Saints Scouts At Work During Bye Week: Is Michigan St. QB On Their Radar?
Michigan State vs. Ohio State
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) looks to make a pass in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints already drafted what is currently thought to be Drew Brees heir in years to come in Garrett Grayson but they could also be getting a look at Michigan State’s Connor Cook.
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Cook (6-4, 220 pounds) is currently considered one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2016 NFL Draft with 2,472 passing yards for 21 touchdowns and a passer rating of 142.9 in 2015.
He had an equally impressive 2014 season where he threw for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns and had a passer rating of 149.4.
For the past three seasons Cook has been in the top ten of the Big Ten in just about every category including pass completions, pass completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and passer efficiency rating.
On the defensive side for the Spartans the Saints could look at a defensive end Shilique Calhoun to gain some in the pass rush area.
Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) stands on the field between play during the 1st quarter of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Calhoun (6-5, 252 pounds) has been a player that entered onto the scene after Michigan State lost their main pass rusher William Gholston who was drafted in 2013 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the past three seasons Calhoun has averaged 36 total tackles, 12.5 for a loss, eight sacks, and one forced fumble per season.
Calhoun has been in the top four for sacks in the Big Ten for the past three seasons and been in the top nine for tackles for a loss in 2013 and 2015.
Keeping along the pass rush line, the Saints will definitely be putting their eyes on Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa during the game as well.
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) in game action against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State won 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Although he’s a junior in college, the consensus is that Bosa(6-5, 275 pounds) will likely pass on his senior season to enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
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The only issue for the Saints is that Bosa is currently considered the #1 prospect at not only his position, but in the upcoming draft and projected to go within the first five picks if not the first overall pick.
This season Bosa has accumulated 40 total tackles with 15 for a loss and four sacks in nine games which is a far cry from his 2014 season where he had 55 total tackles with 21.5 for a loss, 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
The one red flag for Bosa off the field is following the 2014 season he was suspended for the opening game of 2015 for a violation of athletic department policy.
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