April 11, 2025 • 29 mins
Saints legend Roman Harper joins Erin Summers to preview the defensive back prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft and give his thoughts on the upcoming season.
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome in to the New Orleans Saints Podcast. Prexample by Seatcake.
You'll hear from players, coaches, broadcasters, and writers that cover
the NFL on a daily basis. The New Orleans Saints
Podcast starts right now. Here's your host, Aaron Summers.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Welcome into the New Orleans Saints Podcast. I'm Aaron Summers.
Today we are talking defensive back prospects heading into the
NFL Draft. It is so close April twenty four through
twenty six. To give us all the insight we need.
On the DB's we're bringing in Saints legend Roman Harper
and always entertaining guests and very knowledgeable. Here's Roman Roman.
(00:49):
Thank you for joining me on the New Orleans Saints Podcast.
As always. I know people can't see you, but you're
looking pretty nice. They're in like a purple suit combo.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
What are you doing? Oh on, they can't see me?
Hold on? What's going on? Is my camera off?
Speaker 2 (01:03):
This is audio only?
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Groan? Oh oh man, dude.
Speaker 4 (01:06):
Oh yeah, y'all need to take a picture and sell
it to everybody afterwards. So yeah, thank you. I had
to work today with the SEC network, so uh and
it's getting close to Easter, so I wanted to be
in you know, fashionably in style.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Yeah, I love that well. I appreciate you taking the
time from SEC Network to give us a lowdown on
some of these defensive back prospects heading into the draft.
I mean, the first person that everybody's been talking about
has been Travis Hunter from Colorado. Obviously, what do you
see him as?
Speaker 4 (01:36):
Deservedly so, I see him as a great athlete. He
has amazing ball skills. I still, on my insides, think
he's a wide receiver that is just plays dead plays
defensive back. I think he makes a quicker impact than
the NFL at defensive back, knowing that you can go
out there affect the game, shut him, shut down one
(01:58):
side of the field, or at least attempt to slow
down one side of the field, and then be able
to go on the other side of the football and
get reps offensively and special situations packages, things of that nature.
I think it's harder to play full time offense then
go try and play defense and sparingly and getting that thing.
I think that's way harder to do instead of playing
(02:19):
defense full time and then sparing yourself and going to
get some reps offensively because you got to get used
to going up against wide receivers on a down to
down basis. You got to get to know you know
the way they release, the way they do these different things,
the little subtle tendencies, and the only way to do
that is to play against them down in and down out.
So now you're understanding, you have a flow of the game.
(02:39):
And I think it's a little bit easier to all
of a sudden play defense full time and then go
in on a certain third down situation and impact the game,
not just go in on a third down defensively and
try and affect the game that way.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
I just think it's a little bit harder to do.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
So he will play corner and then play some offense
on the other side for whatever team he goes to.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
That's a fair assessment. You're definitely going to say that
he needs to play defense and get him on that
side of the ball.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
I want to know who says he plays offense only
and then sparely plays defense.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
I don't think anybody's going to sign him up for that.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
He does need to put on some weight, though, because
at some point in time some offense is going to
build their offense around where they're going to block down
and make him have to tackle the running back. I
don't like my corners at one seventy a low one eighty,
especially as tall as he is. He needs to be
a little bit thicker as far as his weight is concerned,
just so he can take the pounding and the beating
(03:35):
of what your shoulders. And it's just a more physical
game in the NFL, just more grown man game. And
he'll be fine because he's a superior athlete with great
ball skills.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
But that's just part of growth.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
When you're looking at these players and might very over position,
but what are some of the traits that stand out
to you? And then maybe some areas like needing to
put on more weight that they may need growth in.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (03:59):
So I have this discussion with my daughter all the time,
and and it's you know, I tell her, I'm like, look, babe,
it's a difference. And I'm talking about her with her friends, right,
some of her friends and even somebody that she may
be want to try and date one day, Like, look, bab,
it's a difference between first round and top five. All right,
(04:19):
first round, great friend, Right, they got a lot of
great qualities, you know, they're smart, they're fun, they're you know,
they're great. You know they're they don't lie to you.
Top five different, they look different. You know they can
carry an organization. They smile, They sell out tickets, the
people want to buy their jersey. Top five just you know,
Cam Newton, Top five, look at me, biggest person in
(04:41):
the room. Like Top five looks different first round. I
can get away with some different attributes, but I still
want to check.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
A lot of those boxes. I don't have Top five.
I want every box check.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
Unless you're a Bryce Young who plays quarterback, where you
have immaculate.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
Skills in other areas. All Right, I'm not as big
as I need to be. Yeah, I'm not as tall
as that need to be.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
I don't have the correct hand size or whatever the
weight you got to be immaculate in other areas. That's
why Travis Hunter Steel checks the box because he has
immaculate ball skills.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
His jumping ability, his big playability.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
You see the way he catches and tracks the ball
offense and defense like those are the skills that make
you overlook, well, the lack of height or the lack
of weight right the same way you overlook the lack
of height in Bryce Young because his ball and the
way he ent throws the ball with anticipation, his mental
capability and capacity is so high.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
And off the charts.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Now you say, okay, he's still you know, he can
still be top five. And so these are the conversations
that we have in the Harper house all the time,
because I'm trying to explain to my daughter it is
a difference between top five in first round pick. You know,
I had to have a hard conversation with my wife
and she's gonna kill me for saying this. And she
asked me what she had died. I said, bede, like,
(05:57):
I mean, you got to be five eleven six foot, like, oh.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
It's hard.
Speaker 4 (06:02):
Certain qualities come with being a dime versus like a
nine or eight.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
And some change.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
So we're not gonna go into that because I don't
want to get in trouble anymore.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
It's gonna say it should have something to do with
how they treat your daughter as well. It shouldn't just
be how they come off on paper.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
Here that is such a male perspective of mine, and
you are so correct. But my daughter, at least because
she's not into boys right now.
Speaker 3 (06:25):
She's thirteen. She just like takes it for what I say.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Okay, well yeah, definitely take that from what it's worth
right now until she does get into boys, and there'll
be a lot more conversations. People love other cornerbacks in
the draft. Who's next off the list after Hunter?
Speaker 4 (06:42):
So that that is a very intriguing conversation right now.
I think it's either well I know it's either going
to be Jahday Baron of Texas, who I really really love.
Another player that showed the ability to play in all
different places. He played free safety before early in his career,
he played nickel this year played out outside corner, had
the ability to play man and man coverage, smart, instinctive,
(07:04):
made a lot a lot of plays, and was willing
to tackle like tackled extremely well in space. So he's
a player who also won the Jim Thorpe Award for
the best DV in College, so a lot of accolades.
Won on a really good team, a player that decided
to come back to college and improve his draft stock
and did all of those things.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
So I really really like him.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
Also really also ran well and showcased his skills in
that side of it. Will Johnson from Michigan is the
other corner who's going to be in the running for
being the second corner off the brat off the board.
