The Saints have taken a small school player in the 5th round to fill a need in Davis Tull. Tull is from UT-Chattanooga. His production and speed are significant, so in keeping with Stephone Anthony the Saints are adding more speed to the ball. Admittedly I don’t know much about this guy but the Saints have a good history with guys from no name schools. If you read “bottom line” at the bottom, this is in keeping with the other guys in this class. The theme is the same, the fit is good.
Here’s his write up on NFL.com:
STRENGTHS
Four-year starter. Outstanding production and works as hard from snap to snap as any defensive lineman in this draft. Plays stronger than his listed weight. Stays square against the run and leverages his run gaps. Plus hand-eye coordination. Has what scouts call “snap-winning” hand usage against run or pass. Relentless in pursuit. Frenetic off snap, giving tackles darting movement inside and out. Has power and toughness to set the edge and turn plays back inside. Leverage rusher who can dip shoulder and turn corner as well as bull-rush weaker tackles. Has lightning-quick spin move but needs to sharpen technique when using it. Held his own against Tennessee this year with a sack and two tackles for loss.
WEAKNESSES
Marginal upfield burst by NFL standards. Needs to instill more fear around the edge to open up room for his inside moves. Short arms. Long tackles can get to his chest and divert his rush track. Racked up gaudy stats against inferior competition. Average athlete with average size. Won with great hands and effort, but athletic NFL tackles could stymie those traits. Too small to play defensive end and has limited experience standing up.
BOTTOM LINE
Tull uses smarts, skill and toughness to dominate his level of competition. Tull has the athleticism to play outside linebacker in an odd front and his relentless nature and ability to outplay expectations could make him an NFL surprise.
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