Saints rookie is already making great impression
The New Orleans Saints drafted Sheldon Rankins 12th-overall, and he’s widely expected to be their top rookie in 2016, and rightfully so.
But second-round selection Michael Thomas is also expected to contribute into the offense, but those two guys are far from the only first-years that should be able to produce on the team immediately.
Don’t forget 61st-overall pick in safety Vonn Bell out of Ohio State, who has a tough task of overtaking perennial Pro-Bowler Jairus Byrd on the depth chart. Given how Byrd’s tenure in New Orleans has been nothing short of a disaster, that’s not as big of a long shot as it seems.
In fact, Bell is already starting to show signs of hope in New Orleans. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has already caught onto his potential, per Joel A. Erickson of TheAdvocate.com.
“He’s got a nice athletic skill set for the safety positon. He has had a knack for being able to get his hands on the football. When you get a chance to add some guys from a championship program, guys that understand what it takes to win, I think that helps your football team.”
The Saints secondary was by far the league’s worst last year. They finished last in points allowed and second-last in yards surrendered. Byrd and Keenan Lewis struggled to stay healthy last year, so the Saints are banking on those guys to bounce back.
But Byrd is going to have to earn the job this time around. Bell will be fighting for reps right away, and the patience Allen and co. will have won’t be lasting long. In fact, no one should be surprise if Kenny Vacarro and Bell are your starting safeties to begin 2016.
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