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Drafting a Safety
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:03 pm
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:03 pm
Here are NFL.com's safety rankings
Malik Hooker
Jamal Adams
Jabrill Peppers
Budda Baker
Josh Jones
Marcus Maye
Marcus Williams
Justin Evans
John Johnson
Obi Melifonwu
Desmond King
It's highly likely that we draft a safety if we don't address the need via free agency. What safety do you prefer for the value?
Pick #11 - Malik Hooker, Jamal Adams
Pick #32/#42 - Jabrill Peppers, Obi Melifonwu, Budda Baker
Pick #76/#103 - Josh Jones, Marcus Williams, Marcus Maye, Desmond King, Josh Johnson, Justin Evans
We need a guy that can cover & we should easily be able to get one in the 3rd round if we wait that long. I didn't include Malik Hooker, b/c we all know about him. These 5 guys seem like our best bets as far as cover guys:
Budda Baker - BOTTOM LINE Undersized free safety with the heart of a linebacker. Baker plays with a competitive desire that leaps off the field when you watch him thanks to elite football character and above-average explosiveness. While he is undersized, he makes up for it with his football instincts and plus play speed. Baker has the talent to become a play-making safety with Pro Bowl potential if he can sustain his health.
Josh Jones(dude weighs 220 pounds & has the speed) - BOTTOM LINE Jones is a height-weight-speed prospect to be sure, but he's not just a traits-based safety. Jones has the appetite for hitting that teams will want around the box and he has the speed and ball skills to range and help against vertical threats from a deep safety spot. The big area of concern will be Jones' ability to play with better discipline in coverage and as a tackler. He has the ability to become a good, long-time starter in the league.
Marcus Williams - BOTTOM LINE Ball-hawking free safety who has outstanding ball skills and has shown a propensity for causing turnovers. He can play from a high centerfield spot and utilizes his instincts to swoop down and challenge throws. He's able to get running backs down, but he’s not physical enough to be a combination safety. NFL teams love defensive backs with athletic traits, instincts and ball skills. If he works out well before the draft, he should move up team boards.
John Johnson - BOTTOM LINE Ascending defender with the experience, athleticism and ball skills to play as a high safety or in man coverage. Johnson is well above average as a ball-tracker and has the soft hands to finish at the catch-point against receivers. He has decent size but won't be a banger as a tackler, however, his ability in coverage has NFL personnel men buzzing as a potential early starter in the league.
Desmond King - BOTTOM LINE Lack of size and speed combined with his ball skills, instincts, and competitiveness all point to a transition to safety. While he can improve as a tackler, he's got the toughness and mentality to take on run-support duties. Can cover in man when asked and has the ball-tracking skills and anticipation that should allow him to thrive in two-deep and single-high situations. A likely second-day (Rounds 2-3) selection and could be targeted as a zone corner or a safety with early starting potential.
Malik Hooker
Jamal Adams
Jabrill Peppers
Budda Baker
Josh Jones
Marcus Maye
Marcus Williams
Justin Evans
John Johnson
Obi Melifonwu
Desmond King
It's highly likely that we draft a safety if we don't address the need via free agency. What safety do you prefer for the value?
Pick #11 - Malik Hooker, Jamal Adams
Pick #32/#42 - Jabrill Peppers, Obi Melifonwu, Budda Baker
Pick #76/#103 - Josh Jones, Marcus Williams, Marcus Maye, Desmond King, Josh Johnson, Justin Evans
We need a guy that can cover & we should easily be able to get one in the 3rd round if we wait that long. I didn't include Malik Hooker, b/c we all know about him. These 5 guys seem like our best bets as far as cover guys:
Budda Baker - BOTTOM LINE Undersized free safety with the heart of a linebacker. Baker plays with a competitive desire that leaps off the field when you watch him thanks to elite football character and above-average explosiveness. While he is undersized, he makes up for it with his football instincts and plus play speed. Baker has the talent to become a play-making safety with Pro Bowl potential if he can sustain his health.
Josh Jones(dude weighs 220 pounds & has the speed) - BOTTOM LINE Jones is a height-weight-speed prospect to be sure, but he's not just a traits-based safety. Jones has the appetite for hitting that teams will want around the box and he has the speed and ball skills to range and help against vertical threats from a deep safety spot. The big area of concern will be Jones' ability to play with better discipline in coverage and as a tackler. He has the ability to become a good, long-time starter in the league.
Marcus Williams - BOTTOM LINE Ball-hawking free safety who has outstanding ball skills and has shown a propensity for causing turnovers. He can play from a high centerfield spot and utilizes his instincts to swoop down and challenge throws. He's able to get running backs down, but he’s not physical enough to be a combination safety. NFL teams love defensive backs with athletic traits, instincts and ball skills. If he works out well before the draft, he should move up team boards.
