New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft Profile: Christian Westerman
If there’s one spot the New Orleans Saints will need to address in the 2016 NFL Draft, then it’d be the offensive line. Arizona State guard Christian Westerman would be good mid-round fit for the team.
Measureables
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 298 pounds
- Arm length: 33 1/2 inches
- Hands: 11 7/8 inches
6-foot-4 guard Christian Westerman played in 1,103 snaps for the Arizona State Sun Devils offense in 2015, allowing only 2 sacks while giving up 18 total pressures. Westerman was five-star recruit, and originally got his start with the Auburn Tigers. Westerman transferred out of Auburn after the 2012 season to the Sun Devils, and went on to be a strong presence on their offensive line.
Westerman possesses the ideal characteristics you’d want out of a guard with his athleticism and strength, and is able to create some gaps in the running game. He excels at zone schemes, and could find himself as either a guard or center in the NFL.
How he fits the New Orleans Saints:
The Saints didn’t pursue any of the appealing offensive guards available in free agency this offseason, much to the surprise of many. At one point, they only had a almost unknown Cyril Lemon as their lone option at guard. Eventually, the black and gold locked up the underrated Senio Kelemete and had Tim Lelito sign his restricted free agent tender offer. Needless to say, there’s a legitimate reasoning behind the Saints looking for a guard or two in just a few short days.
The Saints could use Westerman as a utility knife similar to what they’ve done with Kelemete. Protecting Drew Brees is clearly a top priority, and the team could shift Westerman where it makes sense. He’d have to tack on weight to play tackle, but if he could perfect the guard position and enhance his skill set to center, then it might be a good pairing for all parties involved.