With the 42nd pick in the 2017 RCF Mock Draft, the
New Orleans Saints select
Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
This pick might get traded for Malcolm Butler, but for now the Saints will use it on a cover corner with the athletic ability to become a premier player in the NFL. Needs to work on technique, but should step into a starting role in the Saints backfield.
Overview
Playing defensive back at LSU is typically a stepping stone to the pros, and White's talents should help continue that trend in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was a top five cornerback prospect nationally from Shreveport when entering the 2013 season, and stepped into the starting lineup in week three of his freshman year despite the available talent on the Tigers' depth chart. He finished his rookie year as a SEC All-Freshman team member, recording 55 tackles, 2.5 for loss, two interceptions and a team-high seven pass breakups. White kept that starting job with 33 tackles, three for loss, two picks, and six pass breakups in 2015. He was a first-team Walter Camp All-American and All-SEC selection last year (34 tackles, two INT, team-high 14 PBU -- ranked eighth in the FBS).
Analysis
Strengths
Experienced island corner with slot reps over last two seasons. Quick twitch with exceptional footwork. Uses controlled hop-steps from press for extended face-up against receivers. Patient in press and rarely commits prematurely. Uses reactive quickness for quick recovery when beaten from slot. Pattern reader will jump path of route and attack throw. Plus click-and-close burst to ball. Impressive 15 passes defensed on 42 targets in 2016. Stop-start change of direction allows him to shadow in tight quarters. Sticky coverage on crossers and intermediate routes. Rose to challenge in coverage of Amari Cooper in 2014 and Calvin Ridley in 2016. Improved willingness to attack line of scrimmage and do his part against the run. Awarded coveted No. 18 jersey at LSU, symbolizing success and selfless attitude on and off the field. Three-year punt returner with a return touchdown in each season. Was also used as a gunner.
Weaknesses
Finesse cornerback with relatively slender frame. Physicality and play strength a concern from slot. Big-bodied slot targets will post him up in space and drive him off the line in run game. Tackles when necessary, but doesn't seek out contact. Less technique-oriented and more grabby from slot. Finished career with just six interceptions despite extensive playing time. Early anchor from off coverage caused struggles opening hips when receivers would stem and go. Recovery-quick but not recovery-fast. Texas Tech speedster Jakeem Grant gave him all kinds of vertical work in 2015 Texas Bowl.
Sources Tell Us
"He's kind of soft, but he can cover. He's not really what our team looks for because we play so much sub packages and he would have to be a better tackler to be on the field that much. He's a fit for what some teams do though. Like I said, he can cover." -- Regional scout with NFC team
NFL Comparison
Tracy Porter
Bottom Line
Full-time starter for better part of four years and one of the premier mirror-and-match cornerbacks in the game. Has the feet, athleticism and instincts for prolonged coverage responsibilities and his twitch will always have him near the throw. Best suited for all forms of man coverage. Should compete as special teams performer. Lacks run-support physicality to be an every-down corner, but he's talented enough to challenge for slot duties right away.
-Lance Zierlein
@Spectre and the Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock
