My Saints 7 round mock (1 Viewer)

[NOFALCONS10]

Ok here goes.

1.Sean Witherspoon, OLB MIZZO
2.C.J.Wilson, DE E.CAR
3.Aaron Hernandez, TE FLA
4.Anthony Dixon, RB MISS ST.
5.Barry Church, SS TOLEDO
6.Chris Fisher, C LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
7.LeRoy Vann, CB FLORIDA A&M

So, whattya think? Flame away!

witherspoon is a great prospect but i don't think that we will get anywhere close to being able to select him much like terrance cody and perhaps even corey wooten. also if we were able it would possibly cost a mid-first round draft pick which would be more than it would've cost to acquire connor barwin who was more athletic last year. also i think that we may go after a low priced veteran to compete with shanle like roger mcintosh from washington or who greg williams selected in the 2nd round in 2006 to go along with the return of stanley arnoux.


i dont think that C.j. wilson nor jerry hughes of TCU has that first-step explosion like wooton or selvie.

hernandez reminds me alot of david thomas at TU. with dinkins injured it wouldn't hurt to have another D. thomas type.

anthony dixon i don't particularly fancy because he's a good back but does't have vision like pierre thomas nor the quickness of mike bell and i think that he can be had in rds later than 4 next year.

barry church is a rising prospect like vaughn and bruton were this year and i would love to have him in the 4th!

i haven't seen either of the last two play but i really like the idea of drafting a center with potential. maybe one year we'll find one in the later rounds who turn out to be a stud like J. evans, bushrod, nicks or matt birk.

 

[NOFALCONS10]

I was also thinking about the 3-4 packages Gregg Williams has installed. That might affect how the FO approaches the draft. They'll want D-linemen and LBs with versatility. A big 325-340lb run stuffing nose tackle would be useful.

<<<<<<<<<<<ricky sapp="" 6="" 5="" 250="" can="" play="" specialist="" at="" either="" end="" spot="" and="" kick="" out="" to="" lb="" in="" 3-4="" sub-packages.=""> ricky sapp 6-5 250, could play rush end form either side and kick out to oLB in 3-4 sub-packages.


wilfork could really help out Sedrick next year.


i would be happy if the only free agents that we sign next year were wilfork and Gradkowski. although i'm not sure bill belichick would be too thrilled about that.

</ricky>

 

[Clark Kent]

Showing your ignorance a little here buddy...Miller,no but what makes Shockey such a dynamic TE is that he blocks just as well he plays receiver...blocking is actually one of his strongest attributes as a TE...

Showing my ignorance? Hmm i think you might have a little case of being a homer on that one. Yes maybe Shockey is a little better blocker than i gave him credit for, but i wouldnt go as far to say he is as good as a WR as he is blocker.
I just don't think Gresham would be as good of a fit at TE in yalls offense as say another TE who is a little bit better of a WR. Gresham would fit an offense that puts a high priority on running the ball. Now if he is there in the early 2nd where yall will be drafting then i would be ok taking him, but getting someone to get after the pressure HAS to be yalls first priority unless you get someone in FA.

 

[turntime]

Really like the Chris Hall pick, may need to get in the 5th rd. I think they will draft a speed rushing DE in the 1st. DE, DT, QB, TE, CENTER, OLB.

 

[JackDiesel]

i think that kearse is finished. he hasn't had more than 3 1/2 sacks in four years.

having gresham and shockey would be a night mare for any team to cover.

defenses get better in the offseason and don't just stand pat. it's like they always say "if you don't get better, you get worse." our offense needs to always stay one step ahead. you must keep improving no matter what.

just like at kicker.

who wants to get rid of bell? what wrong with adding a 7th round rb to compete with hamilton, hill and donaldson? pierre is also a free agent in 2010.

Your probably right about Kearse I was just thinking of a cheaper alternative to Grant while a rookie DE develops. His salary is keeping us from fielding two starting quality players instead of just him, which if you ask me is ridiculous for a 2 down DE.

