Fox Sports put out a three round mock. Follow the link for the full story. On the surface you might think this is the craziest thing you ever heard of but, not so fast. Let’s give this one the old eye test. It’s a three round mock so here are the picks. With the 1st pick they would take Deshaun Watson. With the 2nd pick they would take Alabama’s OLB Ryan Anderson. Not a bad pick at 2nd.
Walter Football has him as a 2-3 round talent.
Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama Height: 6-2. Weight: 255. Projected 40 Time: 4.78. Projected Round (2017): 2-3.
12/17/16: Anderson is up to a total of 51 tackles with 17 for a loss, eight sacks, two passes broken up and three forced fumbles on the season. He had impressive games with excellent pass-rushing contributions against USC, Ole Miss and many other games.
There was an arrest for 3rd degree domestic violence and criminal mischief in 2015. Apparently only his girlfriend’s car was attacked and both were arrested. She attacked his vehicle first.
For the 3rd pick Fox Sports has the Saints taking LSU’s ILB Kendell Beckwith. Now I’m liking these picks less and less. I have, as well as most draft pundits, pass rush for our top need followed by cornerback a close second. We do need help at linebacker so I would guess BPA would be the determining factor with the picks, but there is a ton of pass rush talent available this year, including a sleeper pick Deuce Windham and I found during a joint film study last week. No I’m not going to give that away here. May start tweeting it soon though Deuce. What we do in free agency will of course influence draft policy. We actually have money to pursue top talent this year. Let’s hope we do this wisely.
Walter Football has Kendall as a 2-3 round talent.
Kendell Beckwith*, ILB, LSU Height: 6-2. Weight: 252. Projected 40 Time: 4.75. Projected Round (2017): 2-3.
12/17/16: In 2016, Beckwith has 91 tackles with six for a loss, one sack and four passes broken up. He turned in a solid regular season for the Tigers and was really missed when he was out with injuries.
8/13/16: Beckwith played well in 2015 for LSU as a physical in-the-box presence. On the year, the junior totaled 84 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and a pass batted. He had 77 tackles with three break ups, two sacks and an interception as a sophomore.
Beckwith has been a strong tackler and good at taking on blocks while a Tiger. He needs to show more pass-coverage skills for the NFL.
Now for the meat of the article. A QB with the first pick?!?!
First let’s look at Drew Brees. He signed a contract extension that basically has him with the Saints through 2017. Contract voids in 2018, carrying 18 mil in dead money for 2018. Has no tag and no trade clauses in it as well. This means the Saints should start preparing for LAB (life after Brees). This is possibly also Sean Payton’s last hooray as well. Watson is a dual threat QB along the lines of Cam Newton. This could well appeal to GM Mickey Loomis as a post Payton/Brees solution. If things go well then Deshaun would be able to sit and learn from one of the NFL’s best and if things don’t, be the hoped for answer in 2018 .
Taking the Clemson Tigers to and winning a national championship, the real question is if he will still be there at number 11. This is possible. I actually have Notre Dame’s QB DeShone Kizer, as the best of a weak class, and most NFL ready. Watson is more a spread type QB, and the NFL defenses have had time to adjust to this method of attack. Still Deshaun Watson has proven he can produce as a passing QB. In 15 games during 2016 he threw for 4593 yards, averaging 306.2 per game and 7.9 per attempt. Much like Drew Brees he did this with many attempts, 579 with 388 completions for 67 percent. Has the arm, his long was for 65 yards, threw 17 INTs, and 41 TDs. Not quite a midget, Watson stands at 6’2” and weighs 210. He also rushed for 629 yards, long of 33, while scoring 9 TDs, in 165 attempts. This would also be a great pick going forward because it would open up the running game and could well signal a change in offensive philosophy. Watson is reported to be training with a Chicago Bears former QB to become NFL ready. Da Bears have the 3rd pick.
So what do you think fans. Like the pick or hate it. It is time to look to the future with LAB on the horizon, so discuss in the comments.