With the 9th Pick in the 2025 draft, who should the Saints select? (merged)

TribuneUK said

But 'your eyes' don't escape the fact that the same Detroit team could equally build their running attack around a player drafted 12th or acquired as a veteran free agent.

But this was just to counter your argument that a player taken 12th overall is the requirement for top end TD production. I honestly think that while Gibbs was considered over drafted at the time, the Lions knew that he fit into their system, could benefit from their run scheme and (of course) the ability of those high end, blue chip OL picks playing in front of him. He was a great pick for the team at the time.

But that definitely doesn't mean it's the rule to go looking for a Gibbs in the first round. As various examples and contradictory evidence shows.

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I'd also point out that when Jamal Williams was running behind that Detroit OL, he lead the league in TDs. Not quite the same production behind our OL.

As for the general topic, I think there are lots of ways to build a winning team. I tend to lean to the get the big guys first and then add the other guys. Thing is this team has some of the little guys in Olave, Shaheed, and Kamara. What we lack is a good OL and an even average DL.

But, we really need help everywhere so I hope they take BPA at #9. If Jeanty is there, I hope they trade down for extra picks. If the offers aren't good value and he is BPA then take him. But, if McMillian is there I hope they take him. At the same point, at this point, I'd take Graham, Carter, and Will Johnson over Jeanty. Tough choice for me if Graham, Carter, and McMillan were there, but I highly doubt that happens.

The best case scenario for this team is for one of the top 9 players other than Jeanty to be there.