Two of the Saints’ biggest needs heading into the NFL draft were at wide receiver and offensive tackle and they addressed both areas in the first round. New Orleans traded up to take receiver Chris Olave with the 11th pick and with the 19th overall pick, the Saints selected Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Penning is known for having a nasty side…

Cut 17 (17) “…get ready to compete.”

Penning is 6-foot-7, 325 pounds, and squats 625 pounds. According to Pro Football Focus, he received a 99.9 run block grade last season. The Saints have just three picks left in the draft. One in today’s second round and then one in the fifth and sixth.

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LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr won’t be going far from home, as he was taken third overall by the Houston Texans.

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The New Orleans Pelicans led by 10 at the half but ultimately fell to the Phoenix Suns, 115-109, losing their opening-round playoff series four games to two. Former Hornet Chris Paul had a historic performance, going 14 of 14 from the field and finishing with 33 points and eight assists. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 21 points and 11 assists in the loss. It was a tough conclusion to a season that took the Pels from a 1-12 start to pushing the NBA’s top team nearly to the limit. Herb Jones gave his thoughts on the journey.

Cut 18 (18) “…did this year.”

The Pelicans will hold their season exit interviews this afternoon.

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LSU basketball has signed four-star prospect Jalen Reed from Jackson, Mississippi. Reed is a six-ten combo forward and ranked as the seventh-best power forward in the nation according to ON-3.

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