Draft Grades: Saints

The Saints didn't have much to work with this year, but they came away a few players that can help right away.

Malcolm Jenkins is a perfect fit in New Orleans. The Saints have needed a cornerback for years, but have failed to address that need through the draft. The free agent signings of guys such as Randall Gay and Jason David simply haven't lived up to expectations. Jenkins finally gives the Saints hope of having a true shutdown cornerback.

Chip Vaughn had excellent value in the 4th round. Roman Harper has done an adequate job as the starter at strong safety, but they're not sold on him as the long-term option. Vaughn adds to their depth and gives them someone to push Harper for playing time.

Vaughn's teammate Stanley Arnoux doesn't offer much except some depth. I felt as though he was a reach in the 4th round. He had a productive career at Wake Forest, but he's undersized and not a great fit for the Saints scheme.

I don't like it when teams take kickers and punters before the 7th round. Most drafted special teams players fail to work out and some quality players can still be found in the 5th round. Morstead was one of the better punters in this draft class, but not substantially better than what would have been available in free agency. He should win the starting job, but it was still a reach.

Overall the Saints did an adequate job addressing needs. Despite having just four picks, they managed to get one immediate starter (Jenkins) and potentially two others (Morstead and Vaughn). However, they failed to land a running back to share the load with Reggie Bush, despite trying to trade back into the 1st round for Chris Wells.

Grade: B-

Brian Cushing is a Meathead

"If you watched (USC LB Brian) Cushing at his pro day, he opened up the wrong way twice in drills. He did the same thing once at the Combine. He’s a meathead."

Those were the words from an unnamed front office source according to Pro Football Weekly. It's only one team's view, but it certainly isn't a good sign for Cushing. Whatever one team thinks, there's likely at least a few others that share the sentiment.

Cushing received in invite to New York City for the draft, and he's looking like the favorite to be the last man standing waiting to hear his name called. The earliest realistic landing place for him is New Orleans (14th overall) but the Saints reportedly have their eye on two Buckeyes (Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Wells). Houston is also an option, but they are showing signs of preferring Cushing's teammate Clay Matthews. San Diego has been a rumored destination, but it doesn't make too much sense considering they are more in need of an inside linebacker. If he slides past those three teams he could fall all the way to Patriots or Falcons (23rd and 24th, respectively).

Pro Days: Missouri

Missouri's first pro day was held on Thursday, but none of their top offensive prospects worked out. William Moore did, however, and was impressive.

Moore weighed in at 220 and wowed scouts by running in the 4.4 range. Some reports even have him clocked at 4.39.

His performance placed him solidly in the 2nd round range, with a chance to climb into the late 1st.

Moore had dinner with the Saints the other day. The Saints are in need of a free safety, and despite his size, Moore athleticism makes him an ideal candidate. Moore also stated that the Dolphins have shown a serious interest.