Will the Saints nab another Heisman Trophy winner?
By E.J. Terry
The Saints have had a few Heisman Trophy winners. George Rogers, Danny Weurffel, Mark Ingram. Is another on the horizon?
The 2017 NFL Football season has come to a close with the Philadelphia Eagles becoming first-time Super Bowl Champions. GMs, coaches and anyone else who’s a passionate fan of the NFL will begin anticipating which free agents and draft picks will fit best to give their team or teams the best opportunity to be successful enough to play on the big day, Super Bowl Sunday.
The Saints endured a disappointing loss in the final seconds of the Divisional game against the Minnesota Vikings. To say that their fans are disappointed that they did not position themselves to a higher degree to make it to the NFC Championship is an understatement.
This may be the worst loss in New Orleans Saints history. Hence, as Saints fans begin to forget about the tough loss and look ahead to next season, I’ve simplified some focus on the 2017 Heisman Trophy candidates. One of which makes the most sense for the Saints future plans.
Baker Mayfield
Let’s begin with 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is not the prototypical quarterback by today’s NFL standards. His 6ft 220lb frame will convey him to work harder on his mechanics.
One positive aspect about Mayfield is that he can make plays with his feet if there isn’t an open receiver. A negative aspect of using his footwork as a tool is the fact that he put himself in harms way. He’ll have to work on looking off defensive players and being patient in the pocket.
It will take some time for him to get to a point of where he can throw the ball in spots or perform back shoulder throws to receivers.
Mayfield’s leadership abilities were put into question at times. But a team willing to work with him may acquire a diamond in the rough. Only time will tell.
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Bryce Love
Next, Running Back Bryce Love. The 2017 Heisman Trophy runner up will return to Stanford for his senior season. Love was second in the nation in rushing yards with 2,118.
Although he won’t be available until the 2019 NFL Draft, he could be on the radar for the Saints. Mark Ingram is entering the final year of his contract. Based on needs, I would be hard pressed to draft him in the 1st or 2nd round unless Alvin Kamara takes a dive.
Lamar Jackson
The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner, Lamar Jackson, is my candidate who best fits the Saints out of all three from 2017. Many of the sports writers and critics question his accuracy.
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Accuracy can be fixed. Jackson is elusive enough to make plays in the air and on the ground. He’s also tall enough at 6’3″ to look over defensive lines.
Once Jackson improves his accuracy, he’ll be a force to reckoned with. If he gets drafted by the Saints, Drew Brees will be the perfect teacher to prepare him to help the Saints remain successful.