I agree with you about Gresham but I just don't think he makes it to the late 2nd round and I think spending a first round on him would be a luxury that we can't afford just yet. Although, if we do get most of our other defensive issues fixed in FA then I wouldn't be upset if we drafted Gresham in the first. He's my dark horse first round draft pick.

My comment about overrated was mainly aimed at 'draft experts' who have us drafting an RB in the first two rounds just because we didn't draft one last year. As for drafting one in the 7th I'd be totally fine with that, basically the 7th round is for drafting special teams, depth and your sleeper pick. If that RB has the greatest chance to make and contribute to this team then sign him up.

We are almost at the point where we have enough depth at all positions that we can start drafting BPA regardless of position or using a first and third to trade up and draft an impact player, the next few years should be the golden years of the Saints if you ask me. Enjoy them!

 

[JCB]

I usually dont like trading future draft picks but Morestead has been huge, and Thomas will play a big role this year for this team. Unless a stud OLB falls to us, I think we need a young talented pass rushing DE, 1 of our 2 DE's will be gone after this year, and I think this defense doesnt really require stud OLB's, as much as pass rushers. I really wouldnt be suprised to see us make a trade fo DL help before the deadline.

 

[NOFALCONS10]

Your probably right about Kearse I was just thinking of a cheaper alternative to Grant while a rookie DE develops. His salary is keeping us from fielding two starting quality players instead of just him, which if you ask me is ridiculous for a 2 down DE.

I agree with you about Gresham but I just don't think he makes it to the late 2nd round and I think spending a first round on him would be a luxury that we can't afford just yet. Although, if we do get most of our other defensive issues fixed in FA then I wouldn't be upset if we drafted Gresham in the first. He's my dark horse first round draft pick.

My comment about overrated was mainly aimed at 'draft experts' who have us drafting an RB in the first two rounds just because we didn't draft one last year. As for drafting one in the 7th I'd be totally fine with that, basically the 7th round is for drafting special teams, depth and your sleeper pick. If that RB has the greatest chance to make and contribute to this team then sign him up.

We are almost at the point where we have enough depth at all positions that we can start drafting BPA regardless of position or using a first and third to trade up and draft an impact player, the next few years should be the golden years of the Saints if you ask me. Enjoy them!

i would love to sign a veteran DE as much as anyone but there simply aren't any good pass rushers out there in FA next year.

http://www.kffl.com/static/nfl/features/freeagents/fa.php?option=DL&y=2010

and most teams who have them are very good at keeping then from escaping. that leaves the draft as our only option to upgrade smith and grant. they are both exceptional run stoppers but fail miserably at rushing the passer. i don't believe that will smith is any better than grant in this regard because he has bulked up noticeably since his days at the ohio st. which seems to have hampered his speed.


i hate trading up but i think that you are right that our roster is getting too talented that we are almost to the point that we will soon routinely have to cut 4th and 5ths rounders like the pats because we are so deep.

but for now there are areas that can be improved upon like DE, SS, and #2 tight end.


i was for trading down in 2008 and 2009 but next year we need pass-rushers that we can only get in the nfl draft so we will likely have to trade lower round picks to trade up to get someone like george selvie or corey wootton.


gresham is the type of talent that only comes along every 5 years or so at tight end and as good as our offense is now, nfl defenses (especially in our division will catch up) and try to draft to stop us.

gresham is so good that i would trade a future conditional 2nd-1st round pick in 2011' to move up in the second to grab him for us. he is everything that shockey was at age 22 and more. we may not be able to afford taking him with a first round pick in 2010 but we could definitely afford sacrificing one in 2011.

its alot smarter than what the panthers gave up next year for evertte brown or the broncos for alphonso smith.

