Saints active in undrafted rookie free agent market

Now that the 202 NFL Draft is officially over, the real test to find diamonds in the rough has begun.

The New Orleans Saints have done well historically with undrafted free agents. Sammy Knight and Pierre Thomas, a couple of Saints Hall of Famers, are two examples.

The Saints have reportedly agreed to bring in the follow undrafted rookies:

Tennessee WR Marquez Callaway
Oregon DE Gus Cumberlander
Maryland DB Tino Ellis
Oregon WR Juwan Johnson
Notre Dame RB Tony Jones, Jr.
LSU G/T Adrian Magee
Utah T/G Darrin Paulo
Texas DL Malcolm Roach
Northern Illinois T/G Jordan Steckler
Oregon OL Calvin Throckmorton
West Virginia DB Keith Washington

Here’s more on some of the undrafted free agents of note New Orleans added Saturday evening:

Michigan State LB Joe Bachie (6-1, 230)

Projected as high as the fifth round, he runs a 4.67 forty. Bachie was a team captain at Michigan State. Very tough, he steps into gaps to meet runners. He recorded 100 tackles in both 2017 and ’18 bur Was suspended for the second half of 2019 after a positive test for a PED. He is a good athlete who posted 26 reps on bench press test and 33.5″ vertical at the NFL Combine.

LSU OL Adrian Magee

Mostly used as a guard, Magee played in 40 total games with 20 starts including a pair at right tackle. The Franklinton alum emerged as a starter in 2013 at left guard as part of the offensive line voted the nation’s best. Magee was a second-team All-SEC selection.

Oregon DE Gus Cumberlander (6-7, 256)

One word – length. A left knee injury shortened his 2019 season to six games. In 30 career games for Ducks, Cumberlander recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

Tennessee WR Marquez Callaway (6-1, 205)

A big play threat with over 21 yards per catch last season, he posted a 4.55 forty and 38″ vertical. Also an exciting punt returner, Callawau eats up cushion in routes and shows soft hands.

Oregon WR Juwan Johnson (6-4, 230)

After transferring from Penn State for the 2019 season, he came on late after early injury issues. He uses his big frame as a very good blocker and shows the will to be physical after the catch. Johnson could get a look at tight end. He posted a 4.58 forty, 33″ vertical and good agility numbers at the Combine.

Texas DE Malcolm Roach (6-2, 298)

The Madison Prep alum runs very well (4.84). He played end in a three-man front for the Longhorns but could get look inside or outside. Roach might thrive in a 3-tech role for the even front Saints.

Oregon OL Calvin Throckmorton (6-5, 317)

Having played every spot on line, he is not especially quick (5.57 forty) but proved reliable as a four-year starter for the Ducks. He is strong with good technique and very smart.

Northern Illinois OL Jordan Steckler (6-5, 305)

Nasty with the ability to play both tackle and guard, he made 43 college starts. Steckler has shorter than preferred arms but good feet. He posted a 3.62 GPA.

Notre Dame RB Tony Jones (5-11, 224)

He is not fast (4.68) but proved useful on all three downs. As a one-year starter, he had 857 yards and six touchdowns rushing as a physical runner with good vision. Jones can pick up blitz and shows good hands.

Maryland CB Tino Ellis (6-1, 195)

The converted wide receiver has good length to play boundary corner. Eliis suffered a torn pec, missing half of last season.

West Virginia CB Keith Washington II (6-1, 183)

The transfer from Michigan (where he spent 2015-’16) and Copiah Lincoln (2017) played in 22 games for the Mountaineers. Based on his speed alone (4.38 forty), he is worth a long look.

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Other interesting undrafted free agent signings elsewhere…
TE Thaddeus Moss (LSU) – Redskins
OT Badara Traore (LSU) – Bears
QB J’Mar Smith (La. Tech) – Patriots
DT Benito Jones (Ole Miss) – Miami