Two Undrafted Players that Have a Good Chance to Make the Roster.

After the draft is over, that's when the real draft begins, or something.

The Saints attract quality players during the UDFA period because of their history of giving players a  real opportunity to make the team. Pierre Thomas was a mainstay in the offense for years, and Junior Galette eventually earned a starting role and a sizable contract. Josh Hill is slotted as the starting tight end after the Jimmy Graham trade. While the starting lineup is all but cemented, there are a handful of spots primed for an UDFA to make it as rotational and special teams players.

1. Sean Hickey. OL Syracuse.
   

   

   (Hickey going against first round pick Vic Beasley)

   
   While he was projected as a late round pick, Hickey fell completely out of the draft. I suspect it had a lot to do with his short arms (32 3/4") and smaller lower body. He played left tackle in college, but I think he projects as a LG in the pros. He'll need to put work in the weight room, but he could prove valuable as a back up guard and swing tackle in a pinch. If he performs well during training camp and pre-season, it would allow for some more flexibility during final cuts.
   
   While possibly bias, Hickey drew high praise for New York Giants lineman and fellow Syracuse alumni Justin Pugh:
   
   "Everyone is saying Beasley ‐ and I haven't seen much of Beasley ‐ but all I know is Sean Hickey shut him down two years in a row. And that kid is supposed to be a Top 10 pick," Pugh said. "So if he's a Top 10 pick and Sean handled him, Sean should be up there too."
   Giants' Justin Pugh makes case for Syracuse offensive lineman Sean Hickey to be 1st-round pick
   
   Sean Hickey vs. PSU
2. Bobby Richardson, DL Indiana

   

   (Richardson could add some much needed toughness to the Saints defensive line)

   Richardson was projected to go anywhere from the 3rd-5th round. He's 6'3", 283 lbs with long arms and big hands. His long arms could be a huge asset for batting down passes and snatching ball carriers going through gaps or going around the outside.  He's athletic for his size and has a high motor, making plays down field in pursuit. Richardson is quick off the line and disrupts running plays in the backfield. Not just a hard hitter, Richardson plants running backs and quarterbacks into the ground. His hands are large and has a strong grip. Wraps up violently around the torso which leads to forced fumbles.
   
   He fits in with the rest of the draft class: high effort guys who are passionate about the game. He could wind up backing up Cam Jordan. With the departure of Tyrunn Walker and lack of depth, Richardson has a golden opportunity to make the team.
    
   Bobby Richardson Highlights