Mike Detillier breaks down every Saints draft pick

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The 2019 NFL Draft is in the books, and the New Orleans Saints added five new players to their roster.  They plugged a big hole at center (Erik McCoy), found two young play-making safeties (Chauncey Gardner-Johnson & Saquan Hampton), and even got a tight end they had so desperately been looking for (Alize Mack).  Oh, and they capped it off by drafting the son of a 10 year NFL veteran (Kaden Elliss).  

Questions before Thursday centered around just how the Saints would find enough replenishing talent while only holding one pick in the first four rounds.  Well, they stayed true to their aggressive selves by trading up twice -- 17 times now they've done just that since 2007 -- but managed to use all five selections on players who most analysts believed should have been drafted higher.  Yes, that's the "value" that so many talk about this time of year.  Finding players, regardless of position, who are more "valuable" than their final draft spot would indicate.  Not only did the Saints find that value, they found players that fit their needs.

Value Value Value...Saints select Rutgers FS. Saquan Hampton in 6th round..My 70th ranked player..Saints picked him at #177.. pic.twitter.com/xpWUi1aYhI

— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) April 27, 2019

WWL draft analyst Mike Detillier was part of our radio coverage throughout the week.  Here's his thoughts on each of the Saints draft selections:

Erik McCoy, Center - 2nd Round (#48)

Detillier:  McCoy was a three-year starter at Texas A&M.   He's smart,  an outstanding communicator an technician, and an excellent run blocker and top-flight pass protector.   He gave up zero sacks last year and only one sack in his three season as an Aggie.  McCoy will be a player, not a watcher, in his first year with the Saints, who found themselves a quality starting-caliber center.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Safety - 4th Round (#105)

Detillier:  What a tremendous player and ball-hawk.  Gardner-Johnson has been used at free safety, strong safety, and in the nickel.   He's a take-no-prisoners type of player out on the field.  Excellent open-field tackler and also a very good cover safety.  He also makes big plays in big games.  He was my No. 37 ranked player and the Saints got him in the 4th Round at pick No. 105.

Saquan Hampton, Safety - 6th Round (#177)

Detillier:  Tough and aggressive, Hampton was the Rutgers' Team MVP in 2018.  He has played up on the line as a linebacker and yet still does an excellent job in coverage, mainly due to his excellent recovery speed and good ball skills.  Rated my No. 70 best all-around player, this was another value pick and he will help the Saints on special teams.

Alize' Mack, Tight End - 7th Round (#231)

Detillier:  Mack was a super highly recruited high school player in Nevada.  He kind of looks like a young Jared Cook.  My No. 10 ranked tight end, Mack is a fast pass catcher but inconsistent, yet willing, as a blocker.   He's also matured as a person during his time at Notre Dame.  He's talented, but will need to turn his potential into production as he can stretch the field with his speed.

Kaden Elliss, Linebacker - 7th Round (#244)

Detillier: Kaden is the son of former NFL defensive lineman Luther Elliss, who coaches the d-line at the University of Idaho, where Kaden played.  Elliss was a four-year starter there at linebacker, but also played tight end in high school.  He's a very good edge rusher at outside linebacker, and he has improved in coverage.  Aggressive and instinctive, he's a sure open-field tackler.  Elliss should said the Saints on special teams also.  

It’s unofficial on the N.O. Saints signings ...but here are 4 write ups on undrafted Free Agent commitments.“Lil” Jordan Humphrey-WR.Devine Ozigbo-HB.Chase Hansen-OLB.Jordan Wyatt-CB. pic.twitter.com/iJvecgDW08

— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) April 28, 2019