Saints select unique player in round one of recent NFL mock draft
The New Orleans Saints certainly have a "type" when it comes to defensive linemen in the NFL Draft. Just check the measurable for guys like Payton Turner and Marcus Davenport. In this year's draft class, there are a handful of round one/two prospects that could entice the Saints based on their usual type. One of […]
The New Orleans Saints certainly have a "type" when it comes to defensive linemen in the NFL Draft.
Just check the measurable for guys like Payton Turner and Marcus Davenport. In this year's draft class, there are a handful of round one/two prospects that could entice the Saints based on their usual type.
One of those was the pick by Todd McShay in his latest mock draft.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE/DT, Northwestern
Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle signed elsewhere in free agency, and this Saints defensive line wasn't exactly a strength even before those subtractions. Last season, New Orleans was last in the NFL in pass rush win rate (28.5%) and 25th in run stop win rate (28.0%).
Adebawore can help in both areas. He's a hybrid edge rusher and 3-technique who proved disruptive last season with five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He has a powerful upper body, and I think he can be an every-down starter in the NFL early in his career. New coordinator Joe Woods could move Adebawore around this defense and let him impact multiple facets of the game.
Adebawore hasn't been a popular pick by mock drafters in recent weeks, but his climb continues.
He's getting plenty of draft love due to his physical traits and impressive versatility along the DL.
For the Saints, they certainly do need a defender that has an impact on both the interior and exterior of the line.
That being said, many of his reps would probably come off the edge for New Orleans. Adebawore projects to platy more meaningful snaps early in his NFL career due to his strength profile compared to some other DL prospects in this class.
Keep an eye out for the Northwestern product when the Saints pick on draft night.
