UGA’s Damian Swann Goes to the New Orleans Saints

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The New Orleans Saints improve their secondary with their selection of UGA’s CB Damian Swann with the 167th pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. This is bittersweet because while I’m happy Swann got drafted, why did he have to go the Saints?

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New Orleans will be getting a great leader in their secondary.  Swann was the vocal leader of the Dawgs secondary each of the last two seasons.  While a very rough 2013 season for Swann still probably hurt his draft stock, he fought through adversity to lead a Dawgs secondary that did not allow a 40 yard completion all season long in 2014.  He rebounded to have four interceptions after not recording one in 2013.

Swann has great ball skills and can play in press coverage with decent size for a cornerback.  I never really was blown away with his foot speed but I do like the fearlessness with which he plays, particularly at the star position in the UGA defensive back field. He could definitely contribute to Rob Ryan’s defense as a nickel back in his rookie season with the Saints.

While I don’t think Damian Swann will ever become a shutdown corner in the National Football League, I do believe that he can play a long time in the NFL as a spot starter and rotation corner.  It pains me to say this, but the New Orleans Saints got great value and a DGD in the fifth round by drafting UGA CB Damian Swann.

It will be very weird seeing him twice a year not wearing the red and black. The Saints always seem to have issues with turnover in their defensive back field.  With Swann’s leadership, size, and versatility, he can hopefully buck that trend for the New Orleans Saints.

Best of luck, Damian as you begin your NFL career for the New Orleans Saints.  We are certainly looking forward to playing you and your new team twice a year as the Atlanta Falcons biggest rival.