Trade Down From 15 and Still Draft a Pass Rusher?

First things first: I know that Mickey Loomis drafts BPA and has no history of trading back, but wouldn't this be the kind of year to do something a little different? Shake things up a little?

The draft is all about value and we won't know who, if anyone, values our pick until the draft starts playing itself out. Here is a link to the NFL draft value chart. I'm not big on predicting draft day trade scenarios but there are quite a few teams out there with a plethora of picks this year. And who knows, maybe one of those teams wants #15.

So what would we do if we traded back out of #15 into the late first or even out of the first altogether?
Well, if we were to trade into the second, This guy will be as good as whoever's there at 15. Sure he doesn't have the flash and the hype surrounding him that Jones, Mingo, Jordan, et al have, but this man can play. 10 sacks and 20 TFL last year. Those numbers are right up there with all the lead dogs in this draft, but You don't hear much about Collins from pretty much anyone. That's good news is the Saints are in a trade down to the second kind of situation. (If there is a partner, that is.)

This year's draft is so loaded with defensive play makers that it's a little ridiculous. Offense, not so much. Those poor teams in need of a quarterback might as well pick one up off the street rather than overdraft this group of late-rounders. To be quite clear on this, I do not care what position the Saints draft so long as it's a guy who can get after the friggin quarterback.

Seems that I'm hearing a lot of this new mindset:

"We picked up Butler and gave Galette a long-term deal, with Wilson in the mix we don't need to get a pass rusher with our first." 

And upon hearing that, those who remember watching the Dome Patrol literally abuse opposing offenses think to themselves:

"Well, shucks. These guys must be right. We picked up one of Ryan's guys who's an average player and have two unknowns with high ceilings...might as well consider ourselves set in the pass rushing department and draft Drew's future replacement or a wide receiver at 15 and call it a day."

Yeah, I just don't buy that anyone on this team's defense is 100% safe in their starting role right now besides Cam Jordan and Curtis Lofton. And nor should they be. You all saw what they did last year. They all blew it on a rather consistent basis and didn't even resemble an NFL defense at times. That 41-0 shutout of the Bucs being their stand out performance of the year.

Be it a 5-tech defensive end or a WOLB, a hard hitting safety, etc., that's where the Saints' focus should be. Defense, for f**k's sake.

No Matter What Happens, People Will Still Be Pissed. Period.

So, it's April. Draft time. There's a plethora of arguments gong around as to what exactly it is that the Saints need. There should be no argument. It's obvious. We need defense. We've had one of the best offenses in the league since Payton got here. Even had a damn good one last year. (Minus the dropsies from Colston and Graham, Joe Morgan not catching til week 10, and some of the ugliest, soul crushing interceptions in some of the biggest games of the year from Drew Brees, that offense MAY have been able to make some noise in the playoffs despite the defenseless defense.

Welp, time to turn the page. You all know what has already gone down so far this off-season with the Ryan hiring and the free agent acquisitions so I'm not going over them again. We're going to take a look at the draft and see what's what with who, what, where and why we could or would draft someone.

I'm not some draft guru, so I use the regular sites out there just like you guys, therefore you may have read some of the things I post.

JARVIS JONES

My take: Saw him play quite a bit this year because he's in the SEC. He was obviously their best defensive player on the field. Didn't look that big to me, but sure looked good getting after the quarterback or making people pay. It's been reported that he's not a "workout guy" and it kind of shows just but the way he looks on the field. You know what he does look like though? A god damn football player. Personally, I couldn't care less how many reps on the bench he can do or how fast he can run forty yards and you know why? Absolutely none of that matters while the game is being played. Dude is a hell of a pass rusher, not scared to take on runners head-on, and straight up looks good out there. Period. (Minus the jersey number. Always hate seeing things like defensive linemen wearing numbers in the 20's)

Walterfootball's take (excerpt):

Jones should be a pass-rushing demon and a phenomenal edge-rusher in the NFL. He fires up field off the snap and is extremely hard for offensive linemen to get a hold of. Jones has good hands to fight off blocks with moves to get around linemen. While he isn't a power player, he uses some functional strength along with his athleticism to shed blocks. 

Jones is a heat-seeking missile in pursuit. He is great at chasing down quarterbacks and running backs from behind. Jones is always cognizant of the ball and does a great job of slapping it out to force turnovers. He was a sack-fumble machine in college. While Jones does not have blazing speed, he is football fast and that was clear with how he dominated the SEC. 

