Two Local LB Prospects Saints Could Take Late In 2015 Draft
The New Orleans Saints have been known to find hidden gems if you will in the later rounds of the draft and also into undrafted free agency.
The 2015 NFL Draft is littered with quality talent at several positions so many teams will be finding plenty of value into the sixth and seventh rounds while also carrying into the time after the draft is over.
The Saints obviously need defensive help and will likely make it a focal point with their current nine selections this year.
Two prospects at linebacker that the Black and Gold have in their own backyard could find themselves as one of those gems the organization usually unearths.
Jermauria Rasco; Louisiana State University
Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (8) works to get away from LSU Tigers defensive end Jermauria Rasco (59) during the first half in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Although Rasco has been tabbed as as a defensive end, his frame at 6’3″ 247 lbs. suggests he’d be better at linebacker.
While teammates Kwon Alexander and Danielle Hunter are getting a majority of the hype and attention, Rasco was a do-it-all that played standing up or with his hand in the dirt as a rusher.
During in 2013 he posted 56 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and a team high 4 sacks. The following year he followed that up with 71 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, and another team leading 4 sacks.
In a scouting report at NFL.com a few things that stand out are:
"Rarely fooled by play-action and screens.Takes good pursuit angles and can make himself skinny when slanting.Rasco can use his toughness, football acumen and quickness to compete for a spot with a blitz-happy, complex defense as a 3-4 OLB."
Rasco is praised by scouts as being quick especially with his feet and being very fluid in his movements on the field.
At his Pro Day Rasco ran a 4.75 40-yard dash, 28.5 inch vertical jump, 9 ft. broad jump, 4.65 short shuttle, and 7.11 in the 3-cone drill but was unable to perform the bench press due to a shoulder issue.
Currently he’s projected as a seventh round pick or undrafted free agent.
Isiah Corbett; Southeastern Louisiana University
Corbett played as a starter for the Lions from 2013-2014 and made a major impact in both seasons.
He gladly accepted the nickname of “The Predator” due to his long locks and helmet face-mask, combined with his style of play where he hunted quarterbacks and sniffed plays out.
In 2013 he had 58 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and one interception.
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He followed that in 2014 with 72 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown.
Corbett’s versatility has allowed him to play multiple positions at defensive end where he rushed the passer but also at outside linebacker which is where he spent most of his time.
His quick burst off the snap lead Bo Marchionte of College2Pro.com to say that Corbett was “simply unblockable” in the 2015 College Gridiron Showcase he played in.
Corbett also has amazing pursuit to the ball as well as being able to drop back in coverage.
The Saints actually have gotten a good look at Corbett at their training facility since due to weather conditions, S.L.U. had their Pro Day there.
The 6’0″ 245 lb Corbett posted a 4.69 40-yard dash, 21 reps on bench press, a 32 inch vertical, 9’2″ broad jump, and 7.06 in the 3-cone drill.
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CBSSports.com has Corbett listed as an undrafted free agent while WWL 870 NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier has him as a 6th-7th round pick.
Both Rasco and Corbett could provide the Saints with immediate special team contributors as well as players who could work their way deeper onto the roster.
While these two may not hear their names called until Day 3 of the draft or even after, they’re two players who could be those gems the Saints continue to find…….