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Predicting the Saints 2016 rookie class production

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Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; A New Orleans Saints helmet rests on the bench prior to the Saints
Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; A New Orleans Saints helmet rests on the bench prior to the Saints /
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Jun 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end David Onyemata (93) during the final day of minicamp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end David Onyemata (93) during the final day of minicamp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

David Onyemata, Defensive End

The second trade the Saints pulled off in the 2016 NFL draft was trading up in the 4th Round to take David Onyemata, a raw prospect from Manitoba University in Canada. It was another aggressive move from the Saints, but one that eventually could pay off big time.

Onyemata has all the tools you look for in a defensive end. He’s 6-foot-4 and weighs 300 pounds, and absolutely dominated the offensive linemen he competed against in Canada. But as physically gifted as he is, he’s also extremely raw and new to the game of football. He has only played football for four years, and that was with the Canadian rules.

David Onyemata’s rookie season production all depends on how quickly he can pick things up and more importantly how the Saints plan to use him. He could be used as defensive tackle in pass-rushing packages and as a 7-technique defensive end.

Exceptions for Onyemata should be limited. His first season should be all about improving his football skills and adapt to the NFL style of play. The potential and upside with Onyemata is intriguing, and he could develop into a good player over time, but for now he is still a raw prospect.

Projection: 10 games played (1 start), 1.5 sacks, 10 QB pressures, 21 tackles

Next: Daniel Lasco

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