Rick Leonard, how do you like the pick? (1 Viewer)

[wnelson]

Yeah, at face value this is the worst draft pick we've ever made in the Payton era. By far.

Are you SJB agent?

 

[BuffaloSaint]

Reminds me of the Akiem Hicks pick a little bit.

 

[Belfast Saint]

So my question is if a weakness is "fixable", why wasn't it fixable in college? More one-on-one attention by NFL position coaches? Better coaches? Body development?

He switched to OT from DT after his sophomore year. So perhaps not enough time to get everything down

 

[Nolan]

I'm pretty open minded and usually give our front office the benefit of the doubt, but this one is a head scratcher. Usually when you reach for a prospect that is raw, there is usually some athletic upside. I don't see any upside with this guy. We'll see what happens.

 

[St.Ryan]

So my question is if a weakness is "fixable", why wasn't it fixable in college? More one-on-one attention by NFL position coaches? Better coaches? Body development?

It could be many things (like the ones you mentioned). But at this point in the draft, we should realize that all players have question marks and it's a game of who can best project which players can fix their weaknesses. One guy doesn't even have a hand.

 

[The Unrest Cure]

Chase Lyman had a lot of potential, too.

 

[Taker597]

Seems like need pick in a weak draft. Which is what you'll get in the 4th. Lots of flaws.

 

[thetownedrunkard]

I get not being happy cause it's not Shaquem Griffin and some of you want to root for him, but some of you guys are laughably ridiculous when it comes to the draft. You have no idea where guys are ranked on actual NFL boards, and yet feel the need to post things like "what a waste of a pick, he would have gone undrafted."

You're not getting the player you want and the name players still available are getting passed on because the professionals don't think they are the best selection. There's hundreds of players available and the probability is damn near certain that the best player on the board is someone you've never heard of. Think Marques Colston, Jahri Evans, Terron Armstead.

Whatever bro, I remember many on here saying the thing about our 2014 draft picks including me. And guess what, turns out we were all right and the saints were dead wrong.

 

[CRESS_137]

A lot of people had never heard if Onyemata when we drafted him and called it a reach.
He has turned out to be a pretty solid player, drafted in the 4th.

 

[SoggyBottomBoy]

I'm having some Jim Haslett deja vu this year. Drafting the measurables guys with the intent to coach them up. I'm more confident with this coaching staff doing that, but a little concerned. Reserving judgement.

At least the S. Griffin suspense is over. Damn you, Seattle.

 

[St.Ryan]

Whatever bro, I remember many on here saying the thing about our 2014 draft picks including me. And guess what, turns out we were all right and the saints were dead wrong.

This is why y'all are [ - mod edit]. Because you take one singular example and use it as a way of saying "I know more than an NFL team."

On top of this, the chances of hitting in a draft is already low, especially on day 3. If you complained about every draft pick, you'll be right most of the time. It doesn't make you smart, it makes you an idiot who doesn't understand the percentages of an NFL Draft.

 

[BIGRON]

Glad we didn't trade up for him, hoping for the best but think we drafted him too early.

 

[Joodas Avila]

Honestly not familiar w/Rick Leonard at all. From what Ive read and seen on him, he's a total project who could have gone undrafted. But hey, cant doubt the FO when it comes to late RD OLs.

 

[shaihulud]

25. RICK LEONARD | Florida State 6070 | 311 lbs. | SR. Middletown, Md. (Middletown) 11/22/1996 (age 21.4) #76
YEAR (GP/GS)
2014: (4/0) DE
2015: (13/0) DE
2016: (7/6) 6 RT
2017: (13/13) 13 RT
Total: (37/19) 19 RT
HT WT ARM HAND WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP
COMBINE 6070 311 32 1/4 09 1/4 81 1/8 No workout (choice)
PRO DAY - - - 30 1/2 09’04” - - 22
SUMMARY: A four-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Rick Leonard played football and lacrosse at Middletown, including two years on varsity at defensive end as he helped guide the team to their third straight Class 2A state championship in 2013 (14 sacks as a senior). He committed to Florida State and after two years as a reserve edge rusher (2.5 tackles for loss, no sacks), he transitioned to offensive tackle, starting 19 games at right tackle over his junior and senior seasons. It was Leonard’s first time playing on the offensive line since pee-wee so his tape is understandably inconsistent. He looks the part with adequate set-up quickness, but he lacks NFL length with wild hand placement and short, choppy steps in his kickslide. Leonard has shaky posture at contact due to straight-legs and high hips, negating his base strength. Overall, Leonard has room to improve at offensive tackle, but his balance issues will be tough to correct, making him a camp project only.

dane brugler's write up

Does not sound like an O-lineman. Whatevah....

 

[nola_dane]

A lot of people had never heard if Onyemata when we drafted him and called it a reach.
He has turned out to be a pretty solid player, drafted in the 4th.

I think It was a similar situation too in that many people said we took Onyemata "too early" but the Saints said they got wind that another team was going to grab him with their next pick.

I'm assuming we will say the same thing this time.