lewis, Nebraska

6’2", 228. Weakside linebacker (Martez Wilson can play strong side).

WalterFootball evaluation:

Player Comparison: Lance Briggs. Briggs is the 4-3 linebacker everyone in the NFL wishes they had if they run that front. Lewis has a similar skill set and talent level.

Chad Reuter, CBS:

As secure and reliable a tackler as you’ll see in college football…Team captain who leads the team on and off the field with words and by example. Four-year starter for one of the top programs in the country. No known character or off-field issues.

Mocking the Draft, 2011

Lewis is a rangy linebacker and the leader of Oklahoma’s defense. He may not have the best pass rush ability, but Lewis shows enough athleticism and agility to get better in that area. Covering the run, Lewis is NFL ready.

Bold statement: Will be a starter at weak-side linebacker as a rookie.

What! shall we curse the planets of mishap
That plotted thus our glory's overthrow?

by MtnExile on Jan 28, 2012 7:35 PM CST reply actions

Sexy.

by Jimbo03 on Jan 29, 2012 10:18 AM CST up reply actions

here's walter's lineup..

http://walterfootball.com/draft2012OLB.php

i still like lavonte to fall on our lap.. based on value.. unless an imposing DT falls, this guy could be our man.. he has the skill set that spags would value.. the only down side would be his size.. but he could be in rotational duties, mostly utiized on passing downs.. & line up more “protected” against target blocks on some rushing downs..

by the 9th plague on Jan 29, 2012 10:54 AM CST up reply actions

I’d like it fine if David fell that far (although the name makes me queasy); I just don’t think he will. You never know, though. Maybe Andrew Luck will be found in bed with a moose and drop to the 7th round, where Mickey thinks he’s worth a shot at redemption.

What! shall we curse the planets of mishap
That plotted thus our glory's overthrow?

by MtnExile on Jan 29, 2012 11:40 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed…although figuring out where people go at this point is…well..pointless. Things won’t become more clear until mid to late March. At this point though….sure do like the thought of David in Black and Gold.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 31, 2012 2:45 PM CST up reply actions

I'm confused...

Nebraska or Oklahoma?

by Ship on Jan 31, 2012 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

Oklahoma.

A good, solid linebacker. Unfortunately he’s by no means a thumper…although frankly I would say he is one of the better tacklers in all of college football. He’s a true leader, durable and smart…however, he’s not especially good at getting off blocks or strong. He can gain strength, however. He’s be a very solid choice for the middle to late rounds….good depth…but unlike the mocking the draft statement….I can’t see him starting as a rookie. I do like the kid though.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 31, 2012 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

This is all moot

Our picks are not based on position as often as who the best is on the board.

They believe in taking the best player available, not simply the most in need.

I'd rather not wait until I'm dead to figure out how to live.

by hooahsaint2.0 on Jan 29, 2012 5:45 AM CST reply actions

Defensive Line

Is also more important if we are going to run a traditional 4-3, as you must be able to get pressure with a 4-man rush.

I'd rather not wait until I'm dead to figure out how to live.

by hooahsaint2.0 on Jan 29, 2012 5:46 AM CST reply actions

LB is deeper this year than DE

It’s entirely possible all the NFL-ready D-linemen will be gone by the time we pick. We already have one project in Romeus and a ways to go with Jordan. It would not surprise me in the slightest if the BPA is a linebacker by the time we pick (BPA on defense, anyway).

by Jimbo03 on Jan 29, 2012 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

i agree, unless a big DT falls on our lap..

we will take the best available LB..
a “specialist” passrushing DE/3-4LB may also fall.. maybe too good to pass up (even tho we drafted there last year & still have the sleeper romeus)
cam could make a big impact this year.. wouldn’t surprise me if spags wants him leaner.. he just doesn’t have the natural “dip” around or that explosive step you see in other speedrushers.. he was considered a steady player, good against the run.. that was his projection & he played accordingly.. i still think he will improve his passrush to a.. say.. “young will smith” level (which wasn’t that bad)

by the 9th plague on Jan 29, 2012 11:01 AM CST up reply actions

A look bottom to top

Spence and Davis are too small. We already have undersized linebackers, who can’t tackle big backs and tight ends, why would draft another one. Hightower, Perry and Brown are pipe dreams. No way any of those players drops into the 50’s. Burfict, Mercilis and Jones are reaches for the second round.