He's got great size, he's six' to. Two he can,
run does have straight line. Speed we don't know how
fast he's going to. Run he's also was hurt this,
(07:45):
year so he's been banged up and. Injured that's what
you're going to run into with a lot of the dbs.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
In this year's.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Class from What i'm hearing from my draft specialists here AT,
Espn Jordan, reed and he's just like the corners in THE,
dbs all of, them you're going to, say oh is
this this and, this but and.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
So With Will, johnson it's a. Butt he's been injured a.
Speaker 4 (08:05):
Lot we don't know exactly how much how fast he's
going to run as far as straight line. Speed he's
also more of a zone, corner is what they did
At Michigan, specifically he didn't play a lot of my
lot of man and man, reps so you don't know
how good he's going to be in those. Situations so
where you go or who you are when you Draft
Will johnson will matter as well as that second or
(08:25):
third corner off the draft.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Board When i'm looking down the draft, board maybe second
round picks here as far as corner is. Still ECU's
chavn ravel like such a great. STORY i, mean he
was An amazon warehouse, worker went to an open tryout AT,
ecu got offered a scholarship on the spot and really
(08:50):
changed his. Life he ended up getting, hurt but he
stuck it out and now you know he's a second round.
Prospect so when you hear stories like that and the
perseverance that this player, had where does that rank for
you when you're looking at?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Players?
Speaker 4 (09:06):
WELL i love this, story, Right like those are other
things that you get to hear on draft day that
you don't know about these. People that's WHY i think
more players don't go to the draft and they just
have the camera crews in the film set up at
their people's houses because you love. That you love seeing
them celebrate with their, Family you love seeing the human
element of the. Draft that is another thing that THE
(09:28):
nfl has really honed in on and really been able
to sell to so many of his. Viewers and we
get to know the player way more than we ever
did before underneath the, helmet which makes it, Like, okay
well they could be in our own, household so we love.
That asked about, It Sean. Ravel you, know he's another.
CORNER i asked my guy about, it six two hundred.
Pounds he, said super, athletic but TOURING acl.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
And so the and the fourth.
Speaker 4 (09:54):
Game so he's another player that had first round, ability
first round, talent but now's probably going to fall to
that second round range because of the TORN. Acl and
you know that's that's the, difference right first. ROUND i
don't need, injuries can't have an injured one in the first.
Round you just don't get drafted AFTER acl their senior.
Year it just that is what. Happens that's how you
(10:16):
fall to the second. Round first round, talent but with the,
injury he will be a second round, pick is What
i'm being told by my. Guy but all the athleticism
in the, world really really good player.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
FROM Ecu East.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
Carolina if you don't, Know Maxwell harriston is another player
on that, category in that list of that next tier of.
CORNERS i love the Way Maxwell harrison. Runs he ran
a four to three at the. COMBINE i knew he was.
Fast he's another guy that played majority zone defense for
The university Of. Kentucky but the way he, moves the
way he flips his hips and can turn and.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Run he's the.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Guy that you think that you, know you can envision
him playing more manna man coverage at the next level
because of his abilities and who he is as a.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
Player but maybe you don't love the.
Speaker 4 (11:04):
Size he's a guy that's going to be in the
one eighties as his weight, wise where a lot of
people want their corners to be at least one. Ninety
so that's another knock that you may see For. Maxwell
BUT i know him. PERSONALLY i got to meet him
in a couple of different specials AS i got to
cover THE sec the last couple of.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Years and a, genuine great young man with a bright.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
Future And i'm really excited for him to have a
great workout at the combining for him to actually be
able to get his name called in this draft.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
Processs harrison out Of. Kentucky but when you look at the,
safeties all, Right, roman.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
Oh, aaron COULD i mention one more name and this
guy may be my favorite as far as like just the,
tape and that Is Trey, amos cornerback out Of old
miss Former alabama player transferred To Old miss this past.
Year probably the best press man and man coverage corner
(11:57):
in this.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
DRAFT i love his. TAPE i love.
Speaker 4 (12:00):
Visibility he's a guy that nobody's really talking. About the
one concern going into the draft process that everybody wanted
to know was could he actually? Run he ran a
four to four to three at the. COMBINE i think
he solidified. Himself he's over six, feet he has great,
size he has great. Tape he's a player that if
you find him laying around in the second, round AND
(12:21):
i know that The saints may not need a whole
bunch of more. CORNERS i know they lost a lot of,
more but they always draft in the first second.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Round that's where they normally find their.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
Corners IN, Dbs he's the name THAT i would be
extremely excited about because of the production and the tape
that he put on tape the last couple of. Years
two more. GUYS i guess That i'd love to just
mention that we can go to court on safeties BECAUSE
i actually did my. HOMEWORK i actually did a little
bit of homework. There so the other Guy's Benjamin morrison
(12:50):
out Of Notre, dame the biggest concern with. Him they,
said he has first round, talent but the injuries are just.
Bananas he's had two shoulder surgeries and one hip. SURGERY
i don't even know he's going to be able to
work out or run or do anything before the whole draft.
Process that's why he's moving down in the draft. Boards
so you'll look up and maybe you'll be able to
(13:10):
get a still later on if this young man is
still around in the third round or you, know somewhere
around in the you, know second third. Day And Darien
porter is a freak. Show they, said he's An iowa
state cornerback six,' four former, wide receiver one hundred and
ninety five n one hundred and ninety five pounds track.
Speed guy he's a former. Track star ran a four,
(13:33):
to three jumped to ten, ten vertical jumped to, thirty
eight and they said all he.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Did the tape was.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
Very raw but the dude is six to four and
he plays corner so somebody's gonna. Love him and so
just know that if you want to know about the
freak shows, out there he belongs in.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
That, Category Yeah, i'm porter a two times state champion
four hundred meter.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Dash and there is und so there. You, go there it.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Is there it is first thing that jump out. Track,
guy okay straight. LINE speed i don't know if he
can flip and, tourney's hips but he Played At iowa
state and they didn't ask him to do that, a
lot so.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
It's, fine okay, all right can you go? To?
Speaker 2 (14:10):
Safeties now are?
Speaker 3 (14:11):
You ready let's. Do it. I'm ready.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
All right who's the first one off?
Speaker 3 (14:14):
The board?
Speaker 4 (14:16):
Oh man so according to, everybody else it's going To Be.
MALACHAI stars i Didn't Love malachai starks hate. THIS year
i didn't think he played the ball in the air,
well enough especially when he's in, deeper zones which is
what he's going to be asked to do at times
when you're IN.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
The NFL so i didn't.
Speaker 4 (14:33):
LOVE that i think he's a, solid tackler but he
wasn't the best safety on his team.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
This year That Was, dan jackson.
Speaker 4 (14:40):
The former walk on player, that's now that Was, at
georgia that's, coming out that ran a good forty time.
AND competing i think he's going to get his name
called it in. This draft not as High As, malachai
starts but he was their. Best player as far as
the secondary.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
Was concerned for Me Was.
