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New Orleans Saints: Grading Team’s 2016 NFL Draft Class

By Rebecca Mills

Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (13) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (13) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick 120: David Onyemata, DT

A draft pick that puzzled many, the Saints selected David Onyemata in the fourth round. During his time at the University of Manitoba, Onyemata won the J. P. Metras Trophy. What made the pick so curious was how relatively unknown he was coming into the process.

Regardless, Onyemata played every single game last season, but his stats didn’t impress. He ended his rookie year with 18 combined tackles, no forced fumbles, and no sacks. Hopefully, coming into his second season, he works hard to hone his skills and clean up what he needs to.

I’m on the fence if the Saints will keep him. While he might have the skills, they might not be willing to wait for him to catch up. Ultimately, he didn’t really produce like the team had hoped for.

Grade: D

Round 7, Pick 237: Daniel Lasco, RB

With their final pick, the New Orleans Saints decided to take a running back. At the time, it didn’t seem like a huge priority for the team. In his last year at Cal, Lasco rushed for 331 yards, three touchdowns and averaged 5.1 yards per carry.

Last season, Lasco only played in seven games. But with such a stacked running back corps, that isn’t really surprising. He rushed for 32 yards on 11 carries and failed to score a single touchdown. What could be on Lasco’s favor is the Saints’ current running back situation. If he can compete and step up, he might have a chance to be the starter but that seems doubtful.

Next: Saints: Preseason Schedule Looking In Their Favor

I’m on the fence with Lasco, because he didn’t do much in those seven games. However, the Saints could definitely use him if necessary. There’s still a chance for him, but his rookie season could be the end for him in New Orleans too.

Grade: D

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