Saints Draft Recap

[Bingo415]

 

Let's recap, shall we?

Saints went in to the draft thinking a swing for the fences if the right person fell to #16, but our Big Board played out almost as expected in round 1. We thought maybe Marcus Sirles might fall, but Miller was just fine at 16.

Needing DT, OT, WR and OLB, we hit three of four needs and were able to acquire a veteran OLB via trade. The draft brought huge value, with 5 of 7 players in the A potential area. The two who fell just shy of A potential? Two of the biggest value hits in the draft in Simmons and Rivera. 

 

Round 1 - DT Preston Miller [Balanced] from PITT - Ovr A-, Pot A-

Miller had 69 tackles and 36 for loss (3 sacks) in his final season in Pittsburgh. Solid year for the big guy. I'm excited that his body type projects to a very solid 4-3 DT next to last season's 2nd round pick Duane Depaula, who led all rookies in sacks with 8. With some high level backups also in the DL room, Saints are feeling solid about the defensive trenches. 

 

 

Round 2 - WR Durham Simmons [Possession] from WMU - Ovr B, Pot B+

Simmons' 2022 season was remarkable. Obviously working with a great QB helped a ton, but its tough to scoff at 2,639 yards, 18 TDs, and 15.6 YPC. Simmons is a big outside receiver who could play in the slot as a pure possession guy, since he's not the fastest WR in the class. Still, we're thrilled with the value from an autopick (and big thanks to Rocketcan for that assist). The hope was to bring in a veteran WR2 in the high 60s or low 70s this offseason, but a high-value draft pick will have to suffice. 

 

 

Round 3 - DT Frank Peterson [Balanced] from HAW - Ovr B, Pot A

64 tkls, 31 TFLs and 5.5 sacks out of Big Frank sends him to the League with a decent OVR and an even more tantalizing Potential rating. Peterson will get plenty of snaps as a DT3/4 for us in the 4-3, and we'll expect a solid progression,

 

 

Round 4 - OT Chasen Garvin [Run Blocking] from STAN - Ovr B-, Pot A-

18 pancakes and just 3 sacks allowed in 915 snaps for a decent offense at Stanford. Intriguing potential, and COULD slot into our RT position, if we wanted to gamble a bit. Was definitely looking for a high-ceiling addition at Tackle, and Garvin absolutely fits the bill. Low key thrilled with this pick in the 4th, even if he is a bit undersized to be a true run-game stalwart. 

 

 

Round 5 - QB Ben Rivera [Pocket] from IOWA - Ovr B-, Pot B+

Clearly a high-value pick in the 5th, we're hoping that his relatively light measurables and potentially scary Injury projection don't carry much weight as a QB2 and probable career backup/spot starter. We needed a backup to Alves, and got an overlooked, solid QB who threw for 3,215 yards, 16 TDs and 9 picks. Rivera got beat up behind the Hawkeyes line, and that's one thing he'll need to worry about in New Orleans. 

 

 

Round 6 - WR Anthony Danks [Speed] from TCU - Ovr C+, Pot A

1,705 yards on 85 catches for 11 TDs....those numbers mean 20 YPC. That golden mark proves Danks speed, and a very solid Potential grade plus all that speed leaves us pretty excited about this 6th rounder. Danks likely will start the season in the WR4 area, or potentially lead slot man, but we're looking for starter potential out of Danks in 2-3 years. 

 

Round 7 - CB David Spain [Man Coverage] from CMU - Ovr C, Pot A

Spain proved he has a nose for the ball in 2022 with 4 PDs and 6 INTs, and also a willingness to play tough on the run with 57 tkls. Losing Jason Smothers in a trade opened a hole for CB5, and we'll roll the dice with another high ceiling player that is going to have to grow into the game. 

[alexfall862]

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Round 5 - QB Ben Rivera [Pocket] from IOWA - Ovr B-, Pot B+

Really wanted this guy about 5 after you took him. Do you think he starts in preseason or potentially the end of the season to get reps (if you're completely out or have completely clinched the playoffs).

[Bingo415]

7 hours ago, alexfall862 said:

Really wanted this guy about 5 after you took him. Do you think he starts in preseason or potentially the end of the season to get reps (if you're completely out or have completely clinched the playoffs).

Yep, he'll get most of the Preseason reps, though our goal is to make the Playoffs, and I think we'll be completely in the thick of it by then, so likely won't get much regular season time, barring injury.