Speaker 4 (14:54):
Dan jackson so if you're a first, ROUND pick i
want you to be the best player in your position
on your team, every year not just your well maybe
specifically the year that you choose to. Come out AND
so i don't think that that. Was him, this year
they asked him to do some. Different things he, played
nickels so he showed the ability to be able to
cover in lower Zones in manda, man situations which they
(15:16):
really hadn't asked him to do that in. Previous Years But,
malachi STARKS if i had to take, a bet it would.
Be him But Nick emmon warrior was. A dog i
thought he always flew around just the moment he showed
up and Started At south carolina as a. True freshman
this year he showed that he was much better and
mando man, coverage situations whether it's covering tight ends or.
(15:37):
Slot receivers he got his hand on the football. A
lot not, only that but he housed it, as well
so taking interceptions and converting him into touchdowns.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
And points that's big time on.
Speaker 4 (15:48):
My board and so, for me my favorite safety in
this draft Is Nick. Emon warry the size, the speed
the ability to be explosive as he was.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
AND workout i love.
Speaker 4 (16:01):
THAT that i didn't see that, in him BUT once i,
SAW it i, loved it and that only pushed him
up higher. FOR me i loved the production AND what
i Saw to nick And men warrior. On tape he
is my favorite safety in this. Draft class also the
One From nordre dame. AS well i forget. His name
LAST name i Think Is. Xavier watts i'm a big
fan of his. As well just as the, SEASON progressed
(16:23):
i got to watch more And More nordre.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
Dame tape he played with, great instincts, great tackling played well.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
IN space i liked his game. AS well i don't
know what he ran at. THE combine i don't know all,
those numbers but just watching, the tape which IS what
i try and base my majority on my, STUFF on
i liked this game.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
As well do you.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Think that we should do away with?
Speaker 3 (16:42):
The? Combine, no no that's where.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
You look people like train just to run. The forty
that's not what you're doing for a. FOOTBALL game i
mean you're running, in, pads.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
Yes, but look if we're gonna this is the only
chance we get to compare apples.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
To apples we gotta.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
Do it because other THAN that, I got i gotta
COMPARE what i See At Southeastern louisiana state versus, you
know smaller schools, or this that and, the OTHER and
i gotta try.
Speaker 3 (17:10):
And, say oh well can he?
Speaker 1 (17:11):
Do?
Speaker 3 (17:12):
THIS well i think.
Speaker 4 (17:13):
He, can well then if we go look at what
they do At the combine or wherever we get to measure,
them at whether it's their workouts or whatever like it
at least gives me some kind of numbers, to say apples,
to APPLES that i can compare these guys, and, say
okay well this guy did this And so i'll take,
that one especially when it gets later on in the
(17:33):
draft where the little numbers and stuff can actually give
you a data point, to say, you, Know yeah i'll
pick that one and not just going at.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
IT blind i Like.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
The combine it is a little bit of, you know the,
you know The. UNDERWEAR olympics i get it because it's not. For,
investing now how we.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
PLAY football i get all, Of, THOSE aaron i.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
Really DO but i do like IT because i think
it's a great data point to help sell us or
help me make that decision On who i'm choosing to
bring into.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
My, organization okay Looking At caleb Branshaw, from tulane he's
somebody whose numbers did jump off THE pay i mean,
four three three and then a forty inch avert and
he was invited to. THE combine i think people around
this area are watching when draft. Day comes what are
your thoughts?
Speaker 4 (18:21):
On him my guys got him in the, third round
so he'll be he'll get his name called on the,
second day which. IS fine i mean that. Was me
that was my experience. As, well well no mine was
first day because their drafts. Were different but whatever, they
said they said the biggest thing was that he showed
so much flexibility in the fact that he's also, played
safety he, played nickel he's played, outside corner so he
(18:44):
shows your range that he can actually play. Different positions
he's a multiple, position guy a plug and. Play guy
and right now, in football WHERE the nfl is going
to more and more a lot, like basketball IS what i,
compare to which is, positionless football where we one of,
the biggest, the fastest and the best athletes to be
able to play because the game is turning into a space.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
Playing. Game now SO if i.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Can have a player that can, play nickel but IT
also i, DON'T hurt i don't lose anything in the.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Run game or if.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
He gets motioned out to play outside corner and have
to cover, out there he can still. Do that or
he can rotate and play motion and have to play
in the deep mid of the field and.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
Play safety just gives me so many.
Speaker 4 (19:25):
More options and, This guy caleb has been able to
show the ability to.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
Do that then that is what, makes you gives you
more and.
Speaker 4 (19:32):
More value and so that is where he sits. With
us And what i'm hearing from the draft people is
that he's a third round guy anywhere from the late
second to. Third round and that's not a bad day
you're going. To get, you know when your third, round
pick you're usually secure on that team for the next couple.
Of years so hopefully good luck, to Him and i'm
always rooting For.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Too lane when you look At the saints and new
Defensive Coordinator, brandon staley you mentioned positionless basketball foot he
does lead, into versatility especially IN. His dbs what do
you think they're going to look like this, Upcoming, season.
Speaker 4 (20:08):
Well it's gonna, be really, really interesting, you know because,
you Know coach staley was the, head coach and when
you're the, head coach, you know you you get to,
call it you get to.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Be involved but now when you're just, the coordinator it's.
Speaker 4 (20:20):
All, you like you got all, hands ON and i
think it's a little bit different of. A freedom and
when you don't have to look out for what the
offense is doing or how the whole team, is doing
you get the more just really just focus in and
make your own pie the way that you. WANT it
i know he's a three to four, base guy but
right now everybody has to do, more things, you know
because at the end of, the day when it comes to,
(20:42):
third down it's. All nickel so this team may say
that they are three, to fourteen but they could still
be a four to five Defense or and all that
means is just, different players, different.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
Bodies say sizes and shapes on the field at.
Speaker 4 (20:54):
Different times but the best DEFENSES that i ever played
on never really, changed philosophy never really change the.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
Play call.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
You know we always played with a certain sense of
an edge or a certain sense, of mentality and all
the plays were very. Like minded you just change the
name because you're in a, different formation AND so i
can still run a strong side blitz Out of nickel
Because the nickels just nothing But a sam and then
the three four it's just nothing but, the, Jack right
and it's.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Just that so it's all.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
The same and it's just all about the mentality in
which you go about your business and the way you
go out there and handle and do the little things
every day in and. Day Out so i'm looking For
the saints to continue to. Bounce back i'm looking For
the saints to continue to, be Competitive and i'm very
very intrigued and interested what the mentality. Is is, you
(21:43):
know if they do not win as many games as
they want, too early how does this? Team GO and
i just think when you're picking a, number nine you're
in such great striking distance to go out there and really.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
Get a game changer for your team that's going to
be able to go out and pave the way for
you to.
Speaker 4 (21:59):
Be successful for me many, years ahead nine is a
great place to be because you still got a lot
of great stars on the.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
Draft board you have a prediction of who it's going.
