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It's OK to get excited now Definitely like how he's self-aware and tones down the Aaron Donald comparisons himself. Tapp also gives a hint that they'll likely use him in Pass-rush situations exclusively.
Saints excited for Sheldon Rankins' debut after disappointing injury | NOLA.com
"He's probably the best defensive line rookie I've ever seen, like up close, in person," said Saints defensive end Darryl Tapp, an 11-year veteran.
Previously, Tapp said his former teammate Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles — the 13th pick in 2010 — held that title, but Rankins is "way more technically sound."
"He could easily be mistaken for a third- or fourth-year vet — easy," Tapp said.
Now healthy, it's up to Rankins to transfer his ability to NFL games, and there's plenty of optimism in the locker room he'll soon be an impressive contributor. Saints offensive linemen have given him similar looks to what he'll see in a game, and Zach Strief and Tim Lelito said he's been thriving in practice.
"He's basically picked up right where he left off," Lelito said.
"Watch film and watch Netflix," he said. "That's pretty much my life."
When the injury first happened, though, Rankins had to deal with the emotional pitfalls.
"I had my brief moment of obviously being sad and things like that, but (stuff) happens," he said. "I had to deal with it, I had to rehab and I had to get back out there."
Rankins' impressive offseason was part of the reason his teammates were so upset he suffered his injury in training camp. On a goal-line play, Rankins fell to the ground and immediately needed an air cast before taking a cart off the field.
"Instantly, I was like, 'This sucks,'" Tapp said.
Saints excited for Sheldon Rankins' debut after disappointing injury | NOLA.com