There are a few areas Jones needs to improve for the pros. He needs more strength to hold up against runs that come directly at him. That would also help him to avoid some missed tackles. 

Scouts at the East-West Shrine told WalterFootball.com that Jones would slide on draft day because it was their belief he would test poorly before the draft and isn't a hard worker in the weight room. The scouts said that watching the game tape, Jones is worthy of being a high first-round pick, but they didn't feel he will go that high. That prediction was validated in the months to come. Jones declined to work out at the Combine and had an ugly showing at his pro day with a terrible 40-yard dash time between 4.9 and 5.0 seconds. 

WalterFootball.com spoke with scouts who were in attendance at the pro day, and they said he did well in the linebacker drills, but really struggled in the timed tests. Scouts said that Jones isn't a bad teammate or a bad guy, but he isn't a guy who coaches will love during the week because he doesn't put in a lot of work. However, scouts said they loved the way he showed up on game day. 

Jones could be an elite pass-rusher at the next level. If he goes to a good organization and coaching staff that can motivate him, he could be an absolute force. If Jones lands with a bad team that has frequent coaching changes and instability, there is the potential for him to not pan out. With the workout concerns and the neck injury, he could easily fall to the middle of the first round. 

New Orleans at No. 15 makes a lot of sense. The Saints need an edge-rusher for their change to the 3-4. Jones could easily go to New Orleans. Duh (*emphasis added) 

Jarvis Jones Walterfootball

SHELDON RICHARDSON

My take: I'm not going to lie. I didn't watch him play much this year. I don't care if they are now in the SEC, they're still Missouri. Once the college bowl season ended and this kid's name started popping up everywhere, I decided to watch a little :gamefilm: (aka youtube highlights) on him. What I learned: he's strong, he's fast, he's big, he plays hard in all situations and looks like he could really be the real deal in the NFL. I don't care how many successful first round defensive tackles there have been over the years and I would be hesitant to take one if I were Loomis, and I think we all know why. Jonathan Sullivan. God, the ol' stomach starts turning just at the mention of his name. Ellis lovers will tell you that he was good enough to start for us for five years, so there shouldn't be any worries going defensive tackle in the first. Really, Mrs. Ellis? He was the 7th overall pick and couldn't even make an impact in a contract year and isn't even listed on most free agent trackers. At least he bought some cool cars.

Back to Richardson. I don't want him at 15. I just look at the top 32 players in this draft and there has to be someone there at 15 who could be more of an impact than Richardson. Trade back into the 20's? OK, then that's cool. Just don't see Loomis all of a sudden going rogue to trade back. Never has been the man's M.O. Would I be swimming in a bottle of bourbon if we did take him at 15? No. There's a reason I don't work for the Saints and Walter has some pretty good things to say about him.

Walterfootball's take (excerpt):

Richardson finished the year second on Missouri in tackles with 75. He registered 10.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three passes broken up and three forced fumbles. too. Richardson also returned a fumble 60 yards against Kentucky. The Tigers did not qualify for a Bowl game, and the junior quickly declared for the 2013 NFL Draft. He recorded 37 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble in 2011. 

Missouri used Richardson at defensive end and tackle. He had success as a pass-rusher at end as well as at tackle. Richardson beat Alabama right tackle D.J. Fluker for a sack coming from end, and is a much better pass-rusher than his sack totals indicate. Richardson had 14 tackles against Alabama. He was impressive going against the Crimson Tide's superb offensive line. 

Against Kentucky's Larry Warford, Richardson didn't make plays versus the tough guard but found a way to have a big impact versus the Wildcats' other linemen. 

Richardson could be a dangerous pass-rusher in the NFL as a three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense. He also could play end on run downs and move inside to tackle in passing situations for a 4-3 system. Richardson also would fit as a 3-4 defensive end given his length, speed and great motor. He is an impact player who is a three-down player and tone-setter for a defense. Richardson is a fiery player who has some potential to be a leader in the locker room.

The Saints would be a great fit for Richardson, too. He could play defensive end in potential running situations and move inside to tackle on pass plays. Richardson would be a huge upgrade for New Orleans' defensive line, and the team badly needs a player like him on defense.

