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2016 NFL Draft Results: Grading the Vonn Bell Pick

With their second pick in the second round, the Saints have selected S Vonn Bell. How do you grade the pick?

By Wallace Delery
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

With the 61st overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints have selected Ohio State Safety, Vonn Bell.

Here is a look at the newest Saint, from NFL.com:

STRENGTHS

Sheriff mentality looking to corral receivers on his side of the field. Has man cover talent. Instincts and reaction time are big assets. Trusts his eyes and fires downhill as soon as he reads throw. Capacity to meet ball at the catch­ point more than most cover safeties. Credited with 23 passes defensed over last two seasons. Able to mirror targets and strike a centered blow when flowing downhill. Plays with excellent feel for his responsibilities in space. Sifts through route combinations and always gets to his guy. Rarely out of position.

WEAKNESSES

Play speed looked very average on tape. Time­-consuming sprint to boundary from single-­high coverage to help over the top. Hip tightness impedes fluid flip and go when beaten in space. Occasionally gets caught peeking in on quarterback for too long and will briefly lose track of receiver. Against the run, allows running backs to get on top of him and deliver the first blow. Drag down tackler without much thud.

BOTTOM LINE

Though lacking in desired size and physicality, Bell has the ability to match up in space and is at his best when keeping the action in front of him where he combines his vision, reactive quickness and ball skills to go make plays on the ball. Bell lacks size and isn't an aggressive tackler so he needs to prove he can run so that he locks in his draft positioning as one of the top free safeties in this draft.

What do you think Who Dat Nation?  Do you love, like, or loathe this selection?  Give us your take in our poll, and leave us your insight and opinions below.

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Saints 2016 NFL Draft Picks

Round Pick Overall Player
1 12 12 Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
2 16 47 Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio St.
2 30 61 Vonn Bell, S, Ohio St.
5 13 152
7 16 237

Saints Team Needs

  • Defensive End
  • Defensive Tackle
  • Linebacker
  • Guard
  • Wide Receiver
  • Cornerback

Saints Draft Resources

NFL Draft Schedule

Friday, April 29 - 6 p.m. CT (Round 2 - 7 Minutes, Round 3 - 5 Minutes Per Pick)

Saturday, April 30  - 11 a.m. CT (Rounds 4-6 - 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick)

NFL Network and ESPN/ESPN2 will televise the draft.

Live Draft Tracker

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