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New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft Profile: Vernon Butler

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Sep 6, 2014; Lafayette, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns quarterback Terrance Broadway (8) runs with the ball as Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive lineman Vernon Butler (9) reaches in for the tackle in the first half at Cajun Field. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Lafayette, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns quarterback Terrance Broadway (8) runs with the ball as Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive lineman Vernon Butler (9) reaches in for the tackle in the first half at Cajun Field. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NFL Draft is less than a week away, and we continue to profile potential prospects that could fit the New Orleans Saints. Louisiana Tech’s Vernon Butler could be an intriguing prospect to watch towards the end of Day 1 and early on Day 2.

It’s no secret that the Saints could drastically improve their defensive line in this year’s draft with the amount of talented prospects available. The team could get high defensive tackle value as late as the third round of the draft. Vernon Butler, if available, would instantly impact the team’s pass rushing and run stopping.

Next: One last seven-round 2016 New Orleans Saints mock draft

Measureables

  • Height: 6-foot-4
  • Weight: 323 pounds
  • Arm length: 35 1/8 inches
  • Hands: 10 3/4 inches

Butler put in a strong Senior Bowl, but didn’t follow that up with the strongest Combine performance. However, analysts still remain high on him because of his film. Butler has a long reach and displays good burst from an interior lineman, and when you couple that with his raw power and agility, it makes him a solid choice in a very deep class.

How he fits the New Orleans Saints:

Landing Nick Fairley was a big boost for 2016, but it’s tough to say the Saints’ pass rush will be solved with just him. Tyeler Davison and John Jenkins will factor in as the primary players used on the team’s four-man front in addition to Fairley, but some competition from someone like Vernon Butler could make it a bit more interesting.

Butler, who has drawn comparisons to Muhammed Wilkerson, would insert himself into Dennis Allen’s squad as a strong 4-3 defensive tackle despite playing multiple positions for the LA Tech Bulldogs.

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