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Past Drafts and Signings Lead to Ideal Draft Situation for Saints

By Dayton Brown

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Potentially Polarizing Picks Peek Expectations

Since 2008, this is just the second year the Saints have had seven or more selections in a draft (nine in 2015). Not only is there an abnormal abundance of picks, but they’re also well-placed. New Orleans has four selections in the top 105 slots, with 3 of those in the top 80. Cooks’ trade gave the Saints an extra 1st rounder plus a move up from a 4th to a 3rd.

Having more selections in earlier spots gives the Saints a much higher chance of striking gold with a future-franchise player.

In fact, with how deep this draft is, the Saints could strike gold multiple times. Or, at the very least, silver and bronze all 7 of those times. To add on, many scouts believe the cornerback position to be the deepest of all positions this year. That’s music to the ears of Saints personnel and fans alike, as the pass defense needs to vastly improve.

A selection of Rueben Foster or Malik Hooker would become the steal of the century for the Saints. Even Derek Barnett, the most likely selection, would still be an amazing prospect for the team. Versatile players could equal a centerfield-type safety that is still missing. There are many more options because of many more selections.

Trading Cooks is still a confusing move, but not without perks. The Saints got an additional 1st rounder so to acquire an edge rush or linebacker talent along with a secondary stud as early as possible. Moving up a few spots also raises the chances of a critical draft steal. The 10th pick in the 2nd round will also come in handy, if New Orleans decides to stay put.

Next: X-Factors in the Draft

Loomis could trade up or down and attain even better or even more picks. A good amount of cap space either spells more signings for the Saints or a large amount of rookie-scale contracts to compete in camp. Either way, the placement and amount of draft selections for the Saints is a true Football godsend in front of our own eyes. Combining many decent or even a few great rookies with an already rumbling roster could be the exact kick the Saints need for a Super Bowl run.

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