Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field.
Advertisement
“The Saints have been bad on defense, so this is not a surprise pick here for me”.
Under coach Bobby Petrino, the Cardinals have placed three players in the first round: Rankins, Parker, and Amobi Okoye. He had six sacks, as well as 13 tackles for losses last season. The Saints had to find pass-rush help in the draft, and they landed perhaps the best interior disruptor available. They’re going to get a hard worker, someone who’s going to come in and pick up the defense…
“I saw 504 and I knew it was New Orleans”, Rankins said shortly after being selected.
Rankins, who was a two-time all-ACC selection after totaling 14.0 sacks over that span, is one of the most dominating defensive linemen in school history, according to his career statistics.
His ability to penetrate also makes it tough for quarterbacks to step up in the pocket, and he doesn’t have to win with quickness to be an effective pass-rusher, either.
The Saints had 31 sacks as a team last season, which tied for 25th league-wide.
“It’s business for him”, said Cheryl Rankins, Sheldon’s mother.
Advertisement
“It’s okay, I want to get linebacker Jaylon Smith from Notre Dame in the next round”. Rankins will be a load for offensive lines to handle and will help the Saints shut down the run. In the Louisville 3-4 defense, he played at the nose tackle position and on the defensive ends which gives him strong versatility. Dennis Allen, then a senior defensive assistant, took over for Ryan for the final weeks of last season and remains in place. Drew Brees and the offense are still more than capable of putting up big all-around numbers.
