NFL Draft 2015: Saints select Hau’oli Kikaha with 44th pick
After taking offensive lineman Andrus Peat and linebacker Stephone Anthony in the first round, the New Orleans Saints have selected Washington standout linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha with the No. 44 overall pick in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Black and Gold are in the process of bolstering up their defense, continuing to do so by adding a solid pass rusher in Kikaha, the FBS sack leader in 2014 that has been flying under the draft radar all offseason.
The big 6-foot-2, 253 pound linebacker is an animal, never giving up on a play. A motor like his is needed down on the bayou. Best fit for a 3-4 alignment, Hau’oli Kikaha is a scheme player, making him a perfect fit for the New Orleans Saints.
By many scouts and analysts, he is considered the most complete pass rusher in this rookie class. A bit slow, Hau’oli Kikaha’s speed could use some work, but his explosiveness off the snap is still there.
From GoHuskies.com:
2014 Unanimous First-Team All-America
Polynesian Player of the Year Award FINALIST
Lombardi Award FINALIST
Butkus Award FINALIST
Lott Impact Trophy FINALIST
Ted Hendricks Award FINALIST
Bednarik Award Semi-Finalist
2014 First-Team All-America (AP, AFCA, FWAA, TSN, Walter Camp, ESPN, CBS Sports, scout.com, SB Nation)
2014 Second-Team All-America (USA Today, Sports Illustrated)
2014 CoSIDA Academic All-District VIII
2014 All-Pac-12 First Team
2014 Academic All-Pac-12 First Team
Hau’oli Kikaha owns numerous school records at Washington that include career sacks (36), career tackles for loss yards (275), a staggering single-season sacks record (19), single-season tackles for loss (25), and single-season tackles for loss yards (139). All single-season records came in 2014.
This is a guy that could come in and compete immediately for playing time, with a very big chance of earning a starting role opposite Junior Galette before the 2015 season begins. This a great pickup for the New Orleans Saints — the Who Dat Nation should be excited.
The Saints still have some holes to be filled, including defensive tackle, wide receiver, guard and cornerback. New Orleans is back on the clock in the third round with the 75th and 78th picks.