NFL Draft Grades: Saints lead NFC South, Saban shines but Goodell doesn’t

So, now the NFL Draft grades are going out, and here’s mine. Sort of.

The New Orleans Saints had the best draft in the NFC South, and did so without having a pick in the third or fourth round.
They stayed true to form, placing a high value on positions that are extremely difficult to fill in free agency.

Offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry should be starters.

Even though Sean Payton has departed, the organization stayed true to a staple – when drafting a receiver, go big. Bub Means out of Pitt is 6-foot-1, and he averaged an eye-popping 17.6 yards per catch.

The drafting of quarterback Spencer Rattler in the 5th round was unexpected, but it makes sense. Despite being benched at Oklahoma, Rattler made 42 college starts and has a very strong arm. “Pure arm talent screams NFL starter,” said Ourlads draft guide. When you can get that at pick 150 in the draft, that is a good investment.

Tulane fans might be wondering how Rattler was picked two rounds ahead of their quarterback Michael Pratt. My take? Pratt has always been underrated. He was so out of high school, and he will be headed to the NFL. Pratt runs well enough, and has a very good arm, but nothing he does overwhelms you except win.

While the round may not be to Pratt’s liking, Green Bay is a great spot for him. Matt LeFleur is a very respected offensive mind. The Packers have proven that they can develop quarterbacks.

In the 6th round, the Saints selected Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford, who should be an immediate contributor on special teams. In round 7, the Saints added Eastern Kentucky offensive tackle Josiah Ezirim, a mammoth at 6-5 and 329 pounds who is a project, but really, what else do you expect from a 7th round pick?

The Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, after guaranteeing Kirk Cousins $100 million, was a head-scratcher.

For their head coach, Raheem Morris, to say there is no quarterback controversy is pretty interesting. If Cousins starts poorly, fans will immediately be calling for Penix, who was impressive in the Allstate Sugar Bowl when he passed for over 400 yards and two touchdowns with only nine incompletions.

The star of the draft was former Alabama head coach Nick Saban. His analysis was thorough. Saban was totally prepared and offered perspective throughout the draft. He was terrific.

As for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, I don’t quite understand the unbuttoned shirt with no tie. Goodell is the commissioner of one of the most high-profile leagues in the world. So, wear a tie.

Can you imagine Pete Rozelle or Paul Tagliabue not doing so? They understood the moment. Clearly, Goodell does not.

But hey, the NFL had a giant week in Detroit. The draft was proof that the NFL far outdistances any sports league in America. And Goodell should also get credit for that, whether he is attired properly or not.