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Saints take Washington linebacker Kikaha in Round 2

Published 8:06 pm Friday, May 1, 2015

METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans Saints selected Washington outside linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha with their second-round draft pick in the NFL Draft, the 44th selection overall.

The 6-foot-2, 253-pound Kikaha gives the Saints a powerful pass-rusher from the edge, something the club could use after its defense ranked 23rd in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt last season.

Kikaha has a history of knee injuries, but had a stellar 2014, leading all Division I Football Bowl Subdivision players in sacks with 19 en route to finishing his Huskies career with a school record 36 sacks.

Kikaha also was named Associated Press first-team All-America following last season.

The Hawaii native was New Orleans’ third overall pick, following Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat at 13th overall and Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony at 31st overall.