Saints rookies begin long roads to make their marks in the NFL

A look at #Saints rookie camp! pic.twitter.com/t0STEP9GAQ

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 13, 2018

METAIRIE – The New Orleans Saints conducted their auditions for a few select NFL veteran free agents and undrafted rookies as well as orientation for the 2018 draft class this weekend.

One player who has garnered a great deal of attention wasn’t drafted, but J.T. Barrett is vying for a spot that could be important to the team’s success moving forward.

The 6-foot-1, 222 pound quarterback is thickly built. The former Ohio State signal caller set a Big Ten passing standard with 104 career touchdown passes. He added 3,200 yards as a foot soldier with 43 additional scores.

Does he consider himself a dual threat QB or a passer who can run?

“I’m a QB that can run,” he replied. “I like to stay in the pocket, but try not to get hit.  You have to get away (from pass rush) sometimes, tuck it and get a first down or touchdown.

Barrett tried to emulate NFL stars while with the Buckeyes. “In college, I watched Drew Brees and how he operates. Also a little of Russell Wilson, maybe a jump pass like Aaron Rodgers, although I haven’t mastered that yet,” he said grinning. “I try to take a little bit from everybody and incorporate it into what I do.”

The three time Ohio State team captain and four-year starter had a number of options at his disposal when it came to invitations from NFL teams, but he recognized New Orleans has the best spot for him. “Watching from afar, growing up watching Drew Brees and Sean Payton, how they run the organization and what they do offensively was a good fit for me,” Barrett explained. “I want to try to come in and learn as much as I can.”

Most importantly right now for the undrafted hopeful, Saints head coach Sean Payton sees potential in Barrett.

“I thought that he was worthy of being drafted,” Payton said. “He displays leadership, has played in a lot of competitive football games.”

Brother Martin alum and LSU product Will Clapp becomes the first local drafted by the Saints since the Black and Gold grabbed Jesuit and LSU wide receiver Tommy Morel in the 11th round in 1969. Clapp was taken with the 245th pick in round seven, but that doesn’t mean he lacks a good chance to stick.

Interestingly, just retired Saints tackle Zach Strief was a seventh rounder, the 210th pick in the 2006 draft. Clapp will wear Strief’s jersey No. 64.

Strief displayed the class that all Saints fans and media alike are accustomed to seeing from him by texting Clapp and offering support immediately following his selection two weeks ago. “I got to meet him today,” Clapp said.” He’s a cool guy. I’m glad that I got to pick his brain.”

Recognized as a player with a high football IQ, Clapp is being viewed as a swingman at guard and center, similar to what departed free agent Senio Kelemete was able to do the past couple of season for the Saints. Clapp manned both positions at LSU. “I like center more. I like making those calls, having to think for you,” said Clapp. “I would like to refine my technique and get more aggressive. Little things.”

The Saints are hoping to upgrade the wide receiver spots, adding a pair of potentially key components. Offseason free agent acquisition Cameron Meredith and 2018 third round pick Tre’Quan Smith will have their chances to contribute.

Saints receivers coach Curtis Johnson’s eyes lit up while describing the potential of Meredith, his former pupil when both were with the Bears. “He led the team in receiving (66 catches, 688 yards and four touchdowns in 2016) despite catching passes from four different QB’s,” Johnson explained. “He runs excellent routes, will give up his body. He’s a big target and is physical.  He’s also a good blocker. We’re glad to have him.”

Smith is being viewed as an option who could be a big target with vice-grip like hands or a deep threat to stretch the field. He’s not afraid to throw a block downfield either, a must in the New Orleans offense.

“I’m hearing that already from (Curtis Johnson),” Smith noted about blocking.

As for the transition to the pro game, Smith is focused on heightened awareness. “You have to have a clock in your head and know where you are (on the field). If you get jammed up, I have to cut my route short because the quarterback is on his own read and it’s all about timing. You have to know how to adjust,” Smith explained.

