The New Orleans Saints received a rave review from Todd McShay of ESPN, one of the top draft analysts in the industry. When selecting his favorite draft pick for all 32 teams, McShay fixated on the first selection the Saints made in 2019: former Texas A&M center Erik McCoy.
Pro Bowler Max Unger retired, opening up the center position on the Saints. New Orleans added Nick Easton in free agency, but McCoy is a smart, athletic talent who could push to start. The Saints need to protect 40-year-old Drew Brees inside, and McCoy is a plug-and-play option as my No. 35 prospect in the class. He plays with a lot of balance and awareness, but it’s his athleticism that really pops on tape. He ran a 4.89 40-yard dash at 303 pounds, which was the fastest time at the combine for all offensive linemen.
I have some concerns about his shotgun snapping consistency, but he should develop there over time. And if he doesn’t, McCoy has enough athletic ability, football intelligence and bulk to move to guard. He has some experience there. I also liked the fourth-round grab of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. The Florida defensive back is a smooth mover who can play safety or the nickel role, two spots that could use some depth.
It’s tough to argue with that evaluation, and it’s good to see McShay’s footnote on the selection of defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Both McCoy and Gardner-Johnson should push for serious playing time early in the 2019 season.
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