Sheldon Richardson Walterfootball

Just glad that football is right around the corner. I mean drinking too much on a Sunday just isn't the same without some football on tv or at the dome acting a fool.

Good things to come.

  

That Shit Kinda Hurt

Raffy! Raffy! Raffy!

After three grueling days of fevered insults from a God unknown, I settled in to watch the Saints trounce the niners in a nationally televised game at my dad's house. Up 14-7 with little time left in the first half, my fever broke and I started getting sticky with sweat only to realize that Drew Brees' fuckfaced interception for 6 is what broke my fever. Yay! Booooo! Fuck.

So, with the fever gone, I convinced myself, selfishly I might add, that the pick 6 was for my benefit and since the fever was now gone, I could actually enjoy what was to occur in the second half. Well. Damn you, Drew Brees and your 14 foot high tipped pass to Marques Colston that not only nearly got him killed but also was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. I want the fever back, with a 6 in the 'W' column. Not happening. So be it.

Whatever. I'm still mad too. At all kinds of shit. The Randy Moss OPI that wasn't called that would have been an interception that didn't hurt too bad because they kicked a field goal anyway? Yeah, fuck that shit. The replay shows douche bag line judge just looking directly at Jenkins getting spun around, only to be all "nothing to see here...move along." The Joe Morgan OPI call where he pulled the defenders arm to save an interception after being pushed to the ground? Garbage. Stinky, smelly, Good Friday Crawfish Boil garbage.

Fuck it. Even with all the calls going against us, we still could have won if, Good Drew had shown up instead of Bad Drew.

"Don't kill me, guys. Won't happen again."

That's ok. This kinda shit happens to guys who throw balls into tight spaces with amazing accuracy on a regular basis. After the touchdown pass to Colston up the seam between what had to be three defenders I told my dad that I didn't think 80% of quarterbacks would have the balls to throw that pass. Having the balls to throw that pass is why we got the What the Fuck interceptions for touchdowns. Is it ok? It's ok, right? Tell me it's ok. Pretty please? Screw you. It is ok. I've learned to live with the really bad interceptions that will sometimes cost us games because of how damn good he is in 90% of his appearances.

There was more to take away from that game last night that very well might be lost in the emotion of the loss, but let's not disregard the fact that the defense allowed less points than our offense scored, which will win most games.

READ MORE HERE

Falcons Owned By Saints: Business As Usual

falolcons fans

The Saints are to the Falcons what the 49ers used to be to the Saints in the old NFC. The Falcons deserve misery like no other. There are no two ways about it, and 11-2 record over the last 13 games officially qualifies the Falcons as the Saints whipping boys. They talk a big talk, but can't score from the one yard line.

Falcons receiver Rodney White seems to think that the Saints didn't go out there and actually, you know, win the game, but rather the Falcons "gave it to them". What a sad, sad, sideshow Rodney has become. He still puts up big numbers and makes plays week in and week out, but the trouble is: he just can't shut his mouth.

Following their first loss of the season and making such outrageous claims about the Falcons pedigree to go undefeated, you would think that White wouldn't be looking to give the Saints motivation for the next match up in just three weeks. But, alas, White is a clown and just doesn't get it.

Safety Thomas DeCoud knows the truth. He gets it.

"That's one team you don't want to have your first loss to," Atlanta safety Thomas DeCoud said.

A moment before, as reporters stood feet away, DeCoud was talking to a few other defensive backs.

"The bandwagon is over," said DeCoud, who then mumbled something about how the crowd at the Georgia Dome next Sunday probably will be filled with fans of the Arizona Cardinals.

READ MORE HERE

Man, Fuck That Game.

"Why bother?"

Man, fuck that game.

From top to bottom, start to finish, there was not a single thing about that game that could be considered a positive. Nothing.

"But did you see how great Morstead was punting the ball?"

Stop it. Just shut up. If the fact that Morstead's 50 yard average on eight punts is all there is to be said about the game, then we sucked balls. And we did. There is no denying it. Every single facet of the game. Drew Brees was off. Every receiver dropped important passes. We didn't even try to run the ball consistently. The defense looked even more craptacular than usual. What the fuck do you mean "we weren't going to call any audibles?" Against the audiblingest quarterback of all fucking audiblers? Seriously? Cutback run after cutback run to the strong side and dump off after dump off to the uncovered no name tight end. How could it get any worse than it was last night? Make a starting linebacker and the only run clogging defensive tackle on the team inactive to have 5, that's FIVE, running backs active. Stellar fucking plan!

