Saints Need an Offensive Weapon
That doesn't mean that this pick would work. In addition, Deuce was the 23rd pick in the 1st and Ingram was the 28th pick in the first. I don't think most would have an issue with taking Jeanty at #23 of #28, but we have the #10 pick (likely) and he probably won't be there at #23 or #28.
And, I'll remind you that Alvin Kamara was picked in the 3rd round.
Jeanty is a good player. The question is whether he is the type of generational RB that justifies taking him in the top 10?
The argument that Kamara was picked in the 3rd round stands on 1 leg and can be easily swiped out from under anyone. Tom Brady was picked in the 5th or 6th, yet we all know good and well that any realistic shot at finding a franchise QB will happen in the first round, maybe early 2nd.
And while its hard to imagine, RB isn't that far off. Most good, dependable, starting RB talent is found in the first or second. Now, there is a solid argument that each draft has 2x, maybe even 4x more good RB's then QB's, which explains why RB's tend to drop in the draft until there is a run. It's no secret that QB's, LT's, CB's and Pass Rushers are more coveted (not in any specific order). But its easy to argue that a good RB is necessary.
I think RB is absolutely necessary. And if a Jeanty talent lands in your lap, you have to take it. Brooks would've had no shot at all without Deuce. Defenses never planned to stop Brooks, they planned for Deuce which put Brooks in a much better position to succeed. And perhaps most people may have forgotten, but LaDainian Tomlinson was a massive factor in Brees starting off his career well. Teams were constantly loading 8 in the box against him and that level of early success, and teams planning for the RB over the QB, really helps set up QB's for success early in their career playing a major factor in learning and confidence.
And the simple truth is, relying on a 32 year old RB as a bell cow is a recipe for disaster. So whether its this offseason, or the next we have to address RB. If Jeanty lands in our laps, it's debatably foolish to not take him. And the 10th pick doesn't matter. Adrian Peterson and LT were both taken top 5, and fans of both teams, as well as player personal don't regret taking either one.
Then what happens if we get trade offers for someone to move up for him? well, we have to weigh the value. Getting a few picks, and being able to take Skattebo plus some talent on Oline could arguably be more beneficial to us, assuming those draft picks work out.