Saintslfc13
ALL-MADDEN TEAM
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Money doesn't make sense with Harper a trade. Also his relationship with the coaches and leadership in the locker room make it even more unlikely for a trade. With the way the bush trade was handled, the saints obviously take into consideration what te players want and I seriously doubt Harper wants to go play for Gregg Williams after what he did to the players. If the Titans were to value Harper that much to go after him, then he's obviously a good player, that the saints can't afford to lose.
And finally, in what world does Harper no fit in as Safety in a 3-4? Go back to 2010 and 2011. Harper's sacks and biggest plays were made in various forms of the 3-4. He was moved up into an OLB position to rush the passer and was also solid in covering TE's. Spags never used him in coverage.
I agree with a lot of ELIASJWILLIAMS logic actually. You make good points as well but it's all speculation and he's just using the information available to pick a draft he thinks makes sense logically. Regarding Harper in the 3-4, you could make the argument that GW used him the way he did because he was the best man for that job on our defense at that time. That doesn't necessarily mean that after a round of FA, and the Draft he'll still be the best man for that job. Whilst I don't think Payton is in a hurry to trade him I think if the right offer came in for Harper he'd send him.
Elam for me was the best player on a really good Florida defense last year. Florida's main problems were playing down to the level of their weaker competition and inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball. Their defense was stout and made plays often and a good portion of the time Elam was making those plays one way or another. I wouldn't be disappointed with that pick if he was considered BPA even though the consensus on the board is that D-Line or OLB are more pressing needs.
Of course the logic used here doesn't account for exactly what we'll do in FA so it's an educated shot in the dark, the plan will brighten up a bit after FA starts and we make signings, let some people walk. Most people won't like it but if Bushrod walks for example then it's almost certain that OT shoots to the top of the priority list unless we get an equivalent or better replacement in FA.