Speaker 4 (22:09):
To be, uh well my draft guy just, told me
like there's no way the guys THERE that, i want.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
So mine is If. The saints, you know everybody's gonna talk.
About It Shir door sanders falls.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
TO nine, I say i'm not willing to say you
go get you a quarterback.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
AT nine i.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Think you could still because you Still Got derek carr
and then, behind him like in, the building it's secret
rumblings like they really Feel That spencer rather could be
a quarterback IN. THE nfl i didn't think he was
ready to play at all last year because he got
hit way too much. IN college i saw him in
training campus eyes were. Coming down i'm, just like he's
just had a lot of trauma in his in his
(22:51):
football career that you have to be able to work
through and it's just so hard to do and people
just don't.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Understand that they want to rush the process so much
and people people just.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Aren't ready and he was also thrown to undraft the
guys when he actually did get in the game because everybody.
Speaker 3 (23:05):
Was hurt. Last Year the saints were KIND of i Love,
the saints but they're kind. Of disaster.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
Last year it just kind of was what, it was
and things got got way out of control and.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
It just was what. It was it's a good at.
Hard reset. That's fine but for me, at NINE if.
Speaker 4 (23:19):
I had my, Dream pick i'm taking tackle Out of Missouri,
armand membu a Player that i've been watching the last
three years absolutely destroyed defense off in defensive lineman THROUGHOUT.
The sec and the type of zone run scheme that
they Had at missouri is exactly what all the teams
(23:40):
IN the nfl are doing wide zone and this guy
mauled people. FOR years i think he's a plug and
play right tackle right now, for you and then that
gives you the flexibility to kick pinning inside so you don't.
Lose him he was better last year at the, right
tackle but now imagine him being. A guard he's probably,
you know a Second Tier all Pro Or pro bowl
(24:01):
type player at. A guard it happens all, the time
AND so i think if you can, DO that i
think you you turned that name in immediately and you.
Go back the biggest THING is i don't know if
he's going to. Be there so if he's, not there
looking forward to see. What happens but That's what i'm.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
Going, FOR yeah i should have had you on the episode.
Speaker 2 (24:20):
Last week we were talking Tackles With John Syscom.
Speaker 4 (24:24):
Hey stance loves he. Loves it i'm pretty sure he loves.
A Tackle will campbell's another name that probably gonna get floated.
Speaker 3 (24:31):
OUT there i just Know the.
Speaker 4 (24:32):
Saints don't they don't NORMALLY draft. LSU players I Know will,
campbell's different but that's another player that could definitely fall into.
That range and then at, that, point man you got
to look at what are your best defensive line. Or
detackles right if If the graham Kid from michigan falls,
to nine the dude.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
Is a stop sign on the. Run game he just
he just can't. Move IT and i saw him.
Speaker 4 (24:57):
Two years Ago when Alabama played MICHIGAN and i was
doing my film STUDY and I just i couldn't Stop.
Watching graham he just stood out on tape because every
play he was either in the backfield, disrupting something fighting
off for, double team splitting the. Double team he's just,
rock solid as good as a prospect as you're going.
To find and if you look up and these kids
(25:18):
starting to fall and slip, to you THAT'S why i
think nine's just a.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
Great place or this is ANOTHER thing i was.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
Talking, about well, you know If Sir george sanders does
slide down, to nine you Better call pittsburgh, say hey
what you want? To do you want to come up
here and.
Speaker 3 (25:34):
Get this Because like mickey's got to be willing to.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
Trade BACK and I know mickey and those guys normally
aren't big trade. Back guys they will trade, back in
but that is something you got to be willing to
listen to because you just got to look a look
at what's around you and if we still have that
many holes to fill and As a saints and you
still got to be able to be forward thinking that
this next year's draft class and the year after that
(25:59):
that twin twenty seven draft class rock stars in the
next two year draft class where if you can get
a couple of picks for the twenty six, twenty seven
the twenty seven is a real still, draft class but
twenty six is another one.
Speaker 3 (26:13):
As.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
Well well expect to talk to me going into the
twenty six and the. Twenty seven just go and pencil.
Speaker 3 (26:20):
That, IN.
Speaker 4 (26:23):
Okay i, Got it i'll mark, It down i'll be
Ready and i'll do.
Speaker 3 (26:26):
MY homework.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
I know i appreciate that. So much where can we
watch your leading up to the draft in.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
Your coverage i'll mostly be DOING the. SEC network i
will not be doing a LOT of nfl draft. Drafting
stuff during, The draft i'm actually trying to get back
into my country club's member member, golf TOURNAMENT so i
will be playing golf the, Whole TIME so.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
I DON'T even i don't even.
Speaker 4 (26:48):
WATCH it I know i'm not even getting my. Name
called and that's kind of the SAME way i TREATED
when i.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Was going through my.
Speaker 4 (26:54):
DRAFT process i anticipate being a first, round PICK so
i didn't even watch the, FIRST round i mean half,
of US because i was out partying the night before
and didn't wake up till the first. Round started, but
mickeying those guys KNEW who, i was so they drafted.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
Me Anyways and i'm just kind of the. Same guy it's.
Speaker 2 (27:09):
All, good yeah second round and it turned out pretty well.
Speaker 3 (27:12):
For you it's not. That bad everybody's so sad, and
this that and, the other and, it's, like dude get.
Over yourself you're still.
Speaker 4 (27:20):
One of the highest, you, know uh, you know out
of how many people get picked two hundred.
Speaker 3 (27:25):
And something, you know if you're in the forties or,
the thirties it's just not. That bad. You're, Okay well i'm.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
Looking forward to. THE draft i hope you enjoy. THE
golf i hope you get back in the tournament and,
you know show them what.
Speaker 3 (27:37):
You got but, Thank, YOU aaron i. Appreciate it who
do you Say the saints take? At? Nine, Go no
i'm not.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
DOING it i work for. The team.
Speaker 3 (27:48):
That's. Not fair that's so. Not fair that's why you
guys come. And talk that's so. Not fair Who did
stints say that they're going to take? AT night i
don't KNOW if. I asked, all right well start. Gathering
opinions i'd like. To know so. THANK you i will.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
Report back.
Speaker 3 (28:05):
Appreciate it you have a. Good day thank.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
You too, all Right, Roll TI as, I said roman
is always going to. Be entertaining next week we are
going to dive INTO The, nfc south take a look
at Who, the Falcons, the Panthers the bucks are thinking,
about drafting who they got in, free agency and early
expectations for. Next season don't miss it right Here On
New orleans saints dot com.
Speaker 3 (28:28):
Or wherever you get.
Speaker 2 (28:29):
Your podcasts, as always thanks for listening and have a.
Speaker 1 (28:32):
Great weekend thanks for listening To The New Orleans saints
podcast presented By. Seat geek join us three times per
Week On New orleans saints, dot Com The saints, mobile
app or you can download the podcast. On iTunes we'll
see you next time right here On The New Orleans,
saints podcast presented By. Seat geek he could believe
Welcome in to the New Orleans Saints Podcast. Prexample by Seatcake.
