Based on 4 of the Saints’ 6 picks in this draft being edge front 7 players, I think it’s pretty clear what area of their team they were trying to upgrade. The last player they picked as another linebacker from Illinois, much like 3rd round choice Martez Wilson. Nate Bussey is their final pick of the 2011 draft.
Bussey was not rated by NFL.com, so I don’t have a write up from them to share with you like the other players we drafted. Rumer has it Bussey is a playmaker that has a knack for blocking punts, so he could be a special teamer.
I was able to find a write up on him on SI.com and here’s what they said:
Biography: “Broke into the starting lineup on a full-time basis as a senior and put up 83/8/5//1 with one interception. Started five games as a junior and had 43 tackles.”
Negatives: “Marginally instinctive. Easily taken from the action by tight ends or receivers.”
Analysis: “Bussey is an athletic college linebacker that lacks NFL size. He offers potential as a one-gap linebacker and may even get consideration as a conventional strong safety by a number of teams.”
Personally I think it’ll be a tall order for him to make the team but you never know. He does run a 4.51 40 yard dash, so he has real speed for a linebacker. He’s a little slight of size so he may be a safety. His best shot by far is on special teams – where Sean Payton has already said he expects him to contribute immediately. That concludes the Saints’ draft this year. Terrence Toliver and Josh Jasper of LSU are still undrafted with a few picks left so I’m hoping someone snatches them up.
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