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The 2018 NFL season didn't end well for the New Orleans Saints. After a stunning loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, fans in the Big Easy turned to lawsuits and petitions to settle a score not resolved on the field of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
This happened, mind you, after another stunning defeat to end the 2017 season in a playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.
And so it goes.
That said, the Saints have some holes to fill, especially at the tight end position; quarterback Drew Brees is a big fan of that position.
You can make a good argument, given the talent and youth at the quarterback position in the NFL, that the window on the Saints and especially Brees is closing. Adding a tight end and developing depth at running back and on defense can help keep New Orleans in the mix for another season or two.
Or… as long as Brees stays healthy.
Jace Sternberger — Tight End, Texas A&M
The New Orleans Saints have limited picks leading to limited options in the 2019 NFL Draft. They also have some definite needs if they hope to stay at the top of the NFC South and make a return to the NFC Championship Game.
One position they need to improve upon is tight end. When they select with the 62nd pick, Jace Sternberger is a player Drew Brees would like.
First off, Sternberger didn't necessarily impress in Indianapolis. Yet, he's a good-sized target for a tight end. His official measurements were 6-4 and 251 pounds. His 40-yard dash time was 4.75 seconds and he had a vertical jump of 31.5 inches.
The best thing working for the former Aggie product is what coaches will see on film. He's an effective and efficient route runner who has exceptional hand and eye coordination. He catches the ball smoothly, not breaking stride, and has tremendous field vision after the catch.
With a quarterback like Brees and a head coach like Sean Payton, Sternberger is a smart choice late in the second round.
Terry Beckner — Defensive Tackle, Missouri
The Saints will also try to add depth to the defensive line when the 62nd pick rolls around. An injury to defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins in the first quarter of the divisional playoff win against the Philadelphia Eagles could inspire such a move.
Enter Terry Beckner, a defensive tackle from the University of Missouri.
At the combine, Beckner measured at 6-4 and 296 pounds. He posted a 40-yard dash time of 5.19 seconds, had a broad jump of 98.0 inches, and ran the 3-cone drill in 7.97 seconds.
The former Missouri Tiger could be a good rotational fix in New Orleans. While injuries plagued him during his career in Columbia, his work ethic to get over those two setbacks and continue a solid college career won't be overlooked.
He's strong, athletic, and has good footwork that can get better.
Terrill Hanks — Linebacker, New Mexico State University
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With defense being an area that New Orleans will address up and down the NFL Draft, the linebacker position is another that could emerge in the second round.
Terrill Hanks, a linebacker from New Mexico State University, is one player the Saints should consider.
Hanks measures at 6-2 and weighs in at 242. His combine results had him run a 4.98 in the 40-yard dash, and post a vertical jump of 35.5 inches.
Hanks had a productive four years at New Mexico State. He forced seven fumbles while in Las Cruces. He also contributed 100 plus tackles in 2018 while starting in only nine games.
He's a downhill player with a nose for the football. He has a wide base and aggressive hands and is a player versatile enough to play both inside and out.
Riley Ridley — Wide Receiver, Georgia
The Saints had a tough year at the wide receiver position. Adding the fabled Dez Bryant in midseason was an unmitigated disaster when he went down with a knee injury before taking a snap.
Without question, the fortunes of the Saints ride on Drew Brees. New Orleans was able to score points in bunches in 2018, and that's a league-wide trend not going anywhere soon.
Bottom line, Sean Payton might want to add to the arsenal in the second round.
Riley Ridley is a wide receiver from Georgia who could be a good addition. While his combine was less than impressive, Ridley had a Bulldog career that had many viewing him as a first-round pick.
In Indianapolis, that stock slipped.
Ridley is 6-1 and weighs 199 pounds. He posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.58 seconds, had a vertical jump measuring 30.5 inches, and ran the 20-yard shuttle in 4.28 seconds. In 2018, he led Georgia with 44 catches for 570 yards and nine touchdowns, getting the attention of NFL scouts.
He's a detailed route runner with good body control and sure hands. Despite a rough combine performance, he has enough on tape to warrant a second-round selection.
Mike Weber — Running Back, Ohio State
In New Orleans, running back is a position that will get a long look with the 62nd pick. Questions exist regarding depth as free agency looms. Addressing the RB spot with a plug-and-play player could be a smart move.
Mike Weber from Ohio State is a player some might call a steal come draft weekend.
Weber is 5-10 and weighs 211 pounds. His combine results show him running a 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds and owning a vertical jump of 33.5 inches.
In 2018 Weber appeared in 13 games, recording 172 carries for 954 yards and five touchdowns. He also showed versatility by catching 21 passes for an additional 112 yards and one TD.
He has good vision for a runner, especially at the second level, and he makes solid decisions when working around traffic to keep plays alive. As his time at Ohio State shows, his receiving skills make him a dual threat and an attractive second-round draft candidate.
