6 Combine Studs the New Orleans Saints Must Have on Their Short List
The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and there were numerous standout performers that the New Orleans Saints should now have on their short list.
New Orleans has no shortage of needs to address this offseason. While general manager Mickey Loomis is expected to fill some of these holes through free agency, the draft will still serve as a primary means of stockpiling young talent.
If they’re to return to playoff contention in 2015, the Saints, who finished 7-9 last season, must upgrade their personnel along the defensive front seven and the offensive line, as well as at the cornerback spot. The combine featured more than a few standouts at these positions, and several of them have likely worked their way onto Loomis’ radar.
Of course, evaluating players in non-contact drills isn’t the same as game film, but the combine does offer its share of benefits. It provides scouts with an up-close view of a prospect’s raw athletic capabilities, and it does so in a competitive atmosphere.
Following are six combine studs who made the most of their opportunities at the event. They all play positions the Saints could stand to improve upon this offseason, and they all stood out in multiple drills while competing against their peers.
Ali Marpet, Center, Hobart & William Smith
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After an injury-plagued 2014 season, there’s a good chance that 36-year-old center Jonathan Goodwin is done as a starter in New Orleans.
The Saints could also be staring down the possibility of releasing veteran guard Ben Grubbs, whose contract is set to deliver an enormous $9.6 million cap hit in 2015.
With such uncertainty along the interior offensive line, New Orleans would be well-served to bring in some young talent.
One of this year’s most impressive participants at the combine, at any position, was Ali Marpet. The center out of Hobart & William Smith Colleges, a Division III school located in Geneva, New York, turned heads in a major way with his on-field performance Friday.
Marpet, who has the potential to play either center or guard in the NFL, was clocked at 4.98 seconds in the 40-yard dash This was the fastest time for any offensive lineman at the combine, but the 6’4,” 307-pounder didn’t stop there. He finished with the second-fastest time at his position in both the 20-yard shuttle and the three-cone drill.
To top things off, he threw up 30 repetitions on the bench press, which was tied for fifth place among offensive linemen.
Marpet may come from a small college, but he certainly belongs among the better offensive line prospects in this year’s draft. Before his eye-opening performance at the combine, he held his own against his fellow draft entrants in a football setting at the Senior Bowl in January. His strong showing this past weekend served to further strengthen his prospects for this year’s draft.
Byron Jones, Cornerback, Connecticut
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Opposing quarterbacks torched the New Orleans secondary week-in and week-out in 2014, as every Saint cornerback not named Keenan Lewis was routinely abused in coverage. Consequently, the team is highly likely to pursue a proven veteran corner in free agency.
Even if the Saints land a solid starter to pair with Lewis, that doesn’t mean the front office won’t bring another cover man through the draft.
One of the brightest stars at this year’s combine, at any position, was Connecticut cornerback Byron Jones. In fact, the former Husky standout broke a combine record with a truly remarkable feat.
He shattered the previous mark for the broad jump with a 12’3” leap, which was over a foot longer than the second-place jump at his position. It was also good enough to best a world record that was thought to have lasted for 46 years, according to College Football 24/7 writer Bryan Fischer.
But he didn’t stop there. Later, he dropped a few more jaws with a 44.5” vertical jump, which was good for second place among all combine participants.
As if that weren’t enough, Jones wowed scouts even further with his 60-yard shuttle run of 10.98 seconds, which was the fastest time for any player at the combine.
He entered the event projected as a mid- to late-round pick, but with his stunning display of explosive athleticism, it’s safe to say Jones improved his stock.
Mitch Morse, Offensive Line, Missouri
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Another talented interior offensive lineman who showcased his athleticism at the combine was Missouri guard Mitch Morse.
His 36 repetitions on the bench press was second most among all offensive linemen, and he also finished in the top five at his position in the broad jump and the 20-yard shuttle.
With these three drills, Moore demonstrated an impressive balance of strength, explosiveness and quickness. Such well-rounded athleticism is viewed quite favorably by scouts, and he likely improved his draft stock in a big way.
The 2014 second-team All-SEC selection played both center and tackle for the Tigers, and New Orleans may consider snagging him in the late rounds of the draft.
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Owamagbe Odighizuwa, Defensive End, UCLA
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The New Orleans pass rush was a big disappointment in 2014, and the Saints will likely be eyeing defensive ends and outside linebackers who can get after the quarterback come draft day.
UCLA’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa fits that mold, and following his strong combine showing, he should be high on the Saints’ radar.
The former Bruin end ran second-fastest among defensive linemen with a 4.62 40-yard dash time, and he was tops at his position in both the broad jump and the vertical jump. He also performed well in the three-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle.
Odighizuwa projects as 4-3 end and a 3-4 outside ‘backer, and the Saints could now be among the teams considering bringing him aboard this April.
Mario Edwards Jr., Defensive Tackle, Florida State
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The Saints are in need of major improvement at all levels of their defense, and another potential defensive draft pick who improved his stock is Mario Edwards Jr.
The former Florida State Seminole finished with the fastest 40-yard dash time for all players classified as a defensive tackle with a 4.84. He also pounded out 32 repetitions on the bench press, thus demonstrating a nice combination of speed and strength.
Edwards excelled defending the run at the collegiate level, and he’ll make his living in the league doing the same. Standing 6'3" and weighing 279 pounds, he projects as an end in a 3-4 alignment and a tackle in a 4-3. If he’s selected by New Orleans, he could find himself playing both positions in Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s hybrid scheme.
Either way, Edwards is a well-rounded athlete who’s sure to make for an intriguing prospect as draft day approaches.
Stephone Anthony, Inside Linebacker, Clemson
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Considering the $6 million cap hit his contract is set to cost New Orleans in 2015, the future status of starting linebacker David Hawthorne is uncertain. If Hawthorne is released, the Saints will be in the market for another inside ‘backer. Of course, they could also be looking to add quality depth at the position even if he stays.
While fellow Clemson Tiger Vic Beasley put on a memorable showing at the combine, inside linebacker Stephone Anthony moved into the spotlight with a dynamite performance of his own.
His 40 time of 4.56 was third-fastest among all linebackers and tops for inside ‘backers. He also finished second at his position in the 20-yard shuttle, and his 10’2” broad jump wasn’t shabby, either.
At 6’3” and 243 pounds, Anthony possesses adequate size for his position, and he has a nose for the ball as a run defender.
If he falls out of the first round, the Saints could decide to pull the trigger and take him anywhere from the second to the fourth round.
All combine results obtained via NFL.com.
Saints salary-cap numbers obtained via OverTheCap.com.
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