New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft Grades

Morgan Epstein grades the New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft. Does New Orleans have a bright future after drafting Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins with the twelfth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft?

12. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville A+ Grade

Sheldon Rankins can play in the 4-3 or the 3-4. He has games on tape where he sacked Blake Bortles and Paxton Lynch as a sophomore. New Orleans has a starting defensive tackle with a tremendous work ethic who already jumped John Jenkins as the starting defensive tackle on their depth chart. This was a terrific pick by the Saints.

39. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State A+ Grade

New Orleans has Willie Snead and Brandin Cooks as starters. Michael Thomas may move to the slot or they could put Thomas on the outside with three wide receiver sets and move Cooks to the slot. Either way, I think Thomas gets some playing time as a rookie. Thomas has the size, speed, route running, and hands that you look for in a wide receiver.

61. Von Bell, FS, Ohio State A Grade

Von Bell provides fantastic value at this spot. Making him a backup to Jarius Byrd at free safety was a smart decision when you consider Bell has the versatility to play strong safety or free safety.

120. David Onyemata, DT, Manitoba F Grade

Andrew Billings was still on the board, and they passed on him for David Onyemata out of Maniotba. The Saints could have used this pick on a starting right guard or a 4-3 left end so I really don't understand this pick.

237. Daniel Lasco, RB, California D Grade

Daniel Lasco is was a great value pick, but he is listed as a fifth string running back on the Saints depth chart coming off a season where he suffered a season ending injury at California. Lasco looked great at the NFL Combine, but I'm giving this a D grade because fifth string players get cut before the regular season 90 percent of the time.

New Orleans Saints Team Grade: B Grade

New Orleans only had 5 picks. They came away with two starters plus two premium value picks. The only pick I disliked was the David Onyemata pick. Von Bell and Daniel Lasco may not start right away like Sheldon Rankins or Michael Thomas, but they provide incredible value picks.