Tag: Round 2

Day 2 mock draft for the New Orleans Saints

Our Day 2 mock draft for the New Orleans Saints includes a trade proposal to make an on-brand move (or two) up the draft order, targeting prospects who fit their prototypes:

The New Orleans Saints addressed their most important need in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, so where do they go from here? The truth is that they could move in almost any direction and come away feeling great about the decision.

After picking Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Bryan Bresee at No. 29, the Saints could be justified in turning their attention to offense, either along the line (prioritizing a guard like Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence or TCU’s Steve Avila) or at the skills positions (in targeting a pass-catcher such as Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer, wide receiver Cedric Tillman, or UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet).

There also a couple of talented defensive backs available in Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Alabama safety Brian Branch. New Orleans could double down on their defensive front by prioritizing edge rushers Keion White (Georgia Tech) or Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame), too. And let’s not overlook some long-term developmental quarterbacks like Will Levis (Kentucky) and Hendon Hooker (Tennessee), either.

The point is that it’s really tough to predict what the Saints will do on the second day of the draft. But we’ll try anyway. Here’s a quick mock draft for their picks in Rounds 2 and 3:

Last 11 players drafted with the No. 40 overall pick

Looking up the last 11 players drafted with the No. 40 overall pick can give us an idea of what kind of help the Saints can find in Round 2:

Looking up the last 11 players drafted with the No. 40 overall pick can give us an idea of what kind of help the New Orleans Saints can find in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL draft. Picking just 11 slots after their first-round choice at No. 29, they should be positioned well to land an impact player (assuming they don’t trade out of this spot). Let’s look back on the players to come before here:

What do Saints draft tendencies forecast for Day 2 safety prospects?

What do Saints draft tendencies forecast for Day 2 safety prospects? via @MaddyHudak_94:

By drafting highly graded prospects that addressed needs at wide receiver and left tackle, the New Orleans Saints struck a great balance in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Head coach Dennis Allen likely smartly anticipated the immediate run on receivers; the trade up to No. 11 looks strong in retrospect. And if Ohio State’s Chris Olave was the coveted target, then you make the move to ensure you get him. Allen’s comments on Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning that touted his aggressive nature bolstered the idea that – while still a need-based pick – the prospect had the right traits.

While it didn’t take too much capital, the decision to trade up for Washington’s pick exchanged the Saints’ only third and fourth round picks. That’s slightly harder to swallow when you consider how much this team builds through Rounds 2, 3, and 4 – and how much they trade up to do so. The players they’ve traded up for in those rounds include the following: Paulson Adebo, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Trey Hendrickson, Alvin Kamara, Vonn Bell, David Onyemata, and P.J. Williams. Having only one pick before Round 5 (at No. 49) doesn’t allow for much movement in the second round.

That said, the top two team needs were addressed with great prospects; there’s just as valid an argument for quality over quantity. Accordingly, that same philosophy – barring any magic trick trades – should carry over to their pick tonight at No. 49. And given the team has leaned in to addressing positions of need, the next position to turn to is safety. I’ve certainly done an exhaustive survey of several prospects at the role. I look at draft tendencies that can be highly predictive: a top one being which conferences their picks come from. Let’s see how that trend could play into their potential selections at safety in Round 2.

2021 NFL Draft: NFC West Roundup from rounds 2 and 3

The NFC West was busy on day 2 of the draft, accounting for 7 total picks in rounds 2 and 3 for the Seahawks, 49ers, Rams, and Cardinals.

The Seattle Seahawks had just one pick on the second day of the 2021 NFL draft, selecting WR D’Wayne Eskridge at no. 56 overall, but the rest of the division stayed busy throughout rounds two and three. Here’s a quick look at the latest non-Seahawk additions to the NFC West:

San Francisco 49ers

Round 2, Pick 48: G Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

Round 3, Pick 88: RB Trey Sermon, Ohio State

Round 3, Pick 102: CB Ambry Thomas, Michigan

The 49ers traded down in the second round and filled a need at guard with the massive Aaron Banks (6-foot-6, 330 pounds), then traded both of their fourth-round picks to the Los Angeles Rams in order to select running back Trey Sermon, who famously rushed for 331 yards in the 2020 Big 10 Championship game.

With their compensatory third-round pick, the 49ers acquired ball-hawk cornerback and return specialist Ambry Thomas, who should immediately compete for starting special-teams duties and develop behind starting corners Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley.

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Instant Analysis: What draft experts think about Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs

The Cowboys fill a pressing need at the corner back position selecting Alabama corner Trevon Diggs. Trevon Diggs made the switch from

The Dallas Cowboys filled a pressing need at the cornerback position, selecting Alabama star Trevon Diggs. Diggs made the switch from two-way player to corner his sophomore year and has progressively gotten better since ditching his wide receiver responsibilities.

Diggs has an excellent combination of size and length at 6-foot- 2, 207 pounds. He is a dynamic athlete with smooth hips that he can quickly unlock to keep up with receivers. Showing the ability to crowd the  catch point, he demonstrates elite ball skills to intercept passes he gets his hands on.

Diggs shows patience at the line of scrimmage, but can struggle at times staying in the receivers hip pocket because of his lack of technique and refinement. Diggs has plenty of upside and will compete for starter snaps his rookie year as the club sorts through their top two remaining CBs (Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis) entering the final year of their contracts.

Film Study vs Auburn (2019)

Dane Brugler | The Athletic 

Position Rank: 4

SUMMARY

A two-year starter at Alabama, Diggs lined up primarily at left cornerback in Nick Saban’s press-man heavy scheme, occasionally seeing snaps vs. the slot. He was better known as Stefon Diggs’ younger brother growing up, but he grew out of his shadow and carved his own path, playing his college ball at Alabama instead of Maryland and changing his number (wears No. 7 due to Tyrann Mathieu). Diggs arrived in Tuscaloosa as a two-way player and his offensive background benefits him on defense with his ball skills and awareness for what the offense is trying to do. He will drive his NFL defensive coaches crazy with his hopping around and sporadic technique, but his read/react skills and athleticism allow him to get away with it. Overall, Diggs needs to clean up his technique and discipline in coverage to reach his full potential, but he has shown improvement in those areas and projects as an NFL starter due to his size, twitch and competitive nature.

GRADE: 1st-2nd Round

Kyle Crabbs | The Draft Network

50th overall player

Scouting Report

Trevon Diggs fits the profile of a Cover 3/press man cornerback at the next level. Diggs’ length makes him an ideal player to play press at the line of scrimmage and put him in positions to physically challenge receivers to stack the edge in run support. Diggs’ lack of consistency in run support is frustrating and he can be hit or miss locating the football; so the perfect system is one that requires him to play bail technique and operate primarily in a deep third as a perimeter CB.

Best Trait – Length

Worst Trait – Tackling

Best Film – Duke (2019)

Worst Film – LSU (2019)

 Bob Sturm | The Athletic

Grade: 2nd Round

CB Rank: 8

Positives

As you can probably tell from the measurements above, his biggest positives at this point in time start with physical attributes that put him up near the top of the class of big and long corners. He has traits that generally get everyone quite excited in the search for Richard Sherman II, or something like that. He absolutely can demonstrate great confidence. His instincts are actually quite impressive and can likely be traced to his time on offense all of those years for understanding what is happening from the QB’s perspective. There are absolute flashes where he looks extraordinary for sure, and he also will go find the football. Further, there are some real positives to playing in the Alabama scheme for so long and the matchups against very big and physical opponents who will challenge you all day. You look at plays like the interception against Duke (below), and you quickly see why some people can’t stop raving about the player.