 

[JackDiesel]

i would love to sign a veteran DE as much as anyone but there simply aren't any good pass rushers out there in FA next year.

http://www.kffl.com/static/nfl/features/freeagents/fa.php?option=DL&y=2010

and most teams who have them are very good at keeping then from escaping. that leaves the draft as our only option to upgrade smith and grant. they are both exceptional run stoppers but fail miserably at rushing the passer. i don't believe that will smith is any better than grant in this regard because he has bulked up noticeably since his days at the ohio st. which seems to have hampered his speed.


i hate trading up but i think that you are right that our roster is getting too talented that we are almost to the point that we will soon routinely have to cut 4th and 5ths rounders like the pats because we are so deep.

but for now there are areas that can be improved upon like DE, SS, and #2 tight end.


i was for trading down in 2008 and 2009 but next year we need pass-rushers that we can only get in the nfl draft so we will likely have to trade lower round picks to trade up to get someone like george selvie or corey wootton.


gresham is the type of talent that only comes along every 5 years or so at tight end and as good as our offense is now, nfl defenses (especially in our division will catch up) and try to draft to stop us.

gresham is so good that i would trade a future conditional 2nd-1st round pick in 2011' to move up in the second to grab him for us. he is everything that shockey was at age 22 and more. we may not be able to afford taking him with a first round pick in 2010 but we could definitely afford sacrificing one in 2011.

its alot smarter than what the panthers gave up next year for evertte brown or the broncos for alphonso smith.

Ok I'll admit I didn't realize Gresham was that good until I read your post and decided to do a little more research, holy crap walterfootball.com compared him to Tony Gonzalez. They said they hate comparing anyone to that good but he's rare (I kind of saw him as this year's Brandon Pettigrew). Durability is a concern but that is only natural for us, he's a lock!

True that on the Panthers and Broncos, it makes me happy knowing the Panthers won't be able to take advantage of their probably high draft position.

As for veteran DE's don't forget they are expensive, especially if they are good pass rushers. I'd prefer to draft one in the first and sign a vet LDE to provide proven backup and leadership, think Spicer. That's why Kearse wouldn't be a bad option, he'd prob cost around 1 or 2 mil, he might not have it anymore but we don't need him every down, the lesser part of a rotation would be perfect, and he has a connection to Williams. I love McCray and Charleston but both are more pass rushers rather than every down DE's. I'm becoming a very big fan of Wootton and he's one of those late 1st early 2nd round prospects that we might not have to trade at all or at worst trade a late pick to ensure we drafted him.

 

[BreesusSaves]

I was also thinking about the 3-4 packages Gregg Williams has installed. That might affect how the FO approaches the draft. They'll want D-linemen and LBs with versatility. A big 325-340lb run stuffing nose tackle would be useful.

Rolando McClain. 6'-4". 4.6 40 time. 260lbs. He's be a great fit at linebacker/end depending on whether or not the Saints are in a 4-3 or 3-4.

http://media.al.com/birmingham-news/photo/1dae1ad6a9818edfee1f02e94d659538_custom_665xauto.jpg

 

[JackDiesel]

Rolando McClain. 6'-4". 4.6 40 time. 260lbs. He's be a great fit at linebacker/end depending on whether or not the Saints are in a 4-3 or 3-4.

Him and Weatherspoon will both be top 15 picks when all is said and done. Those guys are going to jump like Curry did this year, maybe not as high but we won't have a chance to land him.

 

[Marlboro Man]

Yeah but

And our 7th rounder for the Tight End from NE?

that's not in next years draft it's the year after 2011 I believe. To me, I'd see us taking the best avaliable DE, then DT to put some quality next to SE, then OLB, OT, C. Just sayin.

 

[Six Saint]

I love the draft and Weatherspoon would be awesome. I agree in that unless Greer or Porter completely bombs, we likely won't draft a CB early. FS of the future yes, but probably not CB. I think DE and NT are the most likely to be addressed after OLB in the first round (as it seems there are a number of capable OLBs to take in the first).

don't forget we have Arnoux coming back and also Chip Vaughn who will probably compete with Harper at SS.

 

[BreesusSaves]

Him and Weatherspoon will both be top 15 picks when all is said and done. Those guys are going to jump like Curry did this year, maybe not as high but we won't have a chance to land him.

You can always trade up, dont know how much they'd have to give since they'd be picking 32

Still, I think McClain is the kind of player that is worth trading up to get... could you imagine the Saints having big time play makers on defense at all 3 levels? We have 2 of 3, if we can get well rounded defensive end this defense would be a top10 unit easily.