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2016 NFL Draft: Saints Pro Day Visits

3 Buckeyes, 2 Tigers, 1 Maverick, a Bison and a Golden Hurricane.

By quickdrawdoc
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints have recently met with several draft prospects at their respective Pro Days and/or campus visits.  Let's have a look at each of these guys.

Meeting information via Walter Football, player stats via Sports Reference, projected draft round via CBS Sports, bottom-line via Lance Zierlein at NFL.com.

Pro Day and campus visits

Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson (6'5 277)

  • 22 games played in 4 seasons
  • 2015 Stats: 15 games played//62 total tackles (24 TFL; 2nd in NCAA)//12.5 sacks//1 FF
  • Combine Stats: 4.86 40-yard
  • Projected Round: 1-2
  • Other team(s) visited: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers
Bottom-line - The arrow is pointed up for Dodd who finished the season with a streak of five consecutive games with a sack. Dodd already looks the part of an NFL defensive end and his desire to make plays coupled with his physical traits and talent should have him shooting up draft boards. His lack of college snaps could preclude him from being "pro­ ready", but his instincts and football intelligence should expedite the learning process.  -Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Shaq Lawson, DE/3-4OLB, Clemson (6'3 269)

Bottom-line - Productive backup for two years before putting together an All­-American season in his first year as a full- time starter. Lawson is built like a full­-grown man and combines his instincts, toughness and power to fill up a stat sheet and set an early tone. Lawson's frame and game are easily translatable to the NFL, but his average athleticism and pass rush skills will likely have teams viewing him as a 3­-4 edge setter or a 4-­3 base end. Lawson may also have value as 3­-4 defensive tackle in an upfield scheme. -Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State (6'1 232)

  • 28 games played in 2 seasons
  • Career stats: 146 total tackles (27 TFL)//11 sacks//3 interceptions//5 PD//3 FF
  • Combine Stats: 4.47 40 yard (#1)//17 reps bench press//35.5" vertical (#5)//133" broad (#1)
  • Projected Round: 1
  • Other team(s) visited: San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans
Bottom-line - Lee's level of NFL success might very well be tied to scheme fit and his ability to add more muscle to his frame. His athletic traits and ability to make plays should make him a starter, but he won't unlock his full potential unless he gets strong enough to handle the rigors of an NFL linebacker. -Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Tyvis Powell, S, Ohio State (6'3 211)

  • 43 games played in 3 seasons
  • Career stats: 195 total tackles (3.5 TFL)//8 interceptions//9 PD//1 FF
  • Combine Stats: 4.46 40 yard (#2)//15 reps bench press//34.5" vertical//120" broad
  • Projected Round: 6
  • Other team(s) visited: Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions
Bottom-line - Doesn't appear to have the necessary physicality and tackle consistency to make a living around the box so he might be pegged as a single high safety with some man cover potential. Powell has the size and athleticism, but his instincts need some work and he has to become a more physical, downhill hitter. His overall intelligence and knack for making plays at critical times won't hurt his cause. -Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (6'3 212)

  • 39 games played in 3 seasons
  • 2014/2015 stats: 1,602 receiving yards (14.2 average)//18 TDs (2015 - 2nd in NCAA)
  • Combine Stats: 4.57 40 yard (#2)//18 reps bench press (T-#3)//35" vertical//126" broad
  • Projected Round: 2
  • Other team(s) visited: Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots
Bottom-line - Thomas has just scratched the surface of his potential in Ohio State's offense full of quick outs and tunnel screens. While he has the size and potential to excite offensive coordinators, Thomas is still a work in progress who must develop a greater feel for the position if he is to match his traits with real NFL production. Thomas has a relatively high ceiling, but his floor is "bust." -Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Derrick Alexander, DE, Tulsa (6'2 284)

  • ~45 games played in 4 seasons
  • Career stats: 133 total tackles (35 TFL)//19.5 sacks//5 PD//5 FF
  • Combine Stats: N/A
  • Projected Round: Undrafted
  • Other team(s) visited: New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Bottom-line: N/A

Zeth Ramsey, OT, Mesa State (6'6 290)

David Onyemata, DT, Manitoba (6'4 300)

What do you think, Saints fanatics? Anyone here we should target in the first? Second?

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