By Jake Saltzman
The prospect from further North than any other is headed to the NFL franchise further South than any other.
With the 89th overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Akiem Hicks, a defensive end from Regina, Saskatchewan.
A onetime LSU recruit, Hicks becomes just the latest defensive player to join the Saints, joining Curtis Lofton, Brodrick Bunkley, Chris Chamberlain and others.
Hicks possesses good ball skills, shows a good burst into the offensive backfield, and uses his arms well to track the football. His technique has come under fire however, so don’t expect him to start unless injuries force him into action for that reason.
For a team like the Saints however, who didn’t own a pick in the first two rounds, time does not appear to be of the essence.