METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their 2016 draft class with California running back Daniel Lasco in the seventh round, at No. 237 overall.
My take: I ranked running back dead last among the Saints’ needs heading into the draft. But the seventh round is all about potential and upside -- traits that Lasco has flashed in his college career, at the East-West Shrine Game and especially at the NFL scouting combine.
The 6-foot, 209-pounder gave a dazzling performance in Indianapolis. His broad jump of 11 feet, 3 inches was the best ever for a running back at the combine. And his vertical leap of 41.5 inches was tied with defensive back Jalen Ramsey for the best of any player at any position this year.
Lasco will have a hard time working into the RB mix early with Mark Ingram, Tim Hightower, C.J. Spiller, Travaris Cadet, Marcus Murphy and Vick Ballard also on the roster. But it helps that Lasco played special teams in college, which could be a path to a roster spot.
MVP in 2014: Lasco’s teammate, quarterback Jared Goff, was the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. But Lasco beat him out for the honor of Cal’s MVP in 2014, when he ran for 1,115 yards and scored 14 total touchdowns.
However, Lasco’s senior year was derailed by hip and ankle injuries. He ran for just 331 yards and three touchdowns in nine games.
