The Saints wrapped up their 2016 draft picking up running back Daniel Lasco from Cal in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Let’s look further into the Saints draft pick.
THE GOOD: Need For Speed
Daniel Lasco was a top performer during the NFL combines especially in the 40-yard dash (4.46) and the 60-yard shuttle (11.31). You could look at that and just turn your nose up at these combine numbers, because they don’t show you what he can do when the bright lights are on and you’ve got these hulking defensive players coming at you. He can also pass block well, which could be huge for Drew Brees as no offensive linemen were picked in this year’s NFL Draft. NOTE: there were some picked up as UFA’s, but the names aren’t readily available at this moment.
THE BAD: Big, But Not Powerful
When you look at Lasco’s measurables you’d expect one of these power rushers that can go up the gut and get the yards the hard way. He stands six feet tall and weighs in at 209 pounds. That’s where his downside is: he has the size to be a power back, but is missing the power. Add the fact that he’s not afraid to go up the gut, it seems like a strange fit. He should be able to grow into his body once he starts to see meaningful time on the field, but that could be a while.
THE UGLY: Damaged Goods
The biggest problem I have with him is that he was injured for most of last season, only starting three games in 2015. The Saints have already gotten burned once before with C.J. Spiller last year and being without Mark Ingram towards the end of the season to have another guy that might not be 100% at the start of the season. Only time will tell if he’s ready to go.
THE VERDICT: Thumbs Down
I honestly don’t expect him to be part of the final 55-man roster. He has everything you’d like to see out of a running back, but that position has a lot of parts in it already. Look at the career renaissance Tim Hightower had last year. If Mark Ingram would have stayed healthy, he could have had a solid season. Same could be said for Spiller, but once I heard he underwent a scope on his knee, red flags were thrown right away. That’s why I think the 7th round pick was a waste.
-Clint Domingue