Recent history of the 15th pick shows value and consistency:

whodatworm23 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 2550 Location: Nawlins

Over the course of the last 5 years, the 15th selection has produced solid key contributors to the teams that have made those selections.

Let’s take a look…

Honorable Mention:
2012 – Bruce Irvin DE Seahawks

I have Irvin here as an honorable mention because I truly feel a player needs a minimum of two years in the league before we start getting a good evaluation on how he’s translating. In 2012 the Seahawks were the brunt of a lot of jokes on draft night. Most scouts had Irvin as a 2nd round value at best but Pete Carroll took a chance on Irvin and it paid off for in this past season. As the Seahawks pass rush specialist on 3rd down, Irvin applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks and ended his rookie season with a solid 8 sacks. Time will tell if Irvin will develop into anything more than a specialty player but for now he looks to be very good at what he does and that’s getting after the quarterback.

2011 – Mike Pouncey OC Dolphins

The Dolphins drafted Pouncey 15th overall and when you take an interior offensive lineman that high, much is expected. Pouncey has lived up to the billing, becoming one of the better players at his position and will likely continue his upward development as one of the best in the NFL in time.

2010 – Jason Pierre-Paul DE Giants

I think this name says it all! Pierre-Paul was looked at as the ultimate boom or bust pick in 2010 and after the Giants selected him with the 15th selection he didn’t let them down. Pierre-Paul has developed into one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers and is the blueprint for what teams look for at the position now.

2009 – Brian Cushing ILB Texans

Cushing has been overshadowed in the NFL by college teammate Clay Matthews but that still hasn’t stopped him from developing into one of the NFL’s best 34 inside backers under Wade Phillips. Cushing has dealt with suspensions for PED use and a season ending injury on a chop block during his short career but he’s still one of the players the Texans will use as cornerstones for their defense heading into the future.

2008 – Branden Albert LT Chiefs

While Branden Albert wasn’t the caliber of player Jake Long (who went #1 in 2008) was for the first few years in the NFL, he has developed into a solid NFL left tackle. Albert is now a free agent and will likely land a large contract from either the Chiefs or another franchise while Long’s future hinders around injury questions and his long-term health.

2007 – Lawrence Timmons ILB Steelers

The Steelers always seem to find quality 1st round defenders and in 2007 Timmons was no exception. Since being drafted 15th overall, Timmons has developed into one of the Steelers most productive defenders on one of the NFL’s best defenses year in and year out.

So, as the Saints sit waiting for the 15th overall selection to come around on draft day in April, and many of us are screaming at our television set for the black & gold to either trade up for a player or down for picks… be careful what you wish for, we may just trade out of a great player and recent history shows that.

WHODAT
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Spartica4Real · Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 708

Dion Jordan. Dudes a stud and I'd even take him with a top 5 pick, he's great.
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whodatworm23 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 2550 Location: Nawlins

Spartica4Real · Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 708

Pass Rushing moves arent the hardest thing in the world to develop. Rolling Eyes

And we need someone who can drop back into coverage. He can put on some weight to add to his frame.

Off topic, but LOL @ Mayock having Shariff Floyd as a higher rated DT then Louetelitie.
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whodatworm23 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 2550 Location: Nawlins

whodatworm23 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 2550 Location: Nawlins

As far as Jordan, I still have him as a top 15 talent... make no mistake, prospects with his athletic ability and length always have high value. I just see him as more of a project than most.

However I do agree that he possesses the kind of unique skill set that could make him the best player out of this draft a few years from now.
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FLOODx · Joined: 26 Feb 2009 Posts: 5446 Location: ZOO ORLEANS

Pretty awesome picks at 15. Hope we can continue the trend!
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NFL- Saints
NBA- Pelicans/LeBron
NCAAF- LSU

Porter22 · Joined: 13 Feb 2010 Posts: 2057 Location: Weyhe, Germany