Concerns

The concerns are more based on a few things that come quickly to mind. First, the day he had against Ja’Marr Chase and LSU is a tough one to fully forget about when looking at his body of work. In this head-to-head challenge, you could tell that he lost confidence and things got progressively worse. He looks to roll largely with feel and confidence, so when you lose that, things spiral in a hurry. He is going to take you on a wild ride with his poor technique and decision-making at times, and you would like to see a coach or veteran demand a lot out of him, as so many young corners need. Some get that refinement and take off while others stall at their current spot and seem content with “what got them this far.” The other issues are that he wanted to wait until his pro day to do actual combine testing and did not run at the combine, so his testing scores are a bit mysterious and his speed is a bit of a concern at the moment.

Lance Zierlein | NFL

Grade: 6.39- Will be a starter in two years

Scouting Report

Talented prospect with rare combination of size, strength and ball skills. As a former receiver, Diggs has an instinctive feel for his opponent’s plans and uses his size and athleticism to disrupt the blueprint when possible. The foot agility and short-area burst are good for his size and helped keep completion totals low. He’s inconsistent staying in phase with downfield routes and long speed is his kryptonite, causing grabbing and holding when panic sets in. He’s a future starting press-man corner with the hands and ball tracking to take it away and should benefit from more help over the top as a pro. Future consideration at free safety is possible considering his size and skill set.

Mike Renner | Pro Football Focus

Final Position Rank: 6
Final Overall Rank: 31
Projection: Round 1 – Round 2

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Day 2 Draft Grades: Cowboys pass with flying colors, Crimson to be exact

The Cowboys continued their strong start to the 2020 NFL Draft, earning glowing grades from draft analysts.

The Dallas Cowboys continued their strong start to the 2020 NFL draft with their second and third-round picks, CB Trevon Diggs and DT Neville Gallimore. The two defensive players fill positions of need for Dallas, and offer room to grow into bigger roles going forward.

Much like their first-round selection, the Cowboys Day 2 picks earned rave reviews from around the draft community. From just a sheer value perspective, it’s hard to envision a better scenario than the one that’s played out so far for Dallas. For a team that dons blue and silver, they certainly are enjoying dousing themselves in a crimson shade of red.

Draft Wire: A

Trevon Diggs:

“After losing Byron Jones in free agency, the Cowboys had to find a worthy replacement early in this draft. They’ve done just that with Diggs, continuing their fantastic start to this year’s event.”

Bleacher Report

Trevon Diggs: A

“Diggs is technically sound and assignment-clean, makes adjustments on the fly and communicates well with fellow defenders, and has the athleticism to handle most matchups. He’s no size-speed marvel, and he’s a lunging tackler who can get shaken off by tougher ball-carriers, but the Cowboys can just drop Diggs into their secondary and not worry about him for the next few years”

Neville Gallimore: B+

“Gallimore is quick, fluid and agile, making him a high-impact defender on passing downs, and he’s a high-effort player who will run ball-carriers down from behind. However, his leverage, anchor and power all need a lot of work, and it’s hard to envision him as a 60-snap starter as an interior defender in the NFL.

Gallimore had an exceptional combine, and there are worse ideas than drafting a top athlete with a high motor and hoping he thickens out a bit. Gallimore could be effective right away in a 30-snap role.That’s all the Cowboys will need him for since they already have Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe in the middle of their defense.”

ESPN

Trevon Diggs: 86

“Diggs is a former wide receiver with above-average ball skills and projects as a day one starter. He’s an excellent value pick at this point”

Neville Gallimore: 84

“Gallimore is a reminder that 40 times don’t always equal production. He comes in as an athletically gifted but inconsistent player with upside, a potential rotational disrupter on the inside of a Dallas defensive line that was addressed in free agency, but with aging veterans Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe. And that 40 time? Under 4.8 at over 300 pounds.”

SB Nation

Trevon Diggs:

“Grade: WHERE WERE YOU, COWBOY-HATING LESSER GODS?