John Johnson - BOTTOM LINE Ascending defender with the experience, athleticism and ball skills to play as a high safety or in man coverage. Johnson is well above average as a ball-tracker and has the soft hands to finish at the catch-point against receivers. He has decent size but won't be a banger as a tackler, however, his ability in coverage has NFL personnel men buzzing as a potential early starter in the league.
Desmond King - BOTTOM LINE Lack of size and speed combined with his ball skills, instincts, and competitiveness all point to a transition to safety. While he can improve as a tackler, he's got the toughness and mentality to take on run-support duties. Can cover in man when asked and has the ball-tracking skills and anticipation that should allow him to thrive in two-deep and single-high situations. A likely second-day (Rounds 2-3) selection and could be targeted as a zone corner or a safety with early starting potential.
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 2:06 pm
9
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:04 pm to GMoney2600
This board is really making me a fan of Marcus Williams and best part is we can get him in the 3rd potentially it seems
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:09 pm to knowingabyss
Who are the FA's in play at this point?
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:11 pm to TigerStick
It's a pretty shitty list. TJ McDonald is good, but he's more of an in the box safety. Webb might be a decent add for cheap. He's a converted CB. Byrd for cheap might be an option. Personally, I'd rather draft a guy. The 3rd round is loaded & we have 2 picks to make it happen.
T.J. McDonald (26)
Corey Graham (31)
Lardarius Webb (31)
Daimion Stafford (26)
Aaron Williams (26)
Rashad Johnson (31)
Donte Whitner (31)
James Ihedigbo (33)
Jairus Byrd (30)
Bacarri Rambo (26)
Duke Ihenacho (27)
Robert Blanton (27)
Jamarca Sanford (31)
Michael Griffin (32)
Roman Harper (34)
Kendrick Lewis (28)
Dashon Goldson (32)
Antonio Allen (28)
Matt Elam (25)
Rafael Bush (29)
Shamarko Thomas (26)
Jeron Johnson (28)
Sergio Brown (28)
Jonathan Meeks (27)
Kelcie McCray (28)
T.J. McDonald (26)
Corey Graham (31)
Lardarius Webb (31)
Daimion Stafford (26)
Aaron Williams (26)
Rashad Johnson (31)
Donte Whitner (31)
James Ihedigbo (33)
Jairus Byrd (30)
Bacarri Rambo (26)
Duke Ihenacho (27)
Robert Blanton (27)
Jamarca Sanford (31)
Michael Griffin (32)
Roman Harper (34)
Kendrick Lewis (28)
Dashon Goldson (32)
Antonio Allen (28)
Matt Elam (25)
Rafael Bush (29)
Shamarko Thomas (26)
Jeron Johnson (28)
Sergio Brown (28)
Jonathan Meeks (27)
Kelcie McCray (28)
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 3:07 pm
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:23 pm to GMoney2600
Eddie Jackson is one I wouldn't mind the Saints taking if they can get him in the right round. I wouldn't use any of our first 4 picks on him, but if he runs well next month at Alabama's 2nd Pro Day he'd be worth the late 3rd.
Ideally, we can move back at least once in the first 3 rounds to pick up a mid-4th and grab him then. He'd be a steal in the 4th-5th rounds.
ETA: Plus he is an outstanding punt returner.
Ideally, we can move back at least once in the first 3 rounds to pick up a mid-4th and grab him then. He'd be a steal in the 4th-5th rounds.
ETA: Plus he is an outstanding punt returner.
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 2:46 pm
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:28 pm to knowingabyss
quote:
Marcus Williams and best part is we can get him in the 3rd potentially it seems
I like Marcus Williams in the 3rd as well.
Remember when CSP talked about the draft. He seemed to really point out 3 things & so far it's happening just like he talked about(he basically came out & told us their plan):
1. OL is weak in this draft & we might be forced to use free agency to address our need. Outcome = Signed Warford.
2. Safety is deep in the draft & you can get a solid guy past the 1st couple of rounds. This didn't sound like good news for Byrd at the time, b/c he wouldn't have mentioned Safety in the draft if they planned on keeping Byrd. Outcome = Byrd is cut & we haven't signed a free agent safety yet. I'm guessing the Saints FO is targeting the 3rd round for a safety(maybe 2nd round if Budda Baker is there & he's one of the targets).
3.RB is deep in the draft. Outcome = We haven't re-signed Hightower or any other free agent RB. I assume we draft 1(2nd/3rd round) or maybe even 2(6th/7th round). RB is probably the easiest position to hit on a guy in the 6th or 7th round.
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 2:45 pm
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:44 pm to GMoney2600
I'd be completely fine with Williams at 42 even.
