Ford was drafted by New Orleans in the 5th round.
The New Orleans Saints had three picks in the fifth round in the NFL Draft on Saturday. With the 175th overall pick, they selected Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford.
This was a good pickup for the Saints as Demario Davis is getting older, and the team lost Zack Baun in free agency. In his first meeting with the media, Ford said he looks up to Demario Davis.
“He’s one of the best linebackers in the league right now.” Ford said, “I’m just glad I get to have this opportunity.”
Ford spent three seasons with the Texas Longhorns. In that span, he played in 49 games (29 starts) with 287 tackles, three sacks, and six interceptions. Over the past two seasons, he was named first-team all-big 12. He stands at 6’2’’ and weighs 240 pounds.
In a press conference after the draft on Saturday, head coach Dennis Allen expressed that special teams are where he’ll be used initially.
“His best avenue is to contribute on special teams,” Allen said, “and then I think you have to draft for the now and for a vision of the future.”
Do the New Orleans Saints have another star at the linebacker position? Only time will tell. We’ll see Ford in action for the first time at rookie minicamp, which is May 10-12.