The latest installment of "On The Saints Beat" covers a look at two post-draft stories containing a former Tulane Green Wave linebacker and a low ranking from an analyst. Also, the new number for a New Orleans defensive back and the debatable list Cesar Ruiz joined this week.
THE NICK ANDERSON SAGA
Nick Anderson, New Orleans's talented and highly likable linebacker, almost landed in the Emerald City with Pete Carroll until the Saints scooped him out of the Seahawks' claws to sign him to an undrafted free-agent contract. "I was ready," Anderson told WWLTV reporter Brooke Kirchhofer about his post-draft saga. "I was on the phone with Pete Carroll actually and discussing everything. That's when my agent was like, 'The Saints on the phone.' Okay, yeah, I want to talk to the Saints."
Kirchhofer also reported Anderson signed a deal "set at $25K guaranteed, $15K signing bonus, and $10K guaranteed salary." SNN's Bob Rose projects Anderson will need help breaking into the 53-man roster. He could become a special team or practice-squad contributor for New Orleans.
SAINTS' LOW POST-DRAFT POWER RANKING
SI writer Connor Orr gave the Saints a low post-draft power ranking of No. 27. Orr puzzlingly wrote, "I think the Saints are kind of doomed to exist in this middle ground, especially without an extra pick after last year's aggression in a middling class. That said, they did their best with the defensive interior and the edge, two spots that desperately needed attention to keep Dennis Allen's lifeblood alive."
Unfortunately, his analysis is another example of the negative coverage New Orleans receives without the proper study from national media if the team isn't in New York, Dallas, San Francisco, or Green Bay. Orr has a rookie-QB led (Carolina) and second-season signal-caller's team (Falcons) ahead of New Orleans in the NFC South. Deep breath and exhale Who Dat Nation and laissez le bon temps rouler (let the good times roll).
INTERNATIONAL LOVERS, SAINTS VS. PATS IN GERMANY
The Saints will jump the pond for a second-straight season to play the New England Patriots in the NFL's International Series. A German News outlet reports the game will take place at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.
ALONTAE TAYLOR NEW NUMBER
According to the New Orleans Saints website, second-year defensive back Alontae Taylor will don the No. 1 as his new jersey number. Taylor had a productive first season with 46 tackles (39 solo) and 11 passes defended with nine-game starts in thirteen total during his rookie campaign.
DISAPPOINTING REPORT ON COVID-YEAR FIRST-ROUND PICKS
New Orleans decided against picking up the fifth-year option on Cesar Ruiz's contract. The Saints selected the former Michigan center as the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Towards the end of last season, Ruiz injured his foot and is rehabbing in New Orleans. Unfortunately, Ruiz joins a dubious list of 2020 first-rounders: DE Chase Young, LB Isaiah Simmons, CB CJ Henderson, DT Javon Kinlaw, LB K'Lavon Chaisson, LB Kenneth Murray, LB Jordan Brooks, and LB Patrick Queen.
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