Saints News Network

The Saints Beat: Jameis Winston Praised, Saints Set More Visits, Drafting a Defensive Tackle

The Saints Beat dives into the latest New Orleans Saints news, notes, and nuggets from the beat writers and podcasters on this Easter holiday weekend.

Kyle T. Mosley

The Saints Beat: Jameis Winston Praised, Saints Set More Visits, Drafting a Defensive Tackle
The Saints Beat: Jameis Winston Praised, Saints Set More Visits, Drafting a Defensive Tackle /
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The Saints Beat dives into the latest New Orleans Saints news, notes, and nuggets from the beat writers and podcasters. This Easter holiday weekend features Jameis Winston and draft stories around the team in black and gold.

Jameis Winston and Defensive Tackles

Jameis Winston: The Servant

The latest Jameis Winston news came from an unlikely source from a 7x7 tournament in Hoover, Alabama. David Syx wrote on social media about how Jameis Winston impressed him by serving and holding others by holding an umbrella in the rain. It speaks to the character of Winston, who has humbled himself returning as a backup to Derek Carr after being named the starter the past two seasons in New Orleans. 

Here's the posting from Syx:

Karl Brooks - DT - Bowling Green
Sep 25, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Bowling Green Falcons defensive lineman Karl Brooks (44) sacks Minnesota Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

More Saints Draft Prospects

Pro Football Network reports Bowling Green defensive tackle Karl Brooks will visit the New Orleans Saints. Brooks is a 6-3 and 303-pound productive collegiate player who Lance Zierlein rates as an eventual starter in the league.

New Orleans may have initially met Brooks at the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He is a versatile player - a quality Dennis Allen likes in his defensive players.

Eli Nachmany of the NFL Draft Bible wrote, "Brooks impressed scouts during Senior Bowl week, showcasing a rare blend of speed and power for a player of his height-weight profile. In fact, some even see Brooks as a potential EDGE rusher in a pinch, given his pass-rushing ability."

Strengths from Zierlein:

  • Two-time team captain with 48 career starts.
  • Explosive production in major categories.
  • Winning first-step quickness sets the tone.

New Orleans is reloading at the defensive tackle position, and adding a rookie via the draft would only bolster a line after the departures of David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle.

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Predicting the Saints Big Board at No. 29

Hosts Joshua Perry and Michael Felder from Stadium's "Inside the League" believe New Orleans must focus on the defensive line at No. 29 in the 2023 NFL Draft. One name that came up was "Hercules," aka Lucas Van Ness, out of Iowa. The edge rusher would be an excellent addition for defensive coordinator Joe Woods to use in 2023-24. It's doubtful that the six-foot-five and two-hundred and seventy-two-pounder would be on the board for the Saints.

The other recommendation was Mazi Smith, who anchored Big Blue's defensive line. The redshirt junior is 6-3 and 323 pounds. He didn't have the best Pro Day numbers, " I rely on the tape, and not what I see at Pro Day."

Another candidate for the Saints mentioned on the podcast was Baylor's DT Siaki Ika. "If you want meat in the middle, this is your boy."

We will take another trip on "The Saints Beat" later this week leading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY