ESPN’s Draft Room Simulation Raises Eyebrows for Saints Fans

What If That Were To Really Happen?

Again, this special was fantastic to watch. All of the analysts put much thought into each and every possible move and possible players. But I feel like they missed the mark on this one.

Now, this may be because I believe McCaffery is the most overrated player in this draft. However, the main reason I disagree with these moves is because of how poorly this Saints defense has played the past few seasons. The team has finished in the bottom three worst defenses the last three seasons. A defensive player must be taken at 11 as well as 32. Butler would be a fantastic pickup, but that wouldn’t be enough. Especially if the team would have to give up the 32nd overall pick.

McCaffery would add versatility, but it’s a waste of a pick, especially due to Payton’s track record. He has made Travaris Cadet, Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, and even Mark Ingram better than most expected. Spending a top-15 Pick on McCaffery would be absolutely reaching.

Foster, one of the best linebackers in this class, would have been the smartest pick here.

The Saints would then have more flexibility at 32, and could have even traded down to attain more picks to select even more open voids on the roster. Linebacker, edge rusher, cornerback, safety, right tackle. These are all areas of concern much greater than backfield depth or versatility.

Next: Scouting Report: Taco Charlton

I really hope ESPN does more specials like these in the future. I really love how the experts showed both sides to many different arguments and options for teams and fans alike. Some moves will work in certain way, while other moves also have their pros and cons. The environment was portrayed nicely, and all of the moves had a ton of logic behind them. The unexpectedness of the draft was also captured in the special, reminding everyone how much Draft Night always is. Let’s hope this time around it’s fun as well as great for the New Orleans Saints.