2013 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints Draft Grade
By Blake Meek
Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; St. Jude
1st Round 15th Overall — Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas — A-
This pick had to be between Vaccaro and Jarvis Jones. Vaccaro was one of the best safety in the draft and the Saints safeties were really bad last year. He gives them a lot of versatility being able to cover the slot WR or playing deep.
3rd Round 75th Overall — Teron Armstead OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff — A+
Armstead is an extremely athletic tackle who was flying up boards during the draft process. He was being talked about being taken at the end of the 1st round, so to get him in the 3rd is a great value at a position of real need.
3rd Round 82nd Overall — John Jenkins NT, Georgia — A
Another great get here. The Saints had to get someone to man the nose position in their new 3-4 defense and Jenkins can do just that. He is a huge man who is hard to move. Great value.
5th Round 144th Overall — Kenny Stills WR, Oklahoma — A-
Receiver isn’t exactly a position of need, but there are opportunities there with Devery Henderson now gone. Stills has the talent of a 3rd round player and fits in this offense very well.
6th Round 183rd Overall — Rufus Johnson DE/OLB, Tarleton St. — C
The Saints waited really late to take a pass rusher. I also think their were better values on the board since I had Johnson going undrafted.
Overall — A-
I really like what the Saints did and I think they will be a much improved team this year because of it. This grade would be an A or an A_ if they had been able to land an impact pass rusher, but not having that 2nd round pick really hurt. However they did get a starting safety, tackle and nose tackle as well as a receiver who can make an impact this year. They filled holes and had an overall great draft.