New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft Profile: Joshua Garnett
Protection for New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is crucial for the team’s success, so we take a closer look at Stanford guard Johsua Garnett and suggest how he could fit into the scheme via the 2016 NFL Draft.
We continue our draft profile coverage with Stanford’s Joshua Garnett, a former college teammate of New Orleans Saints tackle Andrus Peat and one of the top guard prospects in this year’s rookie class.
Measureables:
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 312 LBS
Arm length: 33 7/8 inches
Hands: 10 1/8 inches
Combine results:
40-yard dash: 5.32 seconds
Bench press (225 LBS): 30 reps
Broad jump: 99 inches
3-cone drill: 7.62 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.64 seconds
Analysis:
A big, powerful frame highlighted by superb upper and lower-body strength, Joshua Garnett turned in an impressive combine in the power category after hitting 30 bench-press reps (fifth among offensive linemen).
Garnett uses his lower-body strength to plant his feet, while using his upper-body power to often manhandle oncoming defenders. However, slow feet tend to put him off-balance, which can cause him to lose his man and allow pressure into the backfield. But it’s all fixable.
His lack of athleticism isn’t ideal, but what’s why he plays guard and not tackle. He’s one of the top interior linemen in this draft, and a Consensus All-American selection, an Outland Trophy (top college interior lineman), and a Morris Trophy (Pac-12 Lineman of the Year) will help prove that point valid.
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How he fits with the New Orleans Saints:
Joshua Garnett, a college teammate of New Orleans Saints tackle Andrus Peat, undoubtedly possesses the intangibles to make a day-one impact, wherever he lands. And for a team (Saints) with questions at the guard position, this kid could be money. It is expected the Saints will address the need for a guard in the draft.
This New Orleans Saints offense lives and breathes off of Drew Brees’ production. And while the All-Pro quarterback continues to play at a high level, at times, he can struggle, and inconsistency from the offensive line is to blame.
Garnett would be a solid building block in an effort to remodel the interior, an area that lacks proven talent (Senio Kelemete, Cyril Lemon, and Tim Lelito if re-signed). He can keep Brees and the next quarterback safe, while opening up holes for the Saints’ potentially dangerous ground attack as a long-term option on the line.