Can it get any worse than it was last night? The logical part of me wants to say that it can't but we are not dealing with logic here. We're dealing with the la-la-land version of the New Orleans Saints. We went from shock and awe last year to shock and awful this year. For the remaining 9 games of this season we will continue to be force fed this garbage starting at the top. When the Saints were 0-3 someone on ESPN said, "The Saints are done. They're waiting on Joe Vitt to get back to save their season. When has anybody ever said they're waiting on Joe Vitt?" As much as I hated hearing it then, that asshole was right.

Take a look at this box score from last night and tell me what you see that is encouraging. I'll wait.

The fact of the matter is, no matter how you look at it or try to justify it, the is the worst defense in the history of the football. And they are getting worse! Three weeks in a row we held teams to 7 second half points with the scheme we were running and instead of sticking with it we bench two defensive starters on a defense that doesn't have many starters to begin with. This is Crazy Town!

We've all wanted to see more Akiem Hicks (the lone bright spot from the lackluster efforts of last night) and Martez Wilson and we were given half of that equation. Whoever they are, if they're the best players, they need to be on the field. End of story.

I don't have any answers. I'm a fan. I shouldn't. But neither does the Saints coaching staff and that is truly frustrating. I'm not in with the OMG FIRE SPAGZ!!! crowd, but only because it would solve nothing. If our defense consistently gets donkey punched next year, then, hey, go for it. Was anyone actually surprised by the output of the Broncos offense? I know I wasn't. I was expecting a  42-35 coin flip outcome.

I feel sick.

12-4, BABY!!!

Did you see what happened Sunday? The Saints won. Not only did they win, but it was an awesome game. They looked good. Crisp. Ready. Amazingly enough, Saints fans were still complaining Monday morning. And you know what? That's fine. It's your life. I'm a glass half-full kinda guy.

Over the last two weeks, the Saints defense has allowed a total of 14 second half points and if you aren't happy about that going forward, you'll never be happy. They sacked Rivers 5 times, Roman Harper got himself a pick and they got off the field on third down, allowing only a 33% conversion rate. That's good stuff right there. The pressure being applied by Galette and Wilson...also good stuff. That's what they can do when we have a lead. Therefore, we need to play with a lead more often. There will be no complaints from me for two weeks about anything that the Saints have or haven't done.

Drew Brees got his record. It is no longer Johnny Unitas' touchdown record. That's Drew's shit. Who dat!

From the minute I got downtown I knew that the $25 I spent on that ticket was going to be money well spent. (Yes, I said $25. Through ticket exchange.) To say the dome was electric would be an understatement. Every single person in the place was ready for a win and did their part to get it done. The Kansas City game was just odd in comparison. There was so much worry in the air it was palpable. But not on this day. You couldn't have asked for a better environment to get the first win of the season in. From blow up dolls being passed around the terrace, to a Chargers fan getting all whooped up on by the NOPD a few sections over the place was (to quote Mike McKenzie), "Off the meat rack!" (Whatever the hell that means.)

Anyone who knows anything about football and pays the least bit of attention to the happenings of the NFL each week knows that we were the best 0-4 team ever heading in to this game. (Those guys in Vegas who have been known to be pretty good at what they do thought so too.) I was called a ridiculous homer every day since the loss to Kansas City because I said the defense was improving. "Take off your black and gold glasses and admit that we suck!!!!" Whatever. Fuck all of you. Like I said earlier, I'm, a glass half full guy, and I'd rather pay attention and form my opinion based on what happens week to week on the field rather than sit here and give arbitrary "grades" to the guys on the field. "Dude missed a tackle!!! F-!!!!" This game isn't played in a vacuum. There are two teams on the field trying to beat each other. And guess what. The Saints haven't had a good defense in years. "But they won 13 straight and got a gazillion turnovers in '09 and won a Superbowl!" Yeah, well, LSU ran the table in the regular season last year. That doesn't mean their offense is worth a shit. So, Mr. Random Internet Message Board Guy, give the stats and numbers a rest. Let's enjoy the win. The scoreboard really is the only stat that matters and we got that this week.

