Saints snag conference Player of the Year in recent mock draft
Winning in the trenches means you win games in the NFL, it's that simple. The New Orleans Saints understand that completely with the moves they've made bringing in defensive tackles Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd on three-year deals as well as re-signing defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon. NFL Media Analyst Charles Davis has the Saints continuing […]
Winning in the trenches means you win games in the NFL, it's that simple.
The New Orleans Saints understand that completely with the moves they've made bringing in defensive tackles Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd on three-year deals as well as re-signing defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon.
NFL Media Analyst Charles Davis has the Saints continuing that trend in the first round of April's NFL draft by taking edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah out of Kansas State in his recent mock.
Marcus Davenport is now in Minnesota, and ultra-productive defensive end Cam Jordan needs a bookend. Similar to the seven-time Pro Bowler Jordan, Anudike-Uzomah not only harasses quarterbacks but creates deflections and takeaways, too.
Anudike-Uzomah was credited with one tackle and a sack as a freshman in 2020, nonexistent impact, to say the least. Once he was named a starter a year later, he started dominating the Big 12.
In his second start as a sophomore, Anudike-Uzomah recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles against Southern Illinois and rode that momentum throughout the remainder of the season. He finished with 50 tackles (14.5 tackles for loss), 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
Anudike-Uzomah's best game that season came against conference foe TCU when he set a school record with 4 sacks, and he was named Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year with Will McDonald of Iowa State. Also, he garnered first-team All-Big 12 honors.
Last season was another highly productive one for Anudike-Uzomah as he tallied 45 tackles (11 tackles for loss), 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was named the Big 12's Defensive Lineman of the Year again, first-team All-Big 12, the Big 12 Defense Player of the Year, and a first-team All-American. Talk about racking up the accolades.
He could stand to get better as a run-stopper but Anudike-Uzomah has tremendous bend off the edge and moves the pocket well, finished with a pass-rush grade of 74.2 last season according to Pro Football Focus. He utilizes his lengthy arms well to bull rush and uses rip and swim moves effectively.
The Saints could certainly benefit from adding a guy like Anudike-Uzomah in the first round to learn from a stud like Cam Jordan who could groom him into a solid pro.
