re: 3rd Round Pick Radar

still trying to stir some way early draft talk...

3rd Rd watch list
DT- a lot of mockers are putting a DT as the Saints 1st Rd. I agree that D line is the predominant need but think it would have to be an overwhelming BPA. I don't see impending disaster w/o Ellis. More Hicks reps with Bunkley & Tom Johnson is not in the urgent need category. A value DT in the 3rd Rd makes much more sense IMO. Tyrunn Walker looked decent last preseason and they kept him PS all year.

DT Kawann Short Purdue- you'll see him higher in some ratings but plenty in this range too
DT Benny Logan LSU- most here are familiar.
DT Akeem Spence Illinois

DE- this will be THE gigantic void if Will Smith hits the road. Pass rush is where I see the largest need both in personnel & production. Unless a proven product is signed in free agency I wouldn't be surprised if more than one was drafted. I had Carradine DE Fl St here initially but now have him all but gone by #75

DE William Gholston Michigan St
DE Devin Taylor South Carolina- maybe the best 3rd Rd hope
DE Lavar Edwards LSU- not homer, he's pretty good that could be much better with more reps
DE Stansly Maponga TCU- thx urintroubl for the word, looks like his draft range so far
DE David Bass Missouri Western- good week of Shrine practice. One of the better one trick pass rushers further down the line, maybe even 4th-5th Rd

LB is where you can find some legit players getting into the 3rd Rd. Greene & Thomas mentioned initially are more hope than realistic possibility.

LB Gerald Hodges Penn St- another maybe too optimistic for #75 but still possible
LB Sean Porter Tex AM- right on the heels of Hodges as one of my favorite 3rd Rd possibilities
LB Jelani Jenkins Florida a player that might have moved up a full rd or more if he had returned. You might remember him from blocking the LSU punt at the end of the game.

S- Crossing my first list Thomas off as gone by #75. Another position where you can find contenders for reps in the 3rd tho

Robert Lester Alabama
Bacarri Rambo Geogia
TJ McDonald USC
Shawn Williams Georgia

Plenty more players at other positions to discuss eventually, just starting from the extreme D needs (working on 3rd rd CB scouting).

Sean Porter would be outstanding for the Saints.

Skill-Set Summary: If you like Von Miller, you're going to like Sean Porter. Like Miller, Porter is a seek-and-destroy defender who flies around the field chasing down ball-carriers. His biggest strength is his ability to rush the quarterback off the edge. Porter has the speed to turn the corner and can easily zig-zag his way around offensive tackles. He has the versatility to line up in different places in the defensive front and rush the quarterback. His closing speed is superb, and he forces throws with pressure regularly when he doesn't record sacks



Via Walters

Porter will be a steal. I'd rather have Rambo or TJ McDonald though

Rambo

Official Sr Bowl profiles/outlooks of a couple of these-

Sean Porter

Rambo