Ajun Cajun exiled to Charlotte. I miss Mardi Gras and the Jazz Fest so much I could cry.

by Ajun Cajun on Jan 30, 2012 12:22 AM CST reply actions

Chandler Jones would be a great mid round pickup

If we can snag him in the 4th-5th round, we should make it happen. The only reason he is rated so low is because he’s coming out a year early. Watch some film and you can see that he is a playmaker on the D-line or at OLB.

The main things I want to see us draft for on D is speed, tackling ability, and some coverage skills. I’d say tackling ability would be a primary focus.

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 30, 2012 7:22 AM CST reply actions

Heh, where are you getting Your projections? Burfict is the #2 ILB prospect and should go in the middle to late first round depending on his interviews.

Mercilus is a late first early second guy. Lavonte David is one I currently have my eye on who might be there for our first pick.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 30, 2012 11:33 AM CST reply actions

You taking to me???

Heh, where are you getting Your projections?

From the sites I link them to.

Agreed Lavonte David is the most likely to fall to our pick, and the best option there. Can always hope for Brown, but don’t see him falling there. Stranger things have happened in the draft though.

I threw some names out there I researched. Feel free to do the same and broaden the discussion.
That’s why I wrote the post.

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 31, 2012 10:46 AM CST up reply actions

For our early pick…those are all very respectable. Later rounds I’d keep an eye on Travis Lewis, Tank Carder, and Darius Fleming…at this point all viable 4-6th round selections that can make contributions and barring an earlier round OLB or FA…could push for some significant playing time.

I liked Vinny Curry in the second or third round as a DE prospect…however, he just blew up big time at the senior bowl and will be moving up boards. Tyrone and Jack Crawford are a couple of other possibilities for 2-3rd round DE’s.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Jan 31, 2012 3:03 PM CST up reply actions

I broke it up...

Did another post on DT and DE position. May do one on DB next as we may target later. Think we need to concentrate on the LB’er position first and early. Listed both Vinny and Jack on that post.

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Feb 1, 2012 8:48 AM CST up reply actions

I saw they had us taking two CB’s on Bleacher Report including spending our second rounder on one. Kinda left me scratching my head, well most of their articles usually have that effect.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1045487-2012-nfl-mock-draft-full-7-round-new-orleans-saints-predictions/page/2

I guess I can go anywhere I want. If only I knew where to go-Layne Staley

by AcquiredPanic on Feb 1, 2012 12:19 PM CST up reply actions

It makes since....last year was obviously a mistake not drafting one in the first two rounds like we did in the three years previous.

The people at Bleacher Report are doing one of two things….they’re thinking we need a replacement for Porter…but Robinson is already that replacement. Patrick should slide in at nickle. With Porter leaving, however we will need some depth…just not second or third round pick depth in my opinion. The other thing, and most likely, that Bleacher Report is doing….is just being stupid.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Feb 1, 2012 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

Since = sense. Additionally I love how people keep saying we're an "opportunistic defense". Cause you know...that one year obviously trumped everything that came before or after.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Feb 1, 2012 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

we need a DE to relpace Will Smith so we can have the cap space to do what we want to do at other positions

"We've established the run; we've established the pass. Now all we have to establish is another championship!" (And a Defense!)
"Some say the glass is half empty;
Some say the glass is half full.
I say- 'are you going to finish that beer'?"
I've learned so much from my mistakes...I'm thinking of making a few more!"

by Philinwood on Jan 30, 2012 8:26 PM CST reply actions

I wouldn't really be all that surprised

to see them go with “Best Available Athlete” at any defensive position throughout the draft, rather than targeting specific needs.

This isn't about rules, it's about manners. Now there's no rule that says that I cant come over here and fart on your entree. But I don't do it. Why? Because it's not good manners.

by Doc Boudin on Feb 1, 2012 8:45 PM CST reply actions