The past few weeks we’ve been looking at some first-round prospects the Saints should consider in the 2013 NFL Draft. Let’s move past that and take a look at some later-round talent for the Black and Gold.
Terron Armstead is an extremely interesting offensive line prospect. Before the NFL Combine, he was projected to go anywhere in the third or fourth rounds of the draft. But that was before he posted a 4.71 40-yard dash (a new offensive lineman record), put up 31 reps on the bench press, and leaped an incredible 122 inches in the broad jump. After the Combine, Armstead has shot up to second round talent on many draft boards.
The 6’5″, 306 lbs. beast played his college ball at University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the same area where former Saints great and Hall of Famer, Willie “Nasty” Roaf, was raised. Armstead mostly played the left tackle position in college, but he is able to play on the right side as well.
A few scouts will probably have a problem with the fact that he played against smaller schools in college, but it’s evident that the talent and intangibles are present. Take a look at his tape from the East-West Shrine Game. You can tell that Armstead can play.
He uses his body size and speed perfectly. He is a big, mobile player with superior pass blocking skills, and he can create holes for running backs. NFL experts are comparing him to Joe Staley, the two-time All-Pro tackle for the 49ers.
If the Saints have a shot to go after this guy, I would be ecstatic. The only problem is that they would have to acquire a second round pick either by trading down from 15th overall or trading up into the round. But it would be entirely worth it to get this guy. It just makes too much sense to get him.
Left tackle Jermon Bushrod is going to be expecting a pay day, and Armstead would be a huge upgrade over him. He has better foot work and better blocking skills. There are reports saying that teams would like to see him try the tight end position, but In my opinion, that would be a waste of his blocking talents.