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Saints take Sheldon Rankins to bolster defensive line

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New Orleans Saints have selected defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins out of Louisville with the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Though Rankins is undersized compared to many others at the position, he's a perfect fit for the three-technique position in New Orleans' 4-3 defensive front.

His ability to contribute against the run will give him an early down role, and the quickness he brings off the ball should provide a much-needed upgrade in terms of the interior pass rush.

Rankins will likely step into a starting role alongside free-agent addition Nick Fairley, rounding out a suddenly talented Saints defensive front.

Sheldon Rankins Bio

Position: DT
School: Louisville
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-1
Weight: 299 lbs.

Strengths

  • Physical strength allows him to anchor at the point of attack to excel as a run defender.
  • Uses length to get hands inside opponent's chest and maintain position at the line of scrimmage.
  • Has explosive burst off the ball to get upfield in pass-rush situations.
  • Uses lateral quickness to dominate one-on-one opportunities he gets inside.
  • Wide-ranging skill set gives him the versatility to line up in a number of positions on both even- and odd-man fronts.
  • Demonstrates awareness to consistently find the ball as a run defender and get hands up to defend quick-drop passes.

Weaknesses

  • Has a tendency to get upright at the snap, occasionally allowing opposing linemen to get leverage.
  • Will need to continue to develop pass-rush moves.
  • Undersized relative to the prototypical NFL interior lineman.

Combine Results

Event Result
40-yard Dash 5.03 sec
Bench Press 28 reps
Vertical Jump 34.5 inches
Broad Jump 118 inches
3-Cone Drill 7.44 sec
20-yard Shuttle 4.59 sec

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