New Orleans Saints Undrafted Rookies: Nic Jacobs
October 6, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; LSU tight end Nic Jacobs (84) runs past Florida Gators linebacker Michael Taylor (51) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Louisiana State 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Coach Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis are superb at finding those hidden gems that go untouched during the selection process. Following the 2014 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints gathered up a boatload of new faces from the undrafted free agent market. One new name that fans should know for the time being is Nic Jacobs from Louisiana’s own McNeese State University in Lake Charles.
Jacobs prepped in Louisiana as a tight end/defensive end hybrid at Many High School in Many, LA. He was named to the New Orleans-Times Picayune Blue Chip List and the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen. In other words, Jacobs was an excellent high school football player. As a senior, he totaled 13 catches for 206 yards and also recorded 27 tackles and three sacks on defense. He headed to college as the No. 10 tight end prospect in the country by Scout.com
Jacobs actually began his college career at LSU. He redshirted in 2010 and then did not record any receiving stats in 2011. In 2012, Jacobs played in nine games totaling five catches for 58 and no scores. He was suspended for the final four games of the Tigers’ season for violating team rules and then transferred to McNeese for the 2013 season. The tight end started 12 of 13 games for the Cowboys tallying 32 receptions for 453 yards and four touchdowns.
Jacobs enters the NFL as more of a blocking tight end. He stands at 6-foot-5 and owns 10-inch hands, which could make him an ideal red zone target. However, he lacks the ideal speed, footwork and route running skills to be a factor as a receiver. He has trouble separating from defenders and gaining yards after the catch, but maybe a little practice under some great Saints coaching can improve his game.
It will be interesting to see if Nic Jacobs makes the cut or not. Until a deal is reached, TE Jimmy Graham is likely going to be absent from most, if not all organized team activities. This would be a great time for Jacobs to step his game up and possibly secure a spot on the roster. We’ll have to keep an eye on him as the weeks progress and see what the Saints have in store for the young, Louisiana native.