Grading the 2016 New Orleans Saints draft

A. The biggest themes I see with Rankins is how humble and focused he is, and how excited he is about his new opportunity. He’s a player that is clearly hungry, and wants to make the most of his opportunity. What the Saints get out of Rankins is a hard worker all over the field that focuses on attacking the ball any chance he gets. He’s a true 3-technique defensive tackle that brings bull rushing and run stuffing to a team that needs to improve against the run and get after the passer. There’s nothing you should hate about this pick, and anything grade below an ‘A’ clearly doesn’t understand anything.. DT. Louisville Cardinals. SHELDON RANKINS

The 6-foot-3, 212-pound wide receiver is the nephew of wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. He’s been called an exceptional route-runner, and makes defenders look downright silly in the process. The Saints could use him in many ways, but he’ll be big in the short game running slants. Thomas told the media that New Orleans was his top choice, and the he fell in love with the city when he played at the Superdome during the College Football playoffs against Alabama. Thomas instantly pens in among the top three conversation with Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead. He does need some work on run blocking, but should pair well with wide receivers coach John Morton. Along with the other dynamic weapons of the Saints offense, this promises to be another Top 10 unit with Thomas in the mix. Oh by the way, noted draft analyst Matt Miller compared him to Dez Bryant (the good traits).. WR. Ohio State Buckeyes. MICHAEL THOMAS. A-

Ohio State Buckeyes. VONN BELL. B-. What the Saints gained was a safety that can ball-hawk and could insert himself in nickel packages immediately, but we get the debate as to whether Vonn Bell was worth the price tag. The team sent their third and fourth round pick in the trade. It seems a bit rough on the surface, but it actually favors the team according to the draft calculator. If you can believe it, the Pro Football Focus comparison for Bell is Jairus Byrd. Christopher Johnson, who actually breaks down Ohio State’s film, says that Bell is pure free safety with corner cover skills. He added that he makes big plays in big games. Bell told the media that Sean Payton called him a few times over the past couple of weeks, and requested video of him doing different things. The simple fact that he went the extra mile to send the film in says a lot about Bell. He has strong instincts that help him win.. S

After looking at some tape, it’s clear to see what the New Orleans Saints saw in another Canadian prospect. Although David Onyemata is newer to the game, he has learned the fundamentals and leverages his power (which he has a lot of) and anticipation to win. He’s a project, and that’s what you should remember here. He’ll have a lot of guys around him for support, and can only learn and grow under proper tutelage. When you put all the measurements up for Onyemata, he’s like a Brodrick Bunkley with way more upside.. DT. University of Manitoba Bison. DAVID ONYEMATA. C+

C+. I had no issues ridiculing this pick when it was made. After all, how could you not when someone like Landon Turner was sitting there waiting to be selected? The reason I don’t throw out gut reactions to grade is primarily to assess the reasoning behind it. Clearly, the upside is there with Daniel Lasco. He earned a mid-round grade by many, and offers a lot of versatility. In turn, that’s what Sean Payton’s team is all about. Is there really fuss to be made by having seven running backs on the roster? Probably not, given the health history of last year. Lasco will have to work hard in special teams to call for any consideration for the final spots, but having a change of pace back in a Sean Payton offense is hardly something to fuss about.. RB. California Golden Bears. DANIEL LASCO