2014 NFL Draft: The 27th Pick’s Conundrum
Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton along the sidelines during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
That’s it guys, the NFL season is officially over: the Seattle Seahawks are the new world champions and now Peyton Manning knows how Drew Brees felt after losing twice to the mighty Legion Of Boom. Even though Brees put up better numbers against the ‘Hawks. Take that, Peyton!
Well, now it’s time to shift the focus on the 2014 Draft. Yes, the one that will take place on May 8th.
What are the option for the Saints with their first round selection? Last year they nailed it with the Kenny Vaccaro pick. What should they do this year?
Draft The Best Player Available
This is the option that makes more sense: at 27 it’s impossible to predict which player with a first-round grade will be available so the Saints could just sit down, see what happens in the earlier stages of the event and when Goodell puts them on the clock pick the top player on their board.
Why is this the most likely scenario? Hear me out. It’s clear that the Saints have three big needs right now: offensive tackle, cornerback and outside linebacker. Fact is, none of these is a clean-cut top need for them so with the 27th overall pick they can add the most talented guy left, an incisive playmaker whether it’s a CB, a OLB or a OT.
Focus On One Player
Unfortunately we still have to be patient for a few months and a lot of things can change in this time span. Let’s say the coaches fall in love with a player at the combine, at his pro day or during interviews. Let’s pretend he is Dee Ford, the OLB from Auburn who had an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl. Would he still be available at 27? Should the Saints trade up to snatch him up?
I’m not a big fan of this scenario: trading up a few spots could cost too much (it’s the first round we’re talking about) and potentially ruin the entire draft. Go with the best player available, as I said before.
Trade Down
Another possible scenario: the Saints receive an offer for the 27th overall pick, which means they will get in exchange at least a 2014 2nd round pick, plus something else. A 2015 1st round pick maybe, like in the Mark Ingram trade with the New England Patriots? Maybe two 2014 2nd round picks and a conditional 3rd round pick? It’s hard to predict what the offer would be considering that it might also include a player from the other team.
Honestly I would be ok with that but only if the price is right.
What do you think? What should the Saints do? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below, on Twitter or on Facebook!
For more Saints news and analysis follow me @FedeFerrari10.