Jerry Jones’ horrific salary cap management meant he had no shot at re-signing Byron Jones this spring. Because the football gods fell asleep at the wheel, this may not be a problem. A top-25 talent slid out of the top 50 and onto Jerry’s superyacht.”

Neville Gallimore:

“Grade: A Canadian destroyer. No, not that move every indie wrestler uses with the flips and whatnot

Gallimore is roughly the size of a VW Beetle, runs a 4.7-second 40, and can dunk a basketball. His draft spread consisted solely of Yeti tumblers and a bowl full of candy bars. He is from Canada, but he is America’s spirit animal.”

CBS Sports

Trevon Diggs: B+

“Diggs has dominant press man traits. Suffocating at the line because of his size and physical nature. Long speed is a question. As is his ability to find the ball. Good, not great twitch. Addressed big need for Dallas.”

Neville Gallimore: A

“Gallimore is a disruptive one-gapper with a non-stop motor and a nice collection of pass-rush moves. Exactly what the Cowboys need in their defensive scheme.”

Sports Illustrated

Trevon Diggs: A+

“Diggs is a long-armed, physical corner and is stepping into a Mike Nolan-led scheme that, thanks to its expected emphasis on blitzing, will feature press-man on the outside. Dallas hit another home run in this draft, filling an important, specific need with a top-level talent at a later-than-expected draft slot.:

Neville Gallimore: A-

“Gallimore was yet another Cowboys selection whom many expected to be taken a lot higher. He is not a particularly large or long-limbed man, and so quickness and mechanics are key to his success. He showed those traits at Oklahoma; if he plays with more consistent leverage, he has a chance to be a contributing pass rusher.”

Sporting News

Trevon Diggs: A+

“The Cowboys get their second steal of the draft and fill a big need at cornerback in the wake of losing Byron Jones in free agency. Diggs offers good size (6-1, 205 pounds), strength and downfield speed. He shot up the board quickly during his big senior season (three interceptions in 12 games).”

Neville Gallimore: A

“The Cowboys go back to Oklahoma after getting CeeDee Lamb in the first round with another terrific value pick to address their need for increased depth in their defensive line rotation. Gallimore (6-2, 304 pounds) packs a powerful, relentless punch for his size.”

USA Today

Trevon Diggs: B

“Diggs was discussed as a potential first-round pick, which I didn’t understand. But Dallas is getting good value here. Diggs is a smart player with good instincts. He dropped because he’s not the most agile corner. That may not matter in the Cowboys’ zone-heavy defense, which will play to Diggs’ strengths.”

Neville Gallimore: A

“The Cowboys just keep adding value. Gallimore is a penetrator who shed some weight last year and unlocked some more pass-rushing ability. He fills a need, too.”

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Texans select TCU DL Ross Blacklock in Round 2 of 2020 NFL Draft

The Houston Texans have selected former TCU Horned Frog defensive tackle Ross Blacklock in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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The Houston Texans have found someone to replace D.J. Reader.

The AFC South champions picked former TCU Horned Frog defensive tackle Ross Blacklock in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft Friday.

Blacklock, a 6-4, 305 pound defensive tackle, has the ability to play at the three technique and also zero technique.

Blacklock went to high school at nearby Missouri City Elkins.

“Teams and fans are going to get a leader,” Blacklock said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February. “I’m a natural-born leader as a player. It’s something that just grew a part of me as an athlete. A guy that’s going to be accountable at all times, holds people to high standards, like myself.

“I want people to hold me to a high standard just like I will hold them to a higher standard as well. A guy who just wants to be great. I see people in the NFL, some of the greatest athletes in the world, and I just want to be in the same topic. I don’t do it for money. Of course you get paid a lot of money, but I just do it for the passion of football.”

The Texans still have six picks remaining in the draft. Their next selection is at 90th overall in the third round to conclude day two. On day three, Houston has a fourth-rounder, fifth-round, and three seventh-round picks.

Which teams could the Saints trade with to get into Round 2?

The New Orleans Saints could move up into the early picks of the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by trading with teams like the Dolphins.