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:48 pm to LosLobos111
So would I. I think it's 50/50 that he makes it #76...so if he's their guy, then I have no problem with it.
Better to take your target at #42, than risking your guys being there at #76(there could be a run on Safeties between those 2 picks). We could then be forced to take a guy that we're not very sure of.
Better to take your target at #42, than risking your guys being there at #76(there could be a run on Safeties between those 2 picks). We could then be forced to take a guy that we're not very sure of.
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 2:50 pm
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:52 pm to GMoney2600
I like Desmond King(@FS) personally.....Not sure he makes it to the 3rd round, and I do not believe CSP will Draft 3 Defensive players with 11, 32, 42. He is definitely going to take a WR/TE/RB with 42.
I think we go DE @ 11 and CB/LB @ 32
I think we go DE @ 11 and CB/LB @ 32
Posted on 3/27/17 at 2:57 pm to GMoney2600
I thought TJ McDonald signed with someone. If not, sign him now please.
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 2:59 pm
Posted on 3/27/17 at 3:04 pm to knowingabyss
He's more of a Strong Safety. He's damn good player, but we would have to rely on Bell in deep coverage. If Bell is ready to assume that role, then I'm all for it.
TJ McDonald might actually be the best free agent still available. Him & Johnathan Hankins.
TJ McDonald might actually be the best free agent still available. Him & Johnathan Hankins.
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 3:06 pm
Posted on 3/27/17 at 3:11 pm to GMoney2600
I'd take Raphael bush back and I almost think if we could trade back a couple spots from 32 to like 35 36 and pick up an extra there or fourth rounder than grab Budda Baker.
Dude is an Earl Thomas clone
Dude is an Earl Thomas clone
Posted on 3/27/17 at 3:27 pm to GMoney2600
But Hankins wants like $10M/yr.
This is a pretty deep draft class at multiple positions so hopefully we can get a safety in the 1st 3 rounds.
This is a pretty deep draft class at multiple positions so hopefully we can get a safety in the 1st 3 rounds.
Posted on 3/27/17 at 3:35 pm to ChaChingBoyd
quote:
I think we go DE @ 11 and CB/LB @ 32
I feel the same way. As of right now, this seems most likely to me(assuming we don't trade for Butler)...
#11 - Barnett or Taco
#32 - Top rated CB on our board
#42 - Top rated QB/RB/WR/TE on our board. Maybe even LB if our guy is there
#76 - Top rated Safety on our board
#103 BPA(QB/RB/OT/WR/TE/2nd DE/LB). I'm assuming we've already addressed DE, CB, & S at this point. Those are our 3 most important needs. LB is a need as well, but the staff might be content with the 6 guys we already have.
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 4:05 pm
Posted on 3/27/17 at 3:37 pm to 1BamaRTR
quote:
But Hankins wants like $10M/yr.
I agree. He's not an option for us(we already have our 4 DT's)...I was just pointing out that he & TJ McDonald are the 2 best players left in free agency.
Posted on 3/27/17 at 4:06 pm to GMoney2600
Have an eerie feeling that Barnett, Thomas, and Taco go before our pick. Don't really like being the team to take a corner that high usually, but Lattimore is well worth it. There are worthy pass rushers in the 1st to warrant not trading up.
Posted on 3/27/17 at 4:31 pm to Gordon Hayward
quote:
Have an eerie feeling that Barnett, Thomas, and Taco go before our pick. Don't really like being the team to take a corner that high usually, but Lattimore is well worth it. There are worthy pass rushers in the 1st to warrant not trading up.
This would be a doomsday scenario for us....
Posted on 3/27/17 at 4:37 pm to ChaChingBoyd
quote:
This would be a doomsday scenario for us....
If no Butler trade I wouldn't doubt they might select Lattimore over Barnett and Charlton even if they were still on the board. He would probably rank higher on a pure big board count.
------------
I haven't done a mock yet but if available at #42 I could see them going with Obi Melifonwu easily.
Posted on 3/27/17 at 7:43 pm to GMoney2600
if we have to draft a safety early what does that say about our 2 recent picks in Bell and Vaccaro
Posted on 3/27/17 at 7:48 pm to Lester Earl
It means we run a lot of 3 safety sets & we're not sure if Bell is ready to play FS for us.
With Vaccaro around the LOS & Bell playing SS...we need a legit FS & nobody on our current roster fits the bill. A 3rd rounder wouldn't be that high of a pick to solve the problem.
If it means anything negative...it's that we fricked up & severely overpaid Byrd.
With Vaccaro around the LOS & Bell playing SS...we need a legit FS & nobody on our current roster fits the bill. A 3rd rounder wouldn't be that high of a pick to solve the problem.
If it means anything negative...it's that we fricked up & severely overpaid Byrd.
This post was edited on 3/27/17 at 7:54 pm
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