Payton sees upside in his third round selection. “He’s long. He’s athletic in and out of his cuts,” said Payton. “ He still needs to work on his lower body strength, but he’s handled the install well.  I think he’s a quick study.”

It is well known that fourth round pick Rick Leonard has only spent a short time (19 starts over the past two seasons) on the offensive side of the ball, making the switch from defensive end for Florida State in 2016. He is a work in progress, but at over 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, Leonard possesses athleticism and length along with a desire to learn.

“I’m concentrating on trying to get better every day. I’m willing to play any position that they ask me to. I just want to learn from the vets and soak up all the knowledge that I can,” Leonard said.

Having played the edge at Florida State should serve as an advantage now as he tries to stop and block people who play that role, but Leonard did have to add weight and strength with the move. “Lots and lots of calories,” he said concerning 50 pounds gained the past two years. “I was eating eight times a day with a lot of lifting.  It has been an advantage (the move), understanding how pass rushing works and the keys that they have.”

Defensive back Natrell Jamerson from Wisconsin was hailed by ESPN draft analysts as perhaps the most skilled special teamer in the entire draft.

“I come out every day and give it my all,” stated the converted wide receiver and fifth round pick. “I focus on what I do every day with energy and hard work.

Jamerson opened eyes at the combine with a 4.4 forty, 37.5″ vertical and 25 reps on the bench press test. His physical talent opens up options for the Saints to use him in several different roles.

Undrafted tight end Deon Yelder (6-3, 255), a late-blooming prospect out of Western Kentucky, snared 52 passes for 688 yards and seven scores in 2017 after rarely seeing the field on offense before his final college season. He possesses skills that could earn him a long look when the pads come on.

One of Yelder’s new teammates is among the pro tight ends he has tried to emulate.

“Ben Watson, Delanie Walker, Tyler Higbee and Vernon Davis. I watch them all and see how they do it.”

Payton feels Yelde, who received a significant $90,000 bonus to sign here, has a chance. “He’s big and he can run. He’s done pretty well here for the first two days.  His speed and some of his times were good. We think he catches the ball well. We have to work (with him) and get him up to speed a little bit in blocking.”

One rookie who is expected to draw lots of attention from the staff and fans alike is a sixth round choice, Louisiana Tech’s Boston Scott.  He is identical in size and comparable skill to Tampa Bay’s Jacquizz Rodgers.

The 5-foot-7 runner plays with a huge chip on his shoulder. He also had to earn a scholarship while walking on with the Bulldogs out of Zachary High School. Scott is used to taking on big hurdles.

“This is an incredible opportunity,” Scott said. “We grew up as Saints fans. I’m glad I can come out here and contribute anyway I can, special teams, offense, anyway I can.  I’m looking to get on the field and produce.”

Despite being short in stature, Scott turned in a 4.4 forty with a 38 1/2″ vertical and 21 reps on the bench press test. He won the power lifting state title while at Zachary. Relentless work ethic has served him well.

A fan favorite at La. Tech, Scott earned his scholarship days before his team’s December 2015 R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl matchup against Arkansas State. The Bulldogs prevailed, 47-28, and Scott rewarded the program’s believe in him with a four-carry, 106 yard performance.

Not just an outside runner who thrives in the open field, Scott feels he’s capable of running between the tackles. He has learned by watching a back similar in stature, former Saints standout Darren Sproles.

“I love it. I believe being a running back is an art and once I learn it, I can use my height to my advantage. I’m unwilling to go down (easy).  Defenses can’t see me behind the line.”

Scott lettered four years at Zachary in soccer which has helped his hand-eye coordination and his footwork. It’s another factor in his ability to make people miss.

“I’ve watched Darren (Sproles) film and tape. I’ve watched him with the Saints, Chargers and Eagles,” Scott explained. “But I still want to be Boston Scott.”

Every young Saints rookie from Scott to first round pick Marcus Davenport hears comparisons to current and former players. But like Scott, all of them are just working to establish their own identities in the NFL.