New Orleans Saints 2010 NFL Draft Grade
NEW ORLEANS
1.32 Patrick Robinson, CB, FSU
Robinson was a surprise pick, but he’s got amazing upside and this secondary still needed some help and depth. I don’t think anyone saw this pick coming, but it makes sense, especially if they’re looking to move Macolm Jenkins to safety in the event Darren Sharper isn’t re-signed. He’s a very raw player that makes a lot of mistakes, but he won’t be needed right away. GRADE: B-
2.64 Charles Brown, OT, USC
Charles Brown was excellent value at the end of round two, which is where I thought he might fall. He’s just a soft guy for an NFL tackle. But he’ll be great depth at a position of need for New Orleans. They’re still trying to move Jammal Brown, and this Brown is a guy that many thought would go in the first until major work ethic issues surfaced. GRADE: B
3.95 Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami
Jimmy Graham can come in and learn behind Shockey while providing another excellent target for Brees, especially in the red zone. That’s where he’ll be used early on. But he’s got incredible physical tools at 6-07 with 4.5 range speed. He’s a basketball guy, and playing on a team that allows him to learn from a fellow U grad should be a perfect incubator. GRADE: B+
3ROUND GRADE: B
4.123 Al Woods, DT, LSU
Woods was taken a bit too high if you ask me. He’s a homestate kid that has great size and good strength, but he never lived up to his potential in college, and became a really beige player. If he can hone his run stopping skills, he could be a nice fit. GRADE: B-
5.158 Matt Tennant, C, Boston College
This will be one of the best unheralded picks of the entire draft. Tennant was the third center on my board, and New Orleans needs a future at the position, maybe sooner than people think. He’s got a great football mind, and has the ability to be a real quarterback of the line. GRADE: B+
7.239 Sean Canfield, QB, Oregon State
Not a flashy pick, and not the biggest need out there, but certainly a rough spot with only Chase Daniel (maybe) behind Drew Brees. Canfield doesn’t have a great arm, but he’s a smart, tough quarterback that beats the D with his accuracy. I had him as a top 10 QB in this class. GRADE: B
Best Pick: Jimmy Graham
Worst Pick: Al Woods
Sleeper Pick: Matt Tennant
FINAL ANALYSIS
The Saints had a decent draft, but Sean Payton typically left us with a puzzled look on our faces a few times. Considering how the pick of Robert Meachem is starting to pan out, it’s tough to doubt his ability to address hidden needs with players he can coach. Robinson has so much upside, but he’s not going to see the field early, especially with Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter and Malcolm Jenkins still in New Orleans. If Sharper leaves, he might be necessary for depth, but I still can’t see New Orleans just letting him walk. Charles Brown was reportedly a guy with some big character questions, but at the bottom of the second round, he makes the same kind of sense that William Beatty made for the Giants in ’09. Jimmy Graham might be the jewel of this class if he’s up for working hard enough to become Antonio Gates and not Bubba Franks.
Al Woods might be the least impressive of the draftees when you look at his film versus his ability. He flashes some great footing against the run, but needs to be more consistent. Canfield will immediately compete with Chase Daniel for a job, and he’s got the football IQ and pro roots to beat him. Tennant fell too far. He might end up as the best pick from this class. That’s good and bad for New Orleans, but with so much upside over polish in three of their first four picks, it’s tough to really feel satisfied with this haul.
Charles Brown could be a major player in this draft’s grade five years from now. If he’s good enough to trade Jammal, then the Saints might have stolen him. Graham and Robinson are the same way. I was really surprised that no LBs were taken after losing Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita, both starters. Still, they did alright for their first time steering from the rear of the draft.
FINAL GRADE: B-
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