Saints Could Grab Two Tigers By The Tail In the Draft
At L.S.U’s Pro Day on Friday the New Orleans Saints were in their usual attendance headlined by general manager Mickey Loomis, assistant general manager Jeff Ireland, and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.
Also standing by were defensive assistant Dennis Allen, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, and secondary coach Wesley McGriff as they watched over several Tigers that could be of interest.
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Two former L.S.U. players that the Saints spoke with could be of high interest on draft day and actually have been linked to them on several mock drafts.
Offensive lineman La’el Collins and cornerback Jalen Collins were said to have visited with the Black and Gold during the extensive workout sessions.
Nick Underhill of The Advocate reported that McGriff spoke with Jalen Collins and was “highly interested” in the big corner.
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State defensive back Jalen Collins talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
At 6’1″-203 lbs., he ran a 4.48 40 yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine which was impressive and the Saints are trending towards getting bigger in the secondary.
Another thing the Saints are looking for the upcoming season is protecting quarterback Drew Brees better which is obvious why they are showing interest in La’el Collins.
Considered to be a Top 10-15 pick in the upcoming draft, he could be a future replacement for current guard Jahri Evans or even tackle Zach Strief.
The Saints currently have the #13 and the #31 pick in the first round and the scenario could play out where both Collins could find themselves in New Orleans.
While diehard L.S.U. fans would love that, it’s likely not going to happen.
La’el Collins was also worked out by the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants who are also in need of help on the offensive line.
Both teams will have option of snagging the coveted lineman with the Giants holding the #9 pick and the Browns at #12.
On another note, although no one knows what the team will do, it’s been of popular opinion that the Saints will snag a pass rusher who can be an immediate starter on defense.
If La’el Collins is passed over by the Saints at #13, there is absolutely no way he’s there at #31.
The only few red flags that exist with them selecting corner Jalen Collins in the first round might be miniscule but still raise my eyebrow.
Although allowed to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, Jalen was discovered to have the beginnings of a Jones fracture in his right foot and had a screw inserted this past week.
The word “fracture” gives someone like myself pause, but he claims it should only sideline him for a few more weeks as far as physical activity.
“Technique” is another word that jumps out to me on him.
At times in the secondary for L.S.U., Jalen Collins would show up big in some games and then be a non-factor in others.
He also seems stiff and tight in the hips. To be honest I always thought safety would be a better fit for him than at corner.
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However people like NFL.com’s analyst Mike Mayock and Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller have taken a strong liking to him and have increased his stock.
While he could possibly be there at #31 for the Saints, I don’t think it happens. It’s mentioned in Underhill’s Advocate post that if chosen, Collins would likely be used in the slot corner position.
If they do grab a late round corner, the Saints will likely go with someone like Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson or even Washington’s Marcus Peters.
Although Peters has had a red flag for his past attitude, he is probably more suited for a role in the slot as a nickel corner.
And so while the Saints definitely have the means to grab both of these Tigers by the tails, either one or both Collins will be hunting for another team in May…..