Grading the Isaiah Foskey Pick for the Saints
For the first time since 2017, the Saints took two defensive linemen in the draft. After taking Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee at 29th on the first night, New Orleans added to it by getting Notre Dame defensive end Isaiah Foskey at 40th early on Day 2. After speaking with Foskey, Notre Dame coaches, and Dennis Allen, what would we grade the pick?
Grading the Isaiah Foskey Pick
"Get me on the field. I'll cause havoc," Isaiah Foskey said in his first press conference with the local media.
There's a lot to love about the Foskey pick for the Saints, and the clear theme is getting players who can disrupt the passer. He's excited to work with Cam Jordan, and New Orleans was a team he fell in love with after visiting with them several times.
DENNIS ALLEN'S THOUGHTS: "There aren't a lot of big men walking the Earth right now with that kind of athleticism," Dennis Allen said following the conclusion of Round 3 on Friday night.
Allen called him a "developmental" pass rusher, but that's not a negative thing. He pointed out his 22 sacks in the last two seasons with the Fighting Irish, saying that his "ceiling is a lot higher" than what he's already done. He fits the Saints prototype of what they want in a defensive end, bringing versatility and speed to power. He also is already a good run defender, something New Orleans needs to improve on in 2023.
INSIGHT FROM NOTRE DAME: Head coach Marcus Freeman told us that Foskey hasn't even scratched the surface on what he can be. Freeman called him very versatile and works at that, has multiple moves, likes the long arm and has great counter moves off that. Freeman called him a quiet person who flips a switch and becomes a monster who plays with such passion and emotion.
Al Robinson, his defensive line coach, said he was the hardest working guy on their team, saying that he's very intelligent, calm and focused. He's also a great student and approached everything in the process with a professional mentality. Robinson said he's an every down guy who can play anywhere on the line.
"Foskey is intuitive, passionate about the game and will take advantage of being in that locker room," Robinson said.
At the end of the day, this is a solid pick for the Saints with a lot to love. Todd Grantham's work with Foskey will be key in unlocking his true potential to disrupt the quarterback at the next level, but it's important to remember that New Orleans got a natural pass rusher who should make an instant impact in the rotation. Foskey has the energy and desire to produce, and his measurables are very similar to Marcus Davenport, but the key difference is how much production Foskey had in college.
Draft Grade: B+