You'll hear from players, coaches, broadcasters, and writers that cover
the NFL on a daily basis. The New Orleans Saints
Podcast starts right now. Here's your host, Aaron Summers.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Welcome into the New Orleans Saints Podcast. I'm Aaron Summers.
Today we are talking defensive back prospects heading into the
NFL Draft. It is so close April twenty four through
twenty six. To give us all the insight we need.
On the DB's we're bringing in Saints legend Roman Harper
and always entertaining guests and very knowledgeable. Here's Roman Roman.
(00:49):
Thank you for joining me on the New Orleans Saints Podcast.
As always. I know people can't see you, but you're
looking pretty nice. They're in like a purple suit combo.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
What are you doing? Oh on, they can't see me?
Hold on? What's going on? Is my camera off?
Speaker 2 (01:03):
This is audio only?
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Groan? Oh oh man, dude.
Speaker 4 (01:06):
Oh yeah, y'all need to take a picture and sell
it to everybody afterwards. So yeah, thank you. I had
to work today with the SEC network, so uh and
it's getting close to Easter, so I wanted to be
in you know, fashionably in style.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Yeah, I love that well. I appreciate you taking the
time from SEC Network to give us a lowdown on
some of these defensive back prospects heading into the draft.
I mean, the first person that everybody's been talking about
has been Travis Hunter from Colorado. Obviously, what do you
see him as?
Speaker 4 (01:36):
Deservedly so, I see him as a great athlete. He
has amazing ball skills. I still, on my insides, think
he's a wide receiver that is just plays dead plays
defensive back. I think he makes a quicker impact than
the NFL at defensive back, knowing that you can go
out there affect the game, shut him, shut down one
(01:58):
side of the field, or at least attempt to slow
down one side of the field, and then be able
to go on the other side of the football and
get reps offensively and special situations packages, things of that nature.
I think it's harder to play full time offense then
go try and play defense and sparingly and getting that thing.
I think that's way harder to do instead of playing
(02:19):
defense full time and then sparing yourself and going to
get some reps offensively because you got to get used
to going up against wide receivers on a down to
down basis. You got to get to know you know
the way they release, the way they do these different things,
the little subtle tendencies, and the only way to do
that is to play against them down in and down out.
So now you're understanding, you have a flow of the game.
(02:39):
And I think it's a little bit easier to all
of a sudden play defense full time and then go
in on a certain third down situation and impact the game,
not just go in on a third down defensively and
try and affect the game that way.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
I just think it's a little bit harder to do.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
So he will play corner and then play some offense
on the other side for whatever team he goes to.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
That's a fair assessment. You're definitely going to say that
he needs to play defense and get him on that
side of the ball.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
I want to know who says he plays offense only
and then sparely plays defense.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
I don't think anybody's going to sign him up for that.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
He does need to put on some weight, though, because
at some point in time some offense is going to
build their offense around where they're going to block down
and make him have to tackle the running back. I
don't like my corners at one seventy a low one eighty,
especially as tall as he is. He needs to be
a little bit thicker as far as his weight is concerned,
just so he can take the pounding and the beating
(03:35):
of what your shoulders. And it's just a more physical
game in the NFL, just more grown man game. And
he'll be fine because he's a superior athlete with great
ball skills.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
But that's just part of growth.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
When you're looking at these players and might very over position,
but what are some of the traits that stand out
to you? And then maybe some areas like needing to
put on more weight that they may need growth in.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (03:59):
So I have this discussion with my daughter all the time,
and and it's you know, I tell her, I'm like, look, babe,
it's a difference. And I'm talking about her with her friends, right,
some of her friends and even somebody that she may
be want to try and date one day, Like, look, bab,
it's a difference between first round and top five. All right,
(04:19):
first round, great friend, Right, they got a lot of
great qualities, you know, they're smart, they're fun, they're you know,
they're great. You know they're they don't lie to you.
Top five different, they look different. You know they can
carry an organization. They smile, They sell out tickets, the
people want to buy their jersey. Top five just you know,
Cam Newton, Top five, look at me, biggest person in
(04:41):
the room. Like Top five looks different first round. I
can get away with some different attributes, but I still
want to check.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
A lot of those boxes. I don't have Top five.
I want every box check.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
Unless you're a Bryce Young who plays quarterback, where you
have immaculate.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
Skills in other areas. All Right, I'm not as big
as I need to be. Yeah, I'm not as tall
as that need to be.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
I don't have the correct hand size or whatever the
weight you got to be immaculate in other areas. That's
why Travis Hunter Steel checks the box because he has
immaculate ball skills.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
His jumping ability, his big playability.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
You see the way he catches and tracks the ball
offense and defense like those are the skills that make
you overlook, well, the lack of height or the lack
of weight right the same way you overlook the lack
of height in Bryce Young because his ball and the
way he ent throws the ball with anticipation, his mental
capability and capacity is so high.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
And off the charts.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Now you say, okay, he's still you know, he can
still be top five. And so these are the conversations
that we have in the Harper house all the time,
because I'm trying to explain to my daughter it is
a difference between top five in first round pick. You know,
I had to have a hard conversation with my wife
and she's gonna kill me for saying this. And she
asked me what she had died. I said, bede, like,
(05:57):
I mean, you got to be five eleven six foot, like, oh.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
It's hard.
Speaker 4 (06:02):
Certain qualities come with being a dime versus like a
nine or eight.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
And some change.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
So we're not gonna go into that because I don't
want to get in trouble anymore.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
It's gonna say it should have something to do with
how they treat your daughter as well. It shouldn't just
be how they come off on paper.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
Here that is such a male perspective of mine, and
you are so correct. But my daughter, at least because
she's not into boys right now.
Speaker 3 (06:25):
She's thirteen. She just like takes it for what I say.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Okay, well yeah, definitely take that from what it's worth
right now until she does get into boys, and there'll
be a lot more conversations. People love other cornerbacks in
the draft. Who's next off the list after Hunter?
Speaker 4 (06:42):
So that that is a very intriguing conversation right now.
I think it's either well I know it's either going
to be Jahday Baron of Texas, who I really really love.
Another player that showed the ability to play in all
different places. He played free safety before early in his career,
he played nickel this year played out outside corner, had
the ability to play man and man coverage, smart, instinctive,
(07:04):
made a lot a lot of plays, and was willing
to tackle like tackled extremely well in space. So he's
a player who also won the Jim Thorpe Award for
the best DV in College, so a lot of accolades.
Won on a really good team, a player that decided
to come back to college and improve his draft stock
and did all of those things.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
So I really really like him.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
Also really also ran well and showcased his skills in
that side of it. Will Johnson from Michigan is the
other corner who's going to be in the running for
being the second corner off the brat off the board.
