I have started to see this come up in threads recently and even on a random mock draft here and there and it makes no sense to me. We have a solid line, they may not be the best run blockers but they are adequate, as well as some young guys that are waiting in the wings. We dont have a glaring need along the Oline and I would be really disappointed if we take any offensive lineman, but especially a guard with our pick. And yes I know Clady is good but we really don't need him either.
Our defense is where our problems are, whether its a linebacker, corner, D tackle, or safety if we are gonna stay at 10 we need to draft defense. Even if we have to reach a little for a defensive player when there is a higher rated offensive player on the board we need to do it. We are in dire need of athletic playmakers on defense, without it we are not much better off than we were last year. Vilma is probably the only guy we can count on to improve our defense this year, and even he is coming off an injury that makes him somewhat questionable. Gay might be a small improvement over our current corners but not much, Morgan is not someone we should count on, though if healthy he could be a solid player. We need to add some young talent to that group.
To take it a step further giving up a pick to take a player would also be a mistake. Dont get me wrong I would love to have Dorsey or Ellis on this team but neither guy is gonna save our defense. If one of em falls to 10 great, pull the trigger, get a linebacker or corner with the 2nd and then do whatever you want with the 3rd, otherwise do everything you can to trade back and hope someone falls in love with a player sitting at 10. The Saints desperately need to get at least 2 defensive playmakers in the first 2 rounds, and if we could get 3 we have a chance to be a top 10 D. With an offensive player in the first our O would be the same (top 5 or 6) and our D might be around 25th. Trade up for Dorsey/Ellis and our O is still top 5 or 6 but our D is probably 20ish. Get a defensive playmaker in the beginning of 1 and 2 and you still have no change in your offense but now your defense could be top 15, manage to pull out 3 defensive starters or at least solid contributors and who knows we might end up with a top ten Defense to go along with our top ten offense.
I know all of that is contingent on the FO getting the picks right but there are definitely 3 guys in the top 50 picks that could come in and start on our Defense. Say for example you trade back with Philli and get Lito, take Laws, Mayo or Conner at 19 and then a guy like Kenny Phillips with the 2nd. All of those players could start for us along with Vilma at MLB, and Usama possibly as your nickel (or Gay) and suddenly your D is fortified and the Offense doesnt have to score 40 to win a game. Plus if Meachem shows up and Reggie puts it all together you have your new and improved offense as well.
Thats my hope for the way things go and why I dont want us to take any offensive player with the 10th pick. Let the bashing commence
Our defense is where our problems are, whether its a linebacker, corner, D tackle, or safety if we are gonna stay at 10 we need to draft defense. Even if we have to reach a little for a defensive player when there is a higher rated offensive player on the board we need to do it. We are in dire need of athletic playmakers on defense, without it we are not much better off than we were last year. Vilma is probably the only guy we can count on to improve our defense this year, and even he is coming off an injury that makes him somewhat questionable. Gay might be a small improvement over our current corners but not much, Morgan is not someone we should count on, though if healthy he could be a solid player. We need to add some young talent to that group.
To take it a step further giving up a pick to take a player would also be a mistake. Dont get me wrong I would love to have Dorsey or Ellis on this team but neither guy is gonna save our defense. If one of em falls to 10 great, pull the trigger, get a linebacker or corner with the 2nd and then do whatever you want with the 3rd, otherwise do everything you can to trade back and hope someone falls in love with a player sitting at 10. The Saints desperately need to get at least 2 defensive playmakers in the first 2 rounds, and if we could get 3 we have a chance to be a top 10 D. With an offensive player in the first our O would be the same (top 5 or 6) and our D might be around 25th. Trade up for Dorsey/Ellis and our O is still top 5 or 6 but our D is probably 20ish. Get a defensive playmaker in the beginning of 1 and 2 and you still have no change in your offense but now your defense could be top 15, manage to pull out 3 defensive starters or at least solid contributors and who knows we might end up with a top ten Defense to go along with our top ten offense.
I know all of that is contingent on the FO getting the picks right but there are definitely 3 guys in the top 50 picks that could come in and start on our Defense. Say for example you trade back with Philli and get Lito, take Laws, Mayo or Conner at 19 and then a guy like Kenny Phillips with the 2nd. All of those players could start for us along with Vilma at MLB, and Usama possibly as your nickel (or Gay) and suddenly your D is fortified and the Offense doesnt have to score 40 to win a game. Plus if Meachem shows up and Reggie puts it all together you have your new and improved offense as well.
Thats my hope for the way things go and why I dont want us to take any offensive player with the 10th pick. Let the bashing commence