The New Orleans Saints have struggled through the first four games, and there are some obvious deficiencies that have been on display week in and week out. So, if you’re looking for college football games to watch, let’s go over some players to be on the lookout for this weekend who may find themselves sitting near the top of the Saints’ draft board.
First, the biggest game of the weekend will feature Alabama hosting Georgia at 6:30 PM on ABC. This game features two of the best defensive backs in the nation, both of whom play for Georgia. Safety KJ Bolden and cornerback Ellis Robinson IV lead a stingy Bulldogs pass defense. So far this season, Robinson has allowed a 48.5 passer rating when targeted and will most likely draw the assignment of covering talented receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams.
Bolden is an all-around safety who can come down and make tackles while still being able to drop back into coverage. Both of these players are guys the Saints would love to have suiting up for them this weekend instead of the Bulldogs. If you’re watching UGA vs. Bama, be sure to keep an eye out for these two talented defenders.
Interior pass rush and run defense have been problems for the Saints, partly because of a lack of depth at defensive tackle. Well, there are two players to check out this weekend who could help the Saints address those issues: Will Echoles and David Stone.
Echoles is a dominant defensive lineman who plays for Ole Miss, and his performance against LSU led to the Tigers making changes along their own offensive line. He is strong, quick, and disruptive. The Rebels will be looking for Echoles to display all of his talents on Saturday as they travel to Nashville to take on Vandy at 2:30 PM.
As for David Stone, he is the anchor of the Oklahoma defense. An interior defensive lineman who enjoys making double teams look silly, Stone is a fitting name for him. He stonewalls offensive linemen, and if Oklahoma has any chance of pulling off the upset against Texas at 2:30 PM on Saturday, it will have to start with Stone up front.
Finally, the most obvious need for the Saints right now is a complementary piece at edge rusher to pair with Chase Young. Dylan Stewart could very well be that guy, along with Colin Simmons and possibly Princewill Umanmielen as a Day 2 option.
Stewart has been dealing with some personal matters at South Carolina but is returning from suspension this week to face Florida at 11:45 AM. His size and athleticism are absolutely elite, and he’s rated only behind Colin Simmons.
Simmons is the highest-rated pass rusher in this upcoming draft and will most likely be selected within the first five picks. But in case there’s a chance he ends up in New Orleans, you should give him a look. He will be lining up opposite David Stone in the Red River Rivalry on Saturday.
Princewill Umanmielen is skyrocketing up draft boards right now. He’s currently viewed as a Day 2 selection, but if he continues at his current pace, he could firmly establish himself as a first-round talent.
Umanmielen leads the nation with eight sacks in five games, and while he still needs to showcase his ability to hold his ground against bigger offensive linemen, his speed and frame make him an enticing prospect. Umanmielen will be in Lexington leading the Tigers’ defense against the Wildcats at 6:00 PM.
Are there any other players you’re keeping your eyes on this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments.