He's got great size, he's six' to. Two he can,
run does have straight line. Speed we don't know how
fast he's going to. Run he's also was hurt this,
(07:45):
year so he's been banged up and. Injured that's what
you're going to run into with a lot of the dbs.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
In this year's.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Class from What i'm hearing from my draft specialists here AT,
Espn Jordan, reed and he's just like the corners in THE,
dbs all of, them you're going to, say oh is
this this and, this but and.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
So With Will, johnson it's a. Butt he's been injured a.
Speaker 4 (08:05):
Lot we don't know exactly how much how fast he's
going to run as far as straight line. Speed he's
also more of a zone, corner is what they did
At Michigan, specifically he didn't play a lot of my
lot of man and man, reps so you don't know
how good he's going to be in those. Situations so
where you go or who you are when you Draft
Will johnson will matter as well as that second or
(08:25):
third corner off the draft.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Board When i'm looking down the draft, board maybe second
round picks here as far as corner is. Still ECU's
chavn ravel like such a great. STORY i, mean he
was An amazon warehouse, worker went to an open tryout AT,
ecu got offered a scholarship on the spot and really
(08:50):
changed his. Life he ended up getting, hurt but he
stuck it out and now you know he's a second round.
Prospect so when you hear stories like that and the
perseverance that this player, had where does that rank for
you when you're looking at?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Players?
Speaker 4 (09:06):
WELL i love this, story, Right like those are other
things that you get to hear on draft day that
you don't know about these. People that's WHY i think
more players don't go to the draft and they just
have the camera crews in the film set up at
their people's houses because you love. That you love seeing
them celebrate with their, Family you love seeing the human
element of the. Draft that is another thing that THE
(09:28):
nfl has really honed in on and really been able
to sell to so many of his. Viewers and we
get to know the player way more than we ever
did before underneath the, helmet which makes it, Like, okay
well they could be in our own, household so we love.
That asked about, It Sean. Ravel you, know he's another.
CORNER i asked my guy about, it six two hundred.
Pounds he, said super, athletic but TOURING acl.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
And so the and the fourth.
Speaker 4 (09:54):
Game so he's another player that had first round, ability
first round, talent but now's probably going to fall to
that second round range because of the TORN. Acl and
you know that's that's the, difference right first. ROUND i
don't need, injuries can't have an injured one in the first.
Round you just don't get drafted AFTER acl their senior.
Year it just that is what. Happens that's how you
(10:16):
fall to the second. Round first round, talent but with the,
injury he will be a second round, pick is What
i'm being told by my. Guy but all the athleticism
in the, world really really good player.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
FROM Ecu East.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
Carolina if you don't, Know Maxwell harriston is another player
on that, category in that list of that next tier of.
CORNERS i love the Way Maxwell harrison. Runs he ran
a four to three at the. COMBINE i knew he was.
Fast he's another guy that played majority zone defense for
The university Of. Kentucky but the way he, moves the
way he flips his hips and can turn and.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Run he's the.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Guy that you think that you, know you can envision
him playing more manna man coverage at the next level
because of his abilities and who he is as a.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
Player but maybe you don't love the.
Speaker 4 (11:04):
Size he's a guy that's going to be in the
one eighties as his weight, wise where a lot of
people want their corners to be at least one. Ninety
so that's another knock that you may see For. Maxwell
BUT i know him. PERSONALLY i got to meet him
in a couple of different specials AS i got to
cover THE sec the last couple of.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Years and a, genuine great young man with a bright.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
Future And i'm really excited for him to have a
great workout at the combining for him to actually be
able to get his name called in this draft.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
Processs harrison out Of. Kentucky but when you look at the,
safeties all, Right, roman.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
Oh, aaron COULD i mention one more name and this
guy may be my favorite as far as like just the,
tape and that Is Trey, amos cornerback out Of old
miss Former alabama player transferred To Old miss this past.
Year probably the best press man and man coverage corner
(11:57):
in this.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
DRAFT i love his. TAPE i love.
Speaker 4 (12:00):
Visibility he's a guy that nobody's really talking. About the
one concern going into the draft process that everybody wanted
to know was could he actually? Run he ran a
four to four to three at the. COMBINE i think
he solidified. Himself he's over six, feet he has great,
size he has great. Tape he's a player that if
you find him laying around in the second, round AND
(12:21):
i know that The saints may not need a whole
bunch of more. CORNERS i know they lost a lot of,
more but they always draft in the first second.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Round that's where they normally find their.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
Corners IN, Dbs he's the name THAT i would be
extremely excited about because of the production and the tape
that he put on tape the last couple of. Years
two more. GUYS i guess That i'd love to just
mention that we can go to court on safeties BECAUSE
i actually did my. HOMEWORK i actually did a little
bit of homework. There so the other Guy's Benjamin morrison
(12:50):
out Of Notre, dame the biggest concern with. Him they,
said he has first round, talent but the injuries are just.
Bananas he's had two shoulder surgeries and one hip. SURGERY
i don't even know he's going to be able to
work out or run or do anything before the whole draft.
Process that's why he's moving down in the draft. Boards
so you'll look up and maybe you'll be able to
(13:10):
get a still later on if this young man is
still around in the third round or you, know somewhere
around in the you, know second third. Day And Darien
porter is a freak. Show they, said he's An iowa
state cornerback six,' four former, wide receiver one hundred and
ninety five n one hundred and ninety five pounds track.
Speed guy he's a former. Track star ran a four,
(13:33):
to three jumped to ten, ten vertical jumped to, thirty
eight and they said all he.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Did the tape was.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
Very raw but the dude is six to four and
he plays corner so somebody's gonna. Love him and so
just know that if you want to know about the
freak shows, out there he belongs in.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
That, Category Yeah, i'm porter a two times state champion
four hundred meter.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Dash and there is und so there. You, go there it.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Is there it is first thing that jump out. Track,
guy okay straight. LINE speed i don't know if he
can flip and, tourney's hips but he Played At iowa
state and they didn't ask him to do that, a
lot so.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
It's, fine okay, all right can you go? To?
Speaker 2 (14:10):
Safeties now are?
Speaker 3 (14:11):
You ready let's. Do it. I'm ready.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
All right who's the first one off?
Speaker 3 (14:14):
The board?
Speaker 4 (14:16):
Oh man so according to, everybody else it's going To Be.
MALACHAI stars i Didn't Love malachai starks hate. THIS year
i didn't think he played the ball in the air,
well enough especially when he's in, deeper zones which is
what he's going to be asked to do at times
when you're IN.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
The NFL so i didn't.
Speaker 4 (14:33):
LOVE that i think he's a, solid tackler but he
wasn't the best safety on his team.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
This year That Was, dan jackson.
Speaker 4 (14:40):
The former walk on player, that's now that Was, at
georgia that's, coming out that ran a good forty time.
AND competing i think he's going to get his name
called it in. This draft not as High As, malachai
starts but he was their. Best player as far as
the secondary.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
Was concerned for Me Was.
