New Orleans Saints 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Oct 26, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Brandin Cooks (7) catches a pass while being covered by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Wayne Lyons (2) during the 2nd half at Reser Stadium. Stanford defeated Oregon State 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
5’10”, 190 LBs.
The Player
Cooks is a player who will leave a defense standing around with how much speed he has. He can burn it down the field but also has great stop and go ability on the run. He is a great route runner and will fight for the ball in the air, making him someone a QB would love. He has some physical issues operating in traffic and dealing with physical coverage but it is not for lack of trying. He was player who was protected in Oregon State’s scheme and may need to see that same treatment in the NFL.
The Pick
I think the value is good at the back of the first round. Cooks is a very good complimentary type receiver and is just the type of player New Orleans needed on offense. Very good pick.
The Fit
If the Saints wanted to add speed in the first round, they did a hell of a job. Cooks is a guy who can contribute from all over the field for the Saints and Sean Payton will surely put him in position to produce. Give Drew Brees a deep threat like Cooks and Jimmy Graham? Not fair.
Stanley Jean Baptiste, CB, Nebraska
6’3″, 218 lbs.
The Player
Baptiste moves incredibly well for his size and has phenomenal ball skills. He flashes the ability to be physical, but needs to be more consistent there. He has big time potential.
The Pick
This is very good value for someone as talented as Baptiste.
The Fit
Baptiste is a perfect corner for this defense. He he has great length, closing speed and ball skills. He will likely be the number two or three corner and will be asked to press at the line quite a bit. he has very good potential in this defense.
Oct 6, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste (16) defends a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (15) in the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Khairi Fortt, ILB, Cal
6’2″, 248 lbs.
The Player
Fortt is a very athletic player who flies all over the field and has potential at every level. He really just needs to clean up his instincts attacking the ball in the run game and in coverage.
The Pick
Fortt has a lot of mental development to do, but he is a high upside type of player. I still think this is a reach.
The Fit
Doubt he does much outside of special teams this year, but he could be the starter longterm.
Vinnie Sunseri, S, Alabama
5’11”, 210 lbs.
The Player
Sunseri is a smart player who has good closing speed and flies all over the field. He is not very fluid and his overly athletic ability is in the middle of the road, but he is a guy who can excel in underneath coverages.
The Pick
This is a bit of a reach for a guy who is limited and coming off an ACL tear.
The Fit
He still needs some time to recover, but Sunseri is an immediate special teams type and could possibly be the strong safety of the future.
Ronald Powell, OLB, Florida
6’3″, 237 lbs.
The Player
While he isn’t overly physical and lacks good instincts, Powell has awesome movement skills and flexibility to bend the edge and rush the passer.
The Pick
Terrific value for such a talented player.
The Fit
Powell could be a decent situational guy in year one and could possibly add more bulk to be a more featured pass rusher.
Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Ronald Powell (7) reacts during the second half of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Tavon Rooks, OT, Kansas State
6’5″, 299 lbs.
The Player
Very good functional length and decent movement skills but not a particularly impressive athlete.
The Pick
Rooks has a decent amount of upside with his frame and length so this is good value for a project.
The Fit
Rooks is a project player and will likely see the field very little if at all his rookie year.