New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft Profile: Jonathan Bullard
The defensive line remains a pressing need for the New Orleans Saints as we enter the home stretch toward the NFL Draft, and Florida’s Jonathan Bullard is certainly an intriguing option.
We continue our New Orleans Saints draft profile coverage with Florida Gators standout defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard, who possesses the capabilities to be a disruptive force the moment he steps onto the field in the NFL.
Measureables:
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 285 LBS
Arm length: 33 5/8 inches
Hands: 10 inches
Combine results:
40-yard dash: 4.93 seconds
Bench press (225 LBS): 23 reps
Vertical: 32 inches
Broad jump: 116 inches
3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.56 seconds
Analysis:
Jonathan Bullard is a bit underweight to be a traditional defensive tackle, but he has the type of frame that can support some bulking up. He also possesses the versatility to play along the entire defensive front, which is a big plus at the next level.
He’s explosive off the snap and plays with a relentless motor. He uses a variety of moves to shed blockers to get around the edge, while also using his impressive lower-body strength to overpower his opponents on the inside to get into the backfield to disrupt the quarterback and/or eat up the ball carrier.
While his first step is top-notch, Bullard can, at times, play with his pad level too high, keeping his legs stiff and lacking bend in his knees, which won’t work against NFL blockers. But proper care under a solid coaching staff could quickly fix that problem and help him evolve into a more consistent pass rusher.
Watch Jonathan Bullard and Florida’s defense knock off a top-ranked Ole Miss team in dominating fashion:
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How he fits with the New Orleans Saints:
Despite adding Nick Fairley in free agency, you can bet your bottom dollar the New Orleans Saints will be looking to bulk up the defensive front via the NFL Draft in hopes of accumulating sacks, busting up plays in the backfield, and disrupting opposing quarterbacks, which will ultimately help out the secondary and increase turnover chances.
New Orleans needs to improve in every aspect of the game on the defensive side of the ball, and drafting Jonathan Bullard could be a good start, as he can be used along the entire line, whether it’s inside next to Nick Fairley, John Jenkins, or Tyler Davison, or opposite Cam Jordan at the other defensive end spot. Bullard has the intangibles to be a difference maker wherever you assign him.
With so much defensive tackle depth in the upcoming draft, Bullard will be available to the Saints with the 12th pick, unless something very unexpected happens. He’s projected to go anywhere from the middle of the first round to the early second. The Saints could likely trade back and acquire an additional pick if they wanted to draft the Florida star.