Speaker 4 (14:54):
Dan jackson so if you're a first, ROUND pick i
want you to be the best player in your position
on your team, every year not just your well maybe
specifically the year that you choose to. Come out AND
so i don't think that that. Was him, this year
they asked him to do some. Different things he, played
nickels so he showed the ability to be able to
cover in lower Zones in manda, man situations which they
(15:16):
really hadn't asked him to do that in. Previous Years But,
malachi STARKS if i had to take, a bet it would.
Be him But Nick emmon warrior was. A dog i
thought he always flew around just the moment he showed
up and Started At south carolina as a. True freshman
this year he showed that he was much better and
mando man, coverage situations whether it's covering tight ends or.
(15:37):
Slot receivers he got his hand on the football. A
lot not, only that but he housed it, as well
so taking interceptions and converting him into touchdowns.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
And points that's big time on.
Speaker 4 (15:48):
My board and so, for me my favorite safety in
this draft Is Nick. Emon warry the size, the speed
the ability to be explosive as he was.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
AND workout i love.
Speaker 4 (16:01):
THAT that i didn't see that, in him BUT once i,
SAW it i, loved it and that only pushed him
up higher. FOR me i loved the production AND what
i Saw to nick And men warrior. On tape he
is my favorite safety in this. Draft class also the
One From nordre dame. AS well i forget. His name
LAST name i Think Is. Xavier watts i'm a big
fan of his. As well just as the, SEASON progressed
(16:23):
i got to watch more And More nordre.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
Dame tape he played with, great instincts, great tackling played well.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
IN space i liked his game. AS well i don't
know what he ran at. THE combine i don't know all,
those numbers but just watching, the tape which IS what
i try and base my majority on my, STUFF on
i liked this game.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
As well do you.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Think that we should do away with?
Speaker 3 (16:42):
The? Combine, no no that's where.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
You look people like train just to run. The forty
that's not what you're doing for a. FOOTBALL game i
mean you're running, in, pads.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
Yes, but look if we're gonna this is the only
chance we get to compare apples.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
To apples we gotta.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
Do it because other THAN that, I got i gotta
COMPARE what i See At Southeastern louisiana state versus, you
know smaller schools, or this that and, the OTHER and
i gotta try.
Speaker 3 (17:10):
And, say oh well can he?
Speaker 1 (17:11):
Do?
Speaker 3 (17:12):
THIS well i think.
Speaker 4 (17:13):
He, can well then if we go look at what
they do At the combine or wherever we get to measure,
them at whether it's their workouts or whatever like it
at least gives me some kind of numbers, to say apples,
to APPLES that i can compare these guys, and, say
okay well this guy did this And so i'll take,
that one especially when it gets later on in the
(17:33):
draft where the little numbers and stuff can actually give
you a data point, to say, you, Know yeah i'll
pick that one and not just going at.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
IT blind i Like.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
The combine it is a little bit of, you know the,
you know The. UNDERWEAR olympics i get it because it's not. For,
investing now how we.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
PLAY football i get all, Of, THOSE aaron i.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
Really DO but i do like IT because i think
it's a great data point to help sell us or
help me make that decision On who i'm choosing to
bring into.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
My, organization okay Looking At caleb Branshaw, from tulane he's
somebody whose numbers did jump off THE pay i mean,
four three three and then a forty inch avert and
he was invited to. THE combine i think people around
this area are watching when draft. Day comes what are
your thoughts?
Speaker 4 (18:21):
On him my guys got him in the, third round
so he'll be he'll get his name called on the,
second day which. IS fine i mean that. Was me
that was my experience. As, well well no mine was
first day because their drafts. Were different but whatever, they
said they said the biggest thing was that he showed
so much flexibility in the fact that he's also, played
safety he, played nickel he's played, outside corner so he
(18:44):
shows your range that he can actually play. Different positions
he's a multiple, position guy a plug and. Play guy
and right now, in football WHERE the nfl is going
to more and more a lot, like basketball IS what i,
compare to which is, positionless football where we one of,
the biggest, the fastest and the best athletes to be
able to play because the game is turning into a space.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
Playing. Game now SO if i.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Can have a player that can, play nickel but IT
also i, DON'T hurt i don't lose anything in the.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Run game or if.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
He gets motioned out to play outside corner and have
to cover, out there he can still. Do that or
he can rotate and play motion and have to play
in the deep mid of the field and.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
Play safety just gives me so many.
Speaker 4 (19:25):
More options and, This guy caleb has been able to
show the ability to.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
Do that then that is what, makes you gives you
more and.
Speaker 4 (19:32):
More value and so that is where he sits. With
us And what i'm hearing from the draft people is
that he's a third round guy anywhere from the late
second to. Third round and that's not a bad day
you're going. To get, you know when your third, round
pick you're usually secure on that team for the next couple.
Of years so hopefully good luck, to Him and i'm
always rooting For.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Too lane when you look At the saints and new
Defensive Coordinator, brandon staley you mentioned positionless basketball foot he
does lead, into versatility especially IN. His dbs what do
you think they're going to look like this, Upcoming, season.
Speaker 4 (20:08):
Well it's gonna, be really, really interesting, you know because,
you Know coach staley was the, head coach and when
you're the, head coach, you know you you get to,
call it you get to.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Be involved but now when you're just, the coordinator it's.
Speaker 4 (20:20):
All, you like you got all, hands ON and i
think it's a little bit different of. A freedom and
when you don't have to look out for what the
offense is doing or how the whole team, is doing
you get the more just really just focus in and
make your own pie the way that you. WANT it
i know he's a three to four, base guy but
right now everybody has to do, more things, you know
because at the end of, the day when it comes to,
(20:42):
third down it's. All nickel so this team may say
that they are three, to fourteen but they could still
be a four to five Defense or and all that
means is just, different players, different.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
Bodies say sizes and shapes on the field at.
Speaker 4 (20:54):
Different times but the best DEFENSES that i ever played
on never really, changed philosophy never really change the.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
Play call.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
You know we always played with a certain sense of
an edge or a certain sense, of mentality and all
the plays were very. Like minded you just change the
name because you're in a, different formation AND so i
can still run a strong side blitz Out of nickel
Because the nickels just nothing But a sam and then
the three four it's just nothing but, the, Jack right
and it's.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Just that so it's all.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
The same and it's just all about the mentality in
which you go about your business and the way you
go out there and handle and do the little things
every day in and. Day Out so i'm looking For
the saints to continue to. Bounce back i'm looking For
the saints to continue to, be Competitive and i'm very
very intrigued and interested what the mentality. Is is, you
(21:43):
know if they do not win as many games as
they want, too early how does this? Team GO and
i just think when you're picking a, number nine you're
in such great striking distance to go out there and really.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
Get a game changer for your team that's going to
be able to go out and pave the way for
you to.
Speaker 4 (21:59):
Be successful for me many, years ahead nine is a
great place to be because you still got a lot
of great stars on the.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
Draft board you have a prediction of who it's going.
