The Saints franchise has existed since 1967, and only 11 times has New Orleans drafted an LSU player, and never in the first round. But could history happen tonight?
WWL Radio’s Mike Detillier is predicting New Orleans will take former LSU All-American Mansoor Delane in the first round with the eighth overall pick.
“You lose Alontae Taylor, he was a big part of this Saints defense, playing out wide and playing in the slot, and I think you can move either Kool-Aid McKinstry or Quincy Riley into that slot position and have Mansoor Delane play out wide,” Detillier said.
After three solid seasons at Virginia Tech, Delane became a lockdown cornerback at LSU. He’s just the 14th unanimous All-American in LSU history. Delanne started 11 games, had 45 tackles, 13 passes defended, 11 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions.
Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says Delanne is an impressive young man.
“I talked to him about what he was doing in the offseason, he was great, he had great answers, obviously a great player, he’s gonna be taken high,” Loomis said.
There is a chance Delane does not make it to the Saints, who have the eighth pick. The Commanders could take the D.C.-area prospect with the seventh overall pick.
If Washington or New Orleans does not take Delane, the Chiefs could pick him with the ninth overall pick.
Delanne could be the only SEC player selected in the top ten.
The next LSU Tiger that could hear his name called is safety A.J. Haulcy.
Detillier says NFL scouts like Haulcy’s physicality. He’s shown to be an excellent open-field tackler. Detillier also says he drops back well in coverage and finds the ball quickly in flight.
Haulcy can also come off the edge well to rush the passer. The 22-year-old is expected to be a second-round pick.
Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is one of the more interesting stories of this draft. His draft stock plummeted during his senior season because persistent oblique pain.
But NFL teams no longer have any long-term health concerns regarding the Nuss Bus after doctors discovered a cyst on his spine as a reason for that oblique pain.
Detillier anticipates Nussmeier will be selected in the 2nd or 3rd round.
“He can hum it down field, has some riverboat gambler in him, but a lot of teams like that, he understands this game in a certain way, certainly growing up and you can’t teach accuracy, you either have it, or you don’t, and he’s got that.”
Detillier believes linebacker Harold Perkins will be a middle-round draft. It’s hard to figure out what position he’ll play in the NFL.
Detillier also has receiver Barion Brown going in the 5th or 6th round. Brown can also return kicks.
Fellow receiver Zavion Thomas could be selected in the sixth or seventh round.