With the bye week on the horizon, and the next home game being November 5 (my birthday party on Poydras) it feels like our next home game isn't ever going to come. But as sure as Roger Goodell is a piece of shit, the sun will keep rising and setting, and November will get here. If the Saints rip off 3 in a row, beating The Bucs and the Broncos leading up to the Monday night game, what do you think the dome will be like? How could you not be there if you love this team? Get a ticket.  Party with 70,000 of your closest friends and get your frustrations out by yelling ridiculously for 3 hours. The shit feels good.

We're playing with house money this year. With the disastrous start to the season, we've already been all but written off by the whole fucking planet, so what do we have to lose? I think this team may have realized how good it feels to win on Sunday. I know we as fans did.

The only regret I have from Sunday was forgetting to set my DVR.

P.S. Thanks for upholding the bounty suspensions on Vilma and Smith while reducing the for Fujita and Hargrove and in the process killing my pink cloud. Not only are you an asshole and eviscerator of all things football throughout the Gulf South, but you are now a pink cloud murderer. I hope Vilma exposes you for the panty wearing, power drunken, ass kissing, concussion lawsuit hiding bitch that you are. You'll get yours, Roger. You'll get yours. But we're going to get ours too. We'll see you in February in the Dome.

Let's Point Fingers

Finger #1 (it's the middle): Roger Goodell

Are you happy now? Have you accomplished what you were hoping to accomplish? Is the game safer? Do us all a favor and die. Thanks.

Finger #2: Coaches/Play-calling

I don't care who you are or what your team looks like. With an 18 point lead and an offensive line that is having some real problems pass blocking, you run the god damn ball. Milk the clock and play field position. You've got three running backs you don't use. Sean Payton must be ashamed of the job you are doing. I know I am. Zach Strief may want to take the blame for yesterday's loss, but fuck that shit, if you see a man getting beaten all day, you give him some help. All day if need be. Back-to-back timeouts? You guys are so disappointing it's laughable.

Finger #3: The Officials

I don't even think you're going to be able to get a job officiating a high school game after the display you've shown consistently on the national stage. A fundamental lack of understanding when it comes to the rules of the game isn't acceptable. At any level. If I was as bad at my job as you are at yours, I would be unemployed. As you should be. The discrepancy of talent level between Division I officials and these scab officials is night and day. At least 7 points and a win were taken off the board.

Finger #4: The Offense

"But the offense put up an 18 point lead in the third quarter!!!" Shut up. Putting up 288 yards of total offense against the defense that was tied for last in the league with our New Orleans Saints is downright unacceptable. But hey, see Finger #2. That was the ugliest 4th quarter I have ever seen from a unit that used to take pride in blowing people out.

Finger #5: The Defense

Thank you for the turnovers. You did your job for the majority of the game but giving up 233 rushing yards isn't cool and you deserve the criticism you get. No one expected you to set the world on fire but good god almighty, when you guys fuck something up you go all the way with it. Finger #3 didn't help you out with what I thought was a pretty blatant hold (from the fucking terrace!) on the 91 yard touchdown run, but one hold should not a 91 yard touchdown make. Honestly, of all the fingers being pointed, you deserve the thumb. Minus that one big run, you held the Chiefs to field goals all day. May have given up some yards, but yards don't equal points.

Finger #6: All you assholes saying that the fans aren't doing their job and that the crowd doesn't sound loud enough on tv.

What the fuck is wrong with you? Kansas City gave back the majority of their allotment and you still didn't buy tickets. Blow me.

Finger #7: Myself

For believing that this Saints team could make something out of this season. Drew Brees looks like he's playing in San Diego. We miss Sean Payton more than any of us could have actually realized. Sean Payton is looking like Coach of the Year material right now from the slovenly, drunken mess I'm sure he was in on his couch watching that uninspired 4th quarter for the offense. I'm not holding out any hope that this team will do a god damn thing this year. I don't think that we should tank. We're better than that.   Getting home from the game just in time to watch the falcons finish wiping the floor with the Chargers makes all of this even worse. I don't give a shit about playoffs or Superbowls anymore. I just want to see this team not suck. That's what they've given us so far this year. Suckage. The inability to put together a complete game is disgusting. I'm just not buying what they're selling in their press conferences anymore. My eyes are not deceiving me.