With the #196th pick of the ROD draft the New Orleans Saints select:
David Godchaux, DT, LSU
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 301
40: 5.15
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 22
Vertical Jump: 29 1/2
Broad Jump: 08'08"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.91
3-Cone Drill: 7.82
Local boy Godchaux turned up to the Combine overweight at 310, but worked hard to drop to 301 to take part in his pro day and improved all his combine stats and I like that commitment in a player. I believe his ideal playing weight to be around the 290 range, so he needs to work a bit harder in the off season.
The NFL is looking for players who have interior pass-rushing skills, and that could be the best part of Godchaux's game. He has a quick first-step off the ball with the speed to shoot his gap. Godchaux can fire up the field and can close on the quarterback. LSU ran a lot of stunts at times last season, and Godchaux was effective at looping around and getting to the quarterback. Godchaux is at his best though when working up the field and causing disruption in the backfield in either the pass rush or run defense.
Against the run, Godchaux could work on holding his ground against downhill runs and also getting off blocks. He could stand to have his hands more active in the ground game and pass rush. He also will have to watch his pad level and avoid standing up too high.
Godchaux would fit best in the NFL as a three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense. He could use his speed to fire the gap and get disruption in the backfield. In a 3-4 set, Godchaux would fit better as a five-technique defensive end rather than the nose tackle spot LSU is playing him in. If Godchaux's listed measurements are accurate, he would have the size and length to be a five-technique. However, he might need more development at holding his ground and rushing against tackles.
Entering the 2016 season, Godchaux has the athletic potential to be a first- or second-day prospect.
STRENGTHS
Gets out of his stance and into the blocker with good hip explosion. Plays with proper pad level at point of attack to create desired leverage. Hands-first striker who gets early arm extension. Utilizes hands and leverage for quality read-react positioning in the trenches. Hard to turn out of hole by single blockers. Well-coached. Has feel for double teams and looks to take them on quickly and with proper technique. Shows some early gap quickness when allowed to play upfield. Creates his best pass-rush opening with arm-over move. Decent pursuit quickness and makes attempts to chase down screen passes from backside.
WEAKNESSES
Short-limbed pass rusher with squatty build of a bulldog. Undersized for interior work. Has issues fighting off double teams. Has difficult time reaching through the edge and pulling himself over the top. Might need more snaps off as motor seems to lose gas. Guards with a strong anchor put his pass rush in neutral. Often last defensive lineman out of his stance. Not very instinctive. Guards able to reach and hook his outside shoulder to seal him on play-side. Needs quicker disengage to tackle. Sack numbers came against lesser competition.
@ramsplaya16 you're on the clock
@Ramrocket you're on deck
@DaveFan'51 get ready...
:snicker::shades:
