Scouts for the Saints To Attend LSU-Alabama Game Tonight

The matchup between LSU and Alabama is always a game that is much anticipated by both sides every year and is one rivalry which always ensures a hard fought battle.

For years both universities have been responsible for flooding the NFL Draft with players in the higher rounds that become almost instant contributors for their respective teams.

While the New Orleans Saints haven’t had an LSU Tiger on their roster since wide receiver Devery Henderson, that doesn’t mean they haven’t tried.

Sep 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs for a touchdown during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Recently, Sean Payton said that the team was heavily interested in wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry during the 2014 draft process.

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However Beckham who has quickly become one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL in barely two seasons was taken by the New York Giants with the 12th overall pick while the Saints had no chance being at the 27th spot.

The Saints did have a shot on grabbing Landry, but after trading up to grab receiver Brandin Cooks they decided to take a chance on cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste in the second round instead, which we know how that played out.

For the 2015 NFL Draft, the Saints were said by some to go after cornerback Jalen Collins or guard La’el Collins — who was no doubt the best at his position for that class.

The Atlanta Falcons ended up selecting Jalen in the second round; while La’el Collins slipped out of the draft mainly due to being questioned in relation to a homicide involving his ex-girlfriend, although he never was named as a suspect.

The Saints were lampooned by fans for not even taking him even with a seventh round pick, which would have been a steal especially since he was considered a Top 10 selection that year.

According to Chase Goodbread of NFL.com, the Saints are looking in their own backyard again to possibly grab a Bayou Bengal or a Crimson Tide player in the draft for 2016.

It appears that the Saints Scouting Department will be out in “full force” for tonight’s huge SEC showdown in Tuscaloosa.

Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers guard Vadal Alexander (74) takes the field prior to the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

With some shaky offensive line play early on in the season, LSU guard Vadal Alexander has been having a very good senior year and projected as a first round pick due to his pass protection skills along with his run blocking.

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Wide receiver Travin Dural could be another possibility for Saints receiving corps that has been somewhat underwhelming this season and is currently projected to be a 2-3 round selection.

For the defensive side of the ball cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Jalen Mills could be added as pieces to the secondary with Mills being a more likely selection as a current 2-3 round pick since White is currently considered to be a first round selection.

Linebacker Kendell Beckwith is ranked by CBSSports.com as the #2 inside linebacker in the upcoming draft just behind Alabama’s Reggie Ragland, but since Beckwith is a junior we’ll have to wait and see if he declares for the draft at the end of the season.

The Saints have had issues generating a push at the defensive tackle position and have had to rely on aging veteran Kevin Williams while shifting defensive end Cameron Jordan around to get some production, but two Alabama players could help with that.

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Defensive tackles A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed are thought to be two good prospects at their position, with Robinson getting some more attention than Reed.

However, like LSU’s Beckwith, Robinson is a junior so his status for the 2016 NFL Draft is still up in the air until the end of the season.

In a report submitted by RotoWorld.com, Reed is said to be “rarely moved from his spot, controlling the point of attack and redirecting blockers.”