Saint Taysom
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Cesar Ruiz, C/G, Michigan - Ruiz was widely considered the best IOL prospect in the draft class, and he should become a long-standing fixture on the Saints O-Line. In all likelihood he competes with Erik McCoy at both C and RG, and both players start at each position when the dust settles. Versatility is lagniappe.
Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin - Baun was a 1st round rated prospect that the Saints were able to steal in the early 3rd round. He slipped because of a diluted urine sample and because he is considered by some to be a “tweener”. He also has a reported knee concern that likely will not effect him for a few years (if at all). I love this pick, and would have been happy if the Saints had taken Baun at 24th overall. I believe he will successfully transition into the MIKE role and be a contributor right away. The comparisons to Kikaha and/or Davis Tull are ridiculous IMO. Kikaha was a college pass rushing DE with 2 major knee injuries coming out of Washington, and was a reach in the 2nd round. He flashed early, but bottom line... that was a bad pick. Davis Tull was a small school LB with tools, but he was a long shot that didn’t work out. Baun is different. He was very productive at a Big 10 program, smart, and athletic and fast. I see Baun playing MIKE and SAM in different sets.
Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton - Trautman was considered among the top 3 TE prospects in the draft, despite playing his college ball at Dayton. He has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a true in-line TE that can also flex out and contribute in a more non-traditional role. He reminds me of former Steelers TE Heath Miller, and if he works out similarly as a pro, it’s a major win for the Saints. With Jared Cook entering his final year under contract and getting up in age, Trautman is in an excellent position to become the Saints feature TE for years to come.
Tommy Stevens, QB/TE, Mississippi State - Stevens took the approach of trying to market himself as “the next Taysom Hill” to help his chances of making a NFL roster. He’s a very good athlete at 6’4 and around 245lbs, and his workout numbers were as good or better than just about every QB or TE that attended the NFL Combine across the board. That type of athleticism, coupled with a willingness to do whatever is asked of him, is what made Stevens appealing to the Saints. I do not see Stevens doing all of the same things Taysom Hill does however... Stevens might occasionally do a bit of WildCat QB plays, but I think he will primarily be used as a move TE, H-Back, and FB. He reminds me of a faster, more athletic, Blake Bell. Stevens will also have to excel on STs, but he has the physical skills to do it I do not see him getting any work as a WR. He could be listed on the roster as a QB, but this kid is not going to be a QB.
*I’m a nerd for jersey numbers, and anticipate hearing what # new players take or get... based on past numbers and availability, here’s my guesses for the rookie class’s jersey #’s.
Cesar Ruiz - #51
Zack Baun - He’s not getting #56... so I’m thinking #58, #53, or #46 are real possibilities.
Adam Trautman - #84... unless Lil’Jordan has more clout than I think.
Tommy Stevens - #2 was his # at Penn St.
Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin - Baun was a 1st round rated prospect that the Saints were able to steal in the early 3rd round. He slipped because of a diluted urine sample and because he is considered by some to be a “tweener”. He also has a reported knee concern that likely will not effect him for a few years (if at all). I love this pick, and would have been happy if the Saints had taken Baun at 24th overall. I believe he will successfully transition into the MIKE role and be a contributor right away. The comparisons to Kikaha and/or Davis Tull are ridiculous IMO. Kikaha was a college pass rushing DE with 2 major knee injuries coming out of Washington, and was a reach in the 2nd round. He flashed early, but bottom line... that was a bad pick. Davis Tull was a small school LB with tools, but he was a long shot that didn’t work out. Baun is different. He was very productive at a Big 10 program, smart, and athletic and fast. I see Baun playing MIKE and SAM in different sets.
Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton - Trautman was considered among the top 3 TE prospects in the draft, despite playing his college ball at Dayton. He has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a true in-line TE that can also flex out and contribute in a more non-traditional role. He reminds me of former Steelers TE Heath Miller, and if he works out similarly as a pro, it’s a major win for the Saints. With Jared Cook entering his final year under contract and getting up in age, Trautman is in an excellent position to become the Saints feature TE for years to come.
Tommy Stevens, QB/TE, Mississippi State - Stevens took the approach of trying to market himself as “the next Taysom Hill” to help his chances of making a NFL roster. He’s a very good athlete at 6’4 and around 245lbs, and his workout numbers were as good or better than just about every QB or TE that attended the NFL Combine across the board. That type of athleticism, coupled with a willingness to do whatever is asked of him, is what made Stevens appealing to the Saints. I do not see Stevens doing all of the same things Taysom Hill does however... Stevens might occasionally do a bit of WildCat QB plays, but I think he will primarily be used as a move TE, H-Back, and FB. He reminds me of a faster, more athletic, Blake Bell. Stevens will also have to excel on STs, but he has the physical skills to do it I do not see him getting any work as a WR. He could be listed on the roster as a QB, but this kid is not going to be a QB.
*I’m a nerd for jersey numbers, and anticipate hearing what # new players take or get... based on past numbers and availability, here’s my guesses for the rookie class’s jersey #’s.
Cesar Ruiz - #51
Zack Baun - He’s not getting #56... so I’m thinking #58, #53, or #46 are real possibilities.
Adam Trautman - #84... unless Lil’Jordan has more clout than I think.
Tommy Stevens - #2 was his # at Penn St.