Well, it was an odd-feeling draft, but far be it from me to question the wisdom of a team that took Jimmy Graham in round three when he only played football for a year, Marcus Colston from Hofstra in the 7th round, Carl Nicks in late rounds, or picked up Chris Ivory undrafted from Tifton to be our leading rusher as a rookie.
Rounds 1-2: Mark Ingram+ Goodell is a hater.
Round 3: Akiem Nicks, DE. Nicks was recruited to LSU, but got embroiled in the LSU recruiting drama because he accepted a limo ride. Instead, he went to community college in Cali and then enrolled at Regina in Canada. Yes, Canada, known for its impenetrable offensive lines. Immediate comparisons to failed small-school player Al Woods arise, but coaching staff claims Hicks has better feet and a quicker twitch. 5.23 40 yard dash, 6’5”, 318 lbs, 35 1/8” arm length. Clearly meant to be developed in house.
Round 4: Nick Toon, WR. Wisconsin. Toon is the Times-Picayune’s favorite draft story for his “bloodlines” (his dad played for the Jets). 4.54 40 yard dash, but he’s 6’2”, 215 lbs. Could see him in deep receiver sets next season.
Round 5: Corey White, CB. From Samford. I think that’s in Connecticut. Spags says he’ll play corner, not safety, despite his hefty size (for a corner)- and that we liked his performance at an all-star game (he “showed up”) and versus Auburn. Spags says they went higher than other were going because his body size and arm length fit with the intended defensive package. 4.55 40 yard dash, 5’11”, 206 lbs. NFL reports claim White is strong on run defense, which we clearly need.
Round 6: Andrew Tiller, G. Syracuse. It seems clear that we expect him to train behind Evans and newly-signed Ben Grubbs. 5.55 40 yard dash (he’s an O-lineman), 6’4”, 324 lbs. Touted as a run blocker.
Round 7: Marcel Jones, OT. Nebraska. Jones grew up in an option offense, so will likely need some pass-guarding training, though commentators seem to believe he is well versed in run-blocking. 5.67 40 (see round 6 above), 6’6”, 320.
Undrafted Free Agents. Chris Givens, WR, Miami and Jerico Nelson, S, Arkansasare names that someone has heard. On this we really don’t know until the season starts.
Remi Ayodele (formerly of the Superbowl Champion Saints, DT, obvious local), just resigned. Woot.
Drew Brees has not resigned. WTF.
