I’m inclined to think the Saints would ideally like to leave this draft w/ Bowers (3 Viewers)

[2009ring]

I understand the feelings, but this narrative does conveniently ignore the Ben Watson years, including a 74-825-6 season at age 35.

A fair point, I unfairly neglected Ben Watson. Thanks for mentioning him. In fairness, he was a first round pick though just not by us.

 

[St.Dan]

I’ve posted here and there for a while now that the first pick needs to be either the best available o-lineman or Brock Bowers. I’ve not changed my mind, either

 

[picnicwithfish]

Offensive line is what keeps the defense off of the field.

I don’t disagree with this either. It really depends on what type of offense we will field. Bowers should be a first down machine in Kubiak’s offense. Watch us have Bowers on the board and one of the big 4 Lineman left to choose from. That will be tough.

 

[slaym]

Bowers would open up this offense but I think we may have too many holes to draft him or any other skilled position.

 

[Jesse Custer]

Bowers would open up this offense but I think we may have too many holes to draft him or any other skilled position.

This is a surprisingly deep draft at almost all positions.

 

[FlySaint]

I’m on board with Bowers. Still would need to draft a tackle but I’d take Bowers over the 3rd, 4th, or 5th best OT all day.

 

[Saintscuffy]

This is a surprisingly deep draft at almost all positions.

just hope the front office hasnt gone on vacation and gets caught off guard again.

 

[SystemShock]

I'm all in on Bowers. Come at me!

 

[St. Geezy]

I’m truly stunned that we have not signed a sure-fire (mid level) starting LT prior to the draft, I mean like Peat caliber.

Seems odd for us to be going into a draft with such an obvious need.

I sure hope we don’t view Hurst as that guy.

 

[SoggyBottomBoy]

Bowers has generational level talent for the position. There are very few elite TE's in the NFL. I think TE is the most undervalued position in the league by teams. The only player that could possibly be sitting there at our slot I would pick ahead of him is Penix.
I think both are off the board when we pick though.

Agree about tight end. Look what Jimmy Graham did for us. And look at what Kelce does for the Chiefs and what LaPorta did to us.

 

[St. Widge]

I’m truly stunned that we have not signed a sure-fire (mid level) starting LT prior to the draft, I mean like Peat caliber.

Seems odd for us to be going into a draft with such an obvious need.

I sure hope we don’t view Hurst as that guy.

I kind of think the guy they are counting on is Penning. And, they know more about his development than I do, but it does seem odd that they did not bring in a mid-level LT when they wouldn't even give Penning snaps as the jumbo TE late last year and now they are counting on him to start at LT.

But, Peat is still out there so they could bring him in after the draft if they don't draft a LT that they think will start.

 

[Saint Greg]

I sure hope we don’t view Hurst as that guy.

No way. It's likely a Hurst/Saldiveri battle at LG. If we don't get a LT in round 1 I think we bring Peat back. I don't think a 2nd round LT is a sure fire day 1 starter.

 

[TribuneUK]

Agree about tight end. Look what Jimmy Graham did for us. And look at what Kelce does for the Chiefs and what LaPorta did to us.

And none drafted in the first round. Kittle was taken in the fifth.

Just saying.

I also bet if I look back, there would be highly self-affirmed posts on this very forum about how Pitts was a 'generational' talent. And how Hockenson was a 'generational' talent. And so on. Seems like it's a new generation every couple of years now.

 

[St. Geezy]

Agree about tight end. Look what Jimmy Graham did for us. And look at what Kelce does for the Chiefs and what LaPorta did to us.

Yep. It’s the ultimate wild card position. Like a Queen chess piece on the field if you have an elite one.

Is he blocking? Is he going out for a pass? Do we match up with nickel/dime personnel? Do we put a linebacker on him? If we put a DB on him do they audible to a run? If we match up with them for a running play do they audible to a pass? Do you put a corner on him and watch him get out-physical’d/beat by height. Do you put a safety on him and see them get beat by speed/athleticism?

An elite TE is one of the biggest advantages in today’s game, and it is no coincidence that the final four teams in the playoffs all had one.

 

[Saint Greg]

Agree about tight end. Look what Jimmy Graham did for us. And look at what Kelce does for the Chiefs and what LaPorta did to us.

And none of those guys were 1st round picks.