New Orleans Saints Pass on DT David Onyemata in Kiper’s 2016 Draft Do-Over

Mock drafts are all the rage this time of year, but instead of simply looking forward to upcoming 2017 NFL Draft, some times it’s fun to look back at drafts passed and see if the a pick selection stands the test of time.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper did just that, giving each team in the NFL one draft pick “do over” (Insider Required) from the 2016 NFL Draft. For the Saints, Kiper has the team passing on Canada’s own David Onyemata. Instead, the Saints take CB Rashard Robinson in the fourth round:

We're not going to write off Onyemata just yet, but there's no denying his general ineffectiveness as a rookie. His 5.1 run-stop percentage ranked 59th out of 75 qualifying defensive tackles, while his 3.5 pass-rushing productivity was 57th out of 68. The Saints would have been better off addressing the position they completely ignored that came back to haunt them: cornerback. Robinson (Round 4, pick 133) went 13 picks later and flashed stud potential for the 49ers. His 1.07 yards per coverage snaps was 36th out of 117 qualifying corners.

While it’s a great selection for the Saints and Cornerback is still a need the Saints still have at this point in the 2017 offseason, Onyemata wasn’t a terrible pick in the fourth round. Onyemata showed flashes in his rookie campaign and could very easily develop into an above-average starter in the NFL. Then again, it’s also possible he completely flames out, but that risk/reward in a fourth round selection is to be expected.

It’s not like the Saints picked a Kicker in the second round who then went on to miss nine field goals and two extra points in his rookie year or anything...