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I wanted to get some other's thoughts on these two players. I want to see if others see the same talent/potential as I do as well as, if drafted by us, what role would they play on our team.
The two draft prospects that I am very intrigued with and would love to see on the Saints, if we have a position for them, are Johnathan Allen of Bama and Solomon Thomas from Stanford. Many publications have them listed as DEs and although I agree that both could play DE in the NFL, I think they are probably better suited as 3 and 5-techs that can bump out to the edge if needed or in certain packages.
Both players are physical freaks. They both have demonstrated the ability to dominate the LOS and take over games, something the Saints have been sorely lacking on defense. That is players that made offenses game plan to stop and are still able to make plays. Although both of them can get to the QB from several different positions, neither of them are pure edge rushers.
The issue is that, IMO, they look to be best suited to play at positions that we have locked-in starters.
It is really hard to judge how a player will transition from college to the pro level and Bama moved Allen around a good bit across their front last season, so it can be a little difficult to see where exactly he fits best in the NFL. That said, I see Allen as a 3-tech in the mold of Fairley and Rankins; however I think Allen has a very strong chance to exceed both in the NFL. He IMO was the best dlineman on a stacked Bama team.
https://youtu.be/lbp5ghNZrOk
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lbp5ghNZrOk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Solomon Thomas looks like an absolute stud. He is strong and explosive. He has long powerful arms that can punch and disengage from a blocker very quickly. He reminds me of a smaller Suh. I see him as a great DE/5-tech prospect. Basically the same role that Cam Jordan has locked down for our team.
https://youtu.be/FYvXrK3Ewps
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FYvXrK3Ewps" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Thoughts?
The two draft prospects that I am very intrigued with and would love to see on the Saints, if we have a position for them, are Johnathan Allen of Bama and Solomon Thomas from Stanford. Many publications have them listed as DEs and although I agree that both could play DE in the NFL, I think they are probably better suited as 3 and 5-techs that can bump out to the edge if needed or in certain packages.
Both players are physical freaks. They both have demonstrated the ability to dominate the LOS and take over games, something the Saints have been sorely lacking on defense. That is players that made offenses game plan to stop and are still able to make plays. Although both of them can get to the QB from several different positions, neither of them are pure edge rushers.
The issue is that, IMO, they look to be best suited to play at positions that we have locked-in starters.
It is really hard to judge how a player will transition from college to the pro level and Bama moved Allen around a good bit across their front last season, so it can be a little difficult to see where exactly he fits best in the NFL. That said, I see Allen as a 3-tech in the mold of Fairley and Rankins; however I think Allen has a very strong chance to exceed both in the NFL. He IMO was the best dlineman on a stacked Bama team.
Alabama often utilizes Allen outside as a power end, and then bumps him inside as an interior rusher on passing downs. Allen has proven that he can get after the quarterback from outside or inside. He uses a varied approach as a pass rusher and won't be easy to read from a tendency standpoint. As a run defender, Allen is a superior hand-grappler who can control the wrists and forearms of his opponents with accurate hand placement over wild chops and slaps. He's usually very quick to diagnose where the play is headed and has the plus athleticism to chase the ball carrier down.
Dare to Compare: NFL comp for Alabama DL Jonathan Allen - NFL.com
https://youtu.be/lbp5ghNZrOk
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lbp5ghNZrOk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Solomon Thomas looks like an absolute stud. He is strong and explosive. He has long powerful arms that can punch and disengage from a blocker very quickly. He reminds me of a smaller Suh. I see him as a great DE/5-tech prospect. Basically the same role that Cam Jordan has locked down for our team.
Quick Quote:
“He plays like a veteran, causing disruptions in both the running and passing game. ” –Mel Kiper
Scouting Report:
A versatile defensive end with the length and strength to defend the run and also move inside. Possesses the diverse skill set that NFL defenses look for. Very strong in protecting running lanes around him, but surprisingly agile and with a set of pass rush skills to penetrate gaps, getting sacks and forcing fumbles.
https://youtu.be/FYvXrK3Ewps
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FYvXrK3Ewps" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Thoughts?
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