News-Record.com

Following in the footsteps of yesterday's check-in on William Hayes, here's a look at what's being said about DeMario Pressley after the Saints picked him in the fifth round.

And if you guessed that we'll have a "buzz about Jerome Simpson" tomorrow, well then you sir are quite astute!

Here's what a writer with www.houmatoday.com - the paper of record in Terrebonne Parish (don't you love those Louisiana locales?) had to say.

Fifth-round draft choice, defensive tackle DeMario Pressley, is also an interesting selection. As a prep star, Pressley was regarded by two of the top recruiting services in the country as the best defensive tackle in the nation. In his first two seasons at North Carolina State, Pressley flashed those type skills, but injuries and a semi-warm motor dipped his draft stock.

Pressley is strong, has excellent athletic ability and can run the field well from side to side. But he seemed to lack the intensity he flashed as an underclassmen when injuries started to take their toll in 2006 and 2007.

On this site 80 percent of the voters were happy with the selection of D-Mo.

Charles Robinson over at Yahoo! Sports liked the pick:

Pressley could be a steal in the fifth round if he stays healthy and improves his lower body strength.

Another site referring to Pressley as a steal in the fifth round.

And the Times-Picayune (don't you love the names of Louisiana newspapers?) weighs in.

WHAT WE'RE THINKING: The Saints obviously didn't need another defensive tackle after drafting Sedrick Ellis in Round 1, but they liked Pressley's potential enough to move up two spots in the draft to get him. He might need a year or two to develop in the NFL, but he's an athletic prospect who has a chance to add even more bulk to his big frame. Pressley wasn't an elite pass rusher in college, but he projects as a three-technique tackle in the NFL with his speed and athleticism.

Didn't need another defensive tackle? I don't know, it seemed to me that by picking Pressley the Saints were sort of sending a signal that they had a dire need at tackle and that was why they picked up both Sedrick Ellis and Pressley.

Whatever the case, the word on Pressley appears mixed. Some look at his athleticism and see potential and claim the Saints got a steal in the fifth round. Others look at that athleticism and wonder why Pressley wasn't more productive and label him an underachiever.

Who's right? Really, only Pressley can settle that debate.