METAIRIE, La. – Leave it to the New Orleans SaintsIt is important to be bold and aggressive, while still trying to save salary-cap room.
New Orleans didn’t necessarily “win” Monday’s trade withThe Philadelphia Eagles when it comes to most draft value charts (ESPN’s draft pick value calculator weighed heavily in Philly’s favor, while others were closer to a tie). But the idea of trading their 2023 first-round draft choice for an extra first-rounder in 2022 makes a lot of sense when you consider the Saints’ current circumstances:
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They’re finally trying to show some financial restraint after pushing the salary cap to its limits during the Sean Payton-Drew BreesStart this offseason and era about $75 millions more than the cap
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On the flip side, they’ve made it clear they aren’t going into rebuilding mode under new coach Dennis Allen and feel like they remain a serious playoff contender after five straight winning seasons.
What better way to attract top talent for a reasonable price?
Now, the two most important questions are: Will the Saints package picks No. 16 and No. 19 to move up even higher in this year’s draft — and whether they might have a quarterback in their sights.
But it’s possible they simply like the idea of double-dipping in the top 20 to surround current quarterback Jameis WinstonWith some much-needed reinforcements for the offense.
Here’s a look at the prime possibilities:
Quarterback
I’m not ranking this as the most likely possibility. But it has to be addressed first because it’s the elephant on every NFL roster – and especially in New Orleans, where quarterback will remain the top priority until the Saints find Brees’ long-term replacement.
So far, all of the Saints’ moves this offseason have suggested that they don’t intend to draft a quarterback in Round 1 (they pursued a potential blockbuster trade for Deshaun Watson; then they signed the 28-year-old Winston to a two-year contract that includes $21 million in guarantees; then they signed one of the league’s most experienced backups in Andy Dalton).
In fact, Mickey Loomis, the general manager of the offseason, stated that it would be “unrealistic” for the Saints to draft a quarterback with the 18th pick or very “expensive” to try to move up far enough to get one.
But if they do covet someone like Liberty’s Malik Willis or Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, they now have two first-round picks in this year’s draft to offer in a potential trade.
Wide receiver
This was already the best bet as the Saints’ top draft target – and now the odds just doubled. The wide receiver is the most critical need on the roster. Michael Thomas after the Saints finished 32nd in the NFL in passing offense last season, but ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay called the late teens the “sweet spot” for a team like New Orleans to draft a receiver based on this year’s board.
The Ohio State duo Garrett Wilson Chris Olave, USC’s Drake London, Alabama’s Jameson WilliamsArkansas Treylon Burks are among the top receivers who could be available with either of New Orleans’ picks.
It’s still possible the Saints could sign a veteran pass-catcher in free agency so they don’t force themselves to target a specific position in Round 1. But it’s a big enough need that it wouldn’t hurt to do both.
Safety
After losing two starters in the offseason, this is another spot where the Saints may be able to add another free agent.Marcus WilliamsSigned with the Baltimore Ravens Malcolm Jenkins retired). Otherwise, it’s possible they could consider a move up for the consensus No. 1 safety in this year’s draft class (Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton) or drafting Michigan’s Daxton HillAmong others.
Offensive tackle
Reliable veterans are a strength of the Saints James HurstAfter losing standout, penciled into their starting left tackle Terron ArmsteadTo the Miami DolphinsIn free agency. But they could potentially upgrade through the draft – especially if Alabama’s Evan Neal, North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu or Mississippi State’s Charles CrossWithin a realistic range. Or they could stay put and draft someone like Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning.
Protective line
This might be a longer-term need rather than an immediate one (Cameron JordanVeteran turns 33 in July Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata Tanoh KpassagnonThey all enter the final year in their respective contracts. The Saints may be able to make room for a top-20 prospect in the near term.