Speaker 4 (22:09):
To be, uh well my draft guy just, told me
like there's no way the guys THERE that, i want.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
So mine is If. The saints, you know everybody's gonna talk.
About It Shir door sanders falls.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
TO nine, I say i'm not willing to say you
go get you a quarterback.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
AT nine i.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Think you could still because you Still Got derek carr
and then, behind him like in, the building it's secret
rumblings like they really Feel That spencer rather could be
a quarterback IN. THE nfl i didn't think he was
ready to play at all last year because he got
hit way too much. IN college i saw him in
training campus eyes were. Coming down i'm, just like he's
just had a lot of trauma in his in his
(22:51):
football career that you have to be able to work
through and it's just so hard to do and people
just don't.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Understand that they want to rush the process so much
and people people just.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Aren't ready and he was also thrown to undraft the
guys when he actually did get in the game because everybody.
Speaker 3 (23:05):
Was hurt. Last Year the saints were KIND of i Love,
the saints but they're kind. Of disaster.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
Last year it just kind of was what, it was
and things got got way out of control and.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
It just was what. It was it's a good at.
Hard reset. That's fine but for me, at NINE if.
Speaker 4 (23:19):
I had my, Dream pick i'm taking tackle Out of Missouri,
armand membu a Player that i've been watching the last
three years absolutely destroyed defense off in defensive lineman THROUGHOUT.
The sec and the type of zone run scheme that
they Had at missouri is exactly what all the teams
(23:40):
IN the nfl are doing wide zone and this guy
mauled people. FOR years i think he's a plug and
play right tackle right now, for you and then that
gives you the flexibility to kick pinning inside so you don't.
Lose him he was better last year at the, right
tackle but now imagine him being. A guard he's probably,
you know a Second Tier all Pro Or pro bowl
(24:01):
type player at. A guard it happens all, the time
AND so i think if you can, DO that i
think you you turned that name in immediately and you.
Go back the biggest THING is i don't know if
he's going to. Be there so if he's, not there
looking forward to see. What happens but That's what i'm.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
Going, FOR yeah i should have had you on the episode.
Speaker 2 (24:20):
Last week we were talking Tackles With John Syscom.
Speaker 4 (24:24):
Hey stance loves he. Loves it i'm pretty sure he loves.
A Tackle will campbell's another name that probably gonna get floated.
Speaker 3 (24:31):
OUT there i just Know the.
Speaker 4 (24:32):
Saints don't they don't NORMALLY draft. LSU players I Know will,
campbell's different but that's another player that could definitely fall into.
That range and then at, that, point man you got
to look at what are your best defensive line. Or
detackles right if If the graham Kid from michigan falls,
to nine the dude.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
Is a stop sign on the. Run game he just
he just can't. Move IT and i saw him.
Speaker 4 (24:57):
Two years Ago when Alabama played MICHIGAN and i was
doing my film STUDY and I just i couldn't Stop.
Watching graham he just stood out on tape because every
play he was either in the backfield, disrupting something fighting
off for, double team splitting the. Double team he's just,
rock solid as good as a prospect as you're going.
To find and if you look up and these kids
(25:18):
starting to fall and slip, to you THAT'S why i
think nine's just a.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
Great place or this is ANOTHER thing i was.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
Talking, about well, you know If Sir george sanders does
slide down, to nine you Better call pittsburgh, say hey
what you want? To do you want to come up
here and.
Speaker 3 (25:34):
Get this Because like mickey's got to be willing to.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
Trade BACK and I know mickey and those guys normally
aren't big trade. Back guys they will trade, back in
but that is something you got to be willing to
listen to because you just got to look a look
at what's around you and if we still have that
many holes to fill and As a saints and you
still got to be able to be forward thinking that
this next year's draft class and the year after that
(25:59):
that twin twenty seven draft class rock stars in the
next two year draft class where if you can get
a couple of picks for the twenty six, twenty seven
the twenty seven is a real still, draft class but
twenty six is another one.
Speaker 3 (26:13):
As.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
Well well expect to talk to me going into the
twenty six and the. Twenty seven just go and pencil.
Speaker 3 (26:20):
That, IN.
Speaker 4 (26:23):
Okay i, Got it i'll mark, It down i'll be
Ready and i'll do.
Speaker 3 (26:26):
MY homework.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
I know i appreciate that. So much where can we
watch your leading up to the draft in.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
Your coverage i'll mostly be DOING the. SEC network i
will not be doing a LOT of nfl draft. Drafting
stuff during, The draft i'm actually trying to get back
into my country club's member member, golf TOURNAMENT so i
will be playing golf the, Whole TIME so.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
I DON'T even i don't even.
Speaker 4 (26:48):
WATCH it I know i'm not even getting my. Name
called and that's kind of the SAME way i TREATED
when i.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Was going through my.
Speaker 4 (26:54):
DRAFT process i anticipate being a first, round PICK so
i didn't even watch the, FIRST round i mean half,
of US because i was out partying the night before
and didn't wake up till the first. Round started, but
mickeying those guys KNEW who, i was so they drafted.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
Me Anyways and i'm just kind of the. Same guy it's.
Speaker 2 (27:09):
All, good yeah second round and it turned out pretty well.
Speaker 3 (27:12):
For you it's not. That bad everybody's so sad, and
this that and, the other and, it's, like dude get.
Over yourself you're still.
Speaker 4 (27:20):
One of the highest, you, know uh, you know out
of how many people get picked two hundred.
Speaker 3 (27:25):
And something, you know if you're in the forties or,
the thirties it's just not. That bad. You're, Okay well i'm.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
Looking forward to. THE draft i hope you enjoy. THE
golf i hope you get back in the tournament and,
you know show them what.
Speaker 3 (27:37):
You got but, Thank, YOU aaron i. Appreciate it who
do you Say the saints take? At? Nine, Go no
i'm not.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
DOING it i work for. The team.
Speaker 3 (27:48):
That's. Not fair that's so. Not fair that's why you
guys come. And talk that's so. Not fair Who did
stints say that they're going to take? AT night i
don't KNOW if. I asked, all right well start. Gathering
opinions i'd like. To know so. THANK you i will.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
Report back.
Speaker 3 (28:05):
Appreciate it you have a. Good day thank.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
You too, all Right, Roll TI as, I said roman
is always going to. Be entertaining next week we are
going to dive INTO The, nfc south take a look
at Who, the Falcons, the Panthers the bucks are thinking,
about drafting who they got in, free agency and early
expectations for. Next season don't miss it right Here On
New orleans saints dot com.
Speaker 3 (28:28):
Or wherever you get.
Speaker 2 (28:29):
Your podcasts, as always thanks for listening and have a.
Speaker 1 (28:32):
Great weekend thanks for listening To The New Orleans saints
podcast presented By. Seat geek join us three times per
Week On New orleans saints, dot Com The saints, mobile
app or you can download the podcast. On iTunes we'll
see you next time right here On The New Orleans,
saints podcast presented By. Seat geek he could believe
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