Saints Scouting Dept. Already Busy Preparing for Next Draft

According to NFL.com’s Chase Goodbread, the scouting department for the New Orleans Saints was out and about for Saturday’s Alabama vs. Georgia and Texas Tech vs. Baylor games.

Some names the Saints may take notice according to Goodbread from Alabama on defense are inside linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive tackle Jarran Reed while for Georgia’s defense it was outside linebackers Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd.

Ragland is said to be a run stopping first round talent that gets off blocks well and finished 2014 with 95 tackles with 10.5 for a loss.

Both Jenkins and Floyd are considered early round picks as well and are in the “tweener” category used mainly for pass rushing.

Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 38-10. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

If Ragland is still available by the time the Saints pick in the early part of the draft he could be someone who could interest them.

From Texas Tech, Goodbread mentioned wide receiver Jakeem Grant as a player of possible interest with his quick speed.

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Grant had back to back seasons(2013 and 2014) where he had seven touchdowns and grabbed 60+ receptions with 796 yards in ’13 and 938 yards last year.

This year he is already at 35 receptions for 482 yards and two touchdowns so he could be headed for another good season.

The only issue with Grant is his size where he measures in at 5-7 and 168 lbs. but could make a good slot receiver for someone and is currently graded as an undrafted free agent.

Keeping on the offensive side of the ball for Baylor, OL Spencer Drango may be a name the Saints take a look at as well considering the struggles so far this year.

CBSSports.com has Drango currently as a second round talent with the potential to go into the first round if he continues to do well.

Oct 11, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears offensive tackle Spencer Drango (58) blocks TCU Horned Frogs defensive tackle Terrell Lathan (90) during the game at McLane Stadium. The Bears defeat Horned Frogs 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In their scouting report, they said Drango has “very few holes to his game” and even drew a comparison to Dallas Cowboys starting offensive guard Zach Martin which isn’t too shabby.

Fans may be a bit skeptical about taking another offensive lineman early in the 2016 NFL Draft after 13th overall pick Andrus Peat hasn’t seen the field enough to possibly warrant that high of a choice.

But with the inconsistent play of the offensive line so far, the Saints could use some stability.

Of course the big name defensively everyone wants their team to have is defensive end Shawn Oakman who gained fame with his freakish chiseled physique and intimidating nature.

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) and linebacker Bryce Hager (44) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014 he had 51 total tackles with 19.5 for a loss, 11 sacks, three pass breakups, and three forced fumbles.

The jury is still out on Oakman for some scouts with him flashing on some plays and then disappearing on others due to what is said to be playing too high in his pad level and technique.

So far this year in three games he has had 14 tackles with 5.5 for a loss, 2 sacks , and one forced fumble.

One thing that may throw a red flag for a team like the Saints is that Oakman can appear to have an attitude and missed Baylor’s season opener due to a unspecified violation of team rules.

But what will cause teams to overlook that is his along with his massive frame is a 4.81 speed to get after quarterbacks…..

Next: Ranking the Saints Rookies and 1st Year Players: Why The Future is Bright in NOLA

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