With 88th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, their second in the third round, the New Orleans Saints select cornerback Johnny Patrick from Louisville. The Saints continue draft defense and add depth to their secondary with the selection of Patrick. Obviously the teams scouts saw something in the Louisville product, because there were certainly other CB's rated higher than him when the Saints were on the clock.
Jon Gruden is high on Patrick for the Saints defense, saying he's got the smoothest back peddle he's ever seen.
Heeeeeeere's Johnny! What do you guys think about this pick by the Saints? Is this the first questionable selection by the Saints in the 2011 NFL Draft? Is the 2011 NFL Draft honeymoon over?
- Height:5'11"
- Weight:191 lbs.
- Arm Length: 30 in.
- Hand Size: 8 1/4 in.
- College: Louisville
- Conference: Big East
- Position: DB
From NFL.com:
Patrick is a productive collegiate cornerback that has a chance to develop into a starter at the next level. He excels in zone coverage, as he is always in solid position and flashes the ability to jump underneath routes. He also has the ball skills to make difficult interceptions. He uses a strong press to reroute receivers and has a knack for anticipating routes in zone coverage. However, he loses momentum in transition and does not have the deep speed to stick on vertical routes. Patrick is not a strong tackler, but he has the cover skills to possibly sneak into the second day of the draft.