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The second round of the 2020 NFL Draft is going to be filled with intrigue, if the latest reports are any indication. The New Orleans Saints were among several teams actively working to trade up and secure a pick early on Friday night, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport rattling them off in a list that included the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Atlanta Falcons. Each of those teams could end up arranging a deal to climb up in the second round, but the Saints would be making the biggest jump. Right now, they don’t even own a second-round pick.

Rapoport also speculated that the Saints could be targeting a cornerback or linebacker with this move. While he didn’t specify which position the Saints might want to address so badly, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer also reported that the Saints are busily working the phones to try and find a trade partner before the second round kicks off.

But which teams might be interested in trading down? The Dolphins were one possibility suggested by Rapoport, as were the Indianapolis Colts (at No. 34). Miami owns multiple picks in the second round at Nos. 39 and 56, ironically because the Saints traded with them last year, targeting Erik McCoy. The Dolphins have a history of cutting deals with New Orleans, going back to the Kenny Stills-Dannell Ellerbe trade way back in 2015. Maybe they can work something out again.

Other options to watch would be the Baltimore Ravens (picking at Nos. 55 and 60) and the Chicago Bears (with selections at Nos. 43 and 50). But if the Saints are really wanting to get ahead of their competition, they might need to put a ton of chips on the table and aim even higher. Don’t sleep on another trade with the New England Patriots, who the Saints have often traded with in the past (remember the Brandin Cooks deal?). The Patriots traded down and out of the first round, acquiring the Los Angeles Chargers pick at No. 37.

Whichever direction the Saints end up going, they won’t have lacked for options.

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2020 NFL Draft rounds 2-3: Start time, channel, streaming options

Everything you need to know to catch rounds two and three of the 2020 NFL Draft Friday night.

The first day of the 2020 NFL Draft is officially in the books but there is a ton of action left to come.

With the No. 27 pick overall in the first round Thursday night, the Seattle Seahawks selected linebacker Jordyn Brooks out of Texas Tech.

Seattle has three selections set for Friday, the second day of the draft. Should the Seahawks opt not to trade, they would pick at No. 59 and No. 64 in round two and No. 101 in round three.

Click here to see the complete draft order for day two.

Here’s everything you need to know to catch the action on the second day of the 2020 NFL Draft.

WHEN: Friday, April 24 at 4:00 p.m. PT

WHERE: Home offices around the country

TV: ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network

RADIO: SiriusXMNFL, Westwood One and TuneIn

STREAM: WatchESPN app, NFL Mobile app and ABC’s live-streaming app

Be sure and check out the NFL’s Draft-A-Thon, which will be raising funds in support of COVID-19 relief.

Follow Seahawks Wire on Facebook and Twitter to catch all the Seahawks’ picks and breaking news as it happens.

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Rumor: Saints working to get a draft pick early in the second round

The New Orleans Saints are exploring options with possible trade partners slotted to pick high in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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The New Orleans Saints aren’t finished upending fans’ expectations. Having selected Michigan interior offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, they’re now working to make a bold move up the board.

Per a report from the MMQB’s Albert Breer, the Saints are targeting a draft slot “near the top of the second round.” That would put them in position to select one of the top prospects at linebacker, wide receiver, or cornerback, but we really can’t rule anything out (except maybe punter, kicker, and long-snapper).

The difficulty arises from New Orleans lacking a second-round pick in this year’s draft, having traded it already to move up for Erik McCoy in 2019. Their next pick isn’t until No. 88 overall, so the Saints might have to dive into their war chest of 2021 draft picks. They could also trade a veteran player.

And that would follow a precedent. The Saints have often traded next-year selections to make moves in the present, maneuvering the draft board to acquire prospects they value highly. Don’t be shocked if they go back to one of their common trade partners like the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, or Philadelphia Eagles, though it’s worth noting that the Baltimore Ravens are a team with four picks in rounds two and three.

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