Triplett says Saints Interest in Chris "Beanie" Wells is "Bona Fide"
First off, I'm wouldn't conclusively say Wells is an upgrade over PT. PT has shined when given the opportunity, and Wells would take PT's 4.8 ypc average over his first 2 years in a heartbeat. The draft is about addressing needs, and some needs hold higher priority over others. OLB need is > RB need. S need is > RB need.
With no other 1st day picks, drafting a RB, or any offensive player, is absolutely a luxury pick, and doesn't best address the most pressing needs this football team has. SP already traded away this year's 2nd for an offensive player, and to consider also using this year's 1st on another one is asinine. Yet, I pray to god Beenie Wells gets drafted before 14, because I'm afraid SP foolishly won't be able to pass on him.
PT is strongly overrated on this site. Do not get me wrong, he is a good young back, but he isn't a feature back. The only thing PT has ever done is perform against the worst, college defenses if you want to call it that.
Wells is a stud. He's 6'1, 240 and ran a 4.3 in the forty. I don't put much stock into the 40, but a 4.3 for someone his size is a miracle. Wells will be a star in this league, he has the speed and the power.
To be honest, I look at him as a better Deuce. Again, Wells will be a star. I'll say it, he will be AD good.
Lastly, your two needs. OLB, and FS. If Jenkins is on the board, you take him. No doubt about it. But who do you take at OLB? Matthews or Cushing? I don't think. What about safety? William Moore is a possibility. He should be a top 15 pick, if it wasn't for injuries his senior season.
If the top guys are gone, Curry, Brown, Orakpo, Jenkins, and others, and you can't find a GREAT trade back option, you take Wells.
I've said it before, and I will say it again. Payton likes to counter his pass game with a big power back. Wells fits that.