re: Official Saints UDFA Signings

Player Overview
Pettway finished his 2015 season with 18 tackles, including 5.0 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks, while playing in a rotational role in 15 games. That came on the heels of posting 23 tackles with 3.0 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2014, his first season back in the program following some off-field trouble.

Pettway re-signed with Alabama in December 2013, less than a year after he was dismissed from the program for his involvement in an off-the-field altercation. Pettway enrolled at Alabama in January after playing for East Mississippi Community College in 2013.


Pettway was among four Crimson Tide players who were charged in alleged robberies in February in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Pettway was cleared by a judge after being arrested on two counts of robbery to play at East Mississippi, where he had 11.5 sacks and 47 tackles in winning junior-college All-American honors.


The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Pettway played for the Crimson Tide during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Compact frame and core strength make him surprisingly difficult to move at the point of attack. Also possesses the lateral agility, sudden swim move and closing burst to make him an effective complementary rusher. Shows terrific timing to knock the ball down at the line of scrimmage and make impact plays on the field goal unit.

WEAKNESSES: At "just" 6-2, 270 pounds, isn't as imposing as many top end prospects. Was dismissed from the program for his role in an alleged robbery, playing for a community college in 2013 before re-enrolling at Alabama.


IN OUR VIEW: Pettway possesses the pro-ready game and versatility to earn early Day Three consideration, but only if teams are satisfied with his character.


--Rob Rang (1/13/16)

Jack Allen, C, Michigan St

C Jack Allen from Michigan St signed with us

NFL.com:

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OVERVIEW
When an NFL offensive line coach sees that a young lineman was a high school wrestler, a smile comes across his face. Grappling in the trenches is what a lineman does -- and is something at which Allen excels. The former Illinois state title holder at 285 pounds is not the largest center in the country, but no other "man in the middle" matches this four-year starter's toughness, anchor, and aggressive nature. The two-time USA Today All-American missed a couple of games with an ankle injury in 2015, but came back to help his team to a Big Ten title.


ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS
Has a compact build with above average core strength. Was a standout wrestler in high school and uses that background to generate quick torques and turns on defenders. Understands his strengths and physical limitations. Possesses great strength in his hands and can snatch and ride defenders until the whistle sounds. Rarely has his hands outside defender's framework. Combines arm extension and running feet to redirect gap shooters away from his quarterback. Card­-carrying tough guy willing to put some extra spice on it when he finishes a block. On the move, can adjust tempo and angle to land a squared block. Climbs up to middle linebackers with choppy steps and balanced base. Despite a lack of athleticism, still has plus body control. Hits where he aims. Flat­-footed puncher in pass pro.

WEAKNESSES
Average athleticism and very moderate flexibility. Is a little bit stiff in space. Inconsistent in his attempts to climb up to second level off of combo blocks. Will struggle to get cut­off blocks against instinctive, inside linebackers who will beat him to the spot. Able to get away with holding more often in college than he will be able to in the pros. At times, will rely on brute force over physical ability. When he has to anchor up against bull ­rushers, his balance diminishes. Doesn't have the mass or length that some teams would like in a starting center.


DRAFT PROJECTION Round 5

NFL COMPARISON Olin Kreutz


BOTTOM LINE Despite having a cat named "Bubbles," Allen is a coach's dream with the leadership, competitiveness and the tenacious mindset to grind out the will of defenders by the end of the fourth quarter. While there are clearly some athletic limitations, Allen is especially adept at minimizing those while accentuating his strengths. There are too many check marks in his favor to expect him to fall short of an NFL career as an eventual starter.

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Duke Williams anyone!?!?!?

Saints sign LB out of UL Lafayette Dominique Tovell

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Duke Williams anyone!?!?!?

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That one year at LSU then 1st rd did not pan out on any level.

Great pickup

Saints have killed UDFA IMO

Bret Ingalls has his work cut out for him. We will be counting on some unheralded OL To contribute fast

that Williams kid out of Ball St has pretty good size for a WR

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