The New Orleans Saints don’t move back in the NFL Draft. That’s just law at this point, but if you ever wondered why, Mickey Loomis gave a detailed explanation on why he chooses to avoid trading down. By the sounds of it, don’t expect the Saints to break the trend this year.
There’s an argument for and against moving back in the draft this year. On one hand, the Saints need more talent. More picks equate to more swings to land more talent. On the other hand, it feels like the Saints are in prime position to land an instant impact player.
That’s what makes the eighth pick so appealing. It feels like the perfect spot in the top-10 to trade to. It won’t be nearly as expensive as trading with the Cardinals at 3, and you’re still in range to land one of the best players in the draft. As appealing as it may be for teams looking to jump up, Loomis doesn't sound nearly as enthused with accepting those offers.
Saints aren't trading out of 8 so stop asking
The Saints being reluctant to trading down is best shown by the fact that Loomis has never done it in the first round, but it isn't just history. It's also the present. It's a fundamental thought process inside the building, so it's hard to imagine that changing this year.
Loomis recently discussed the team's aversion to trading back. "The scenarios would be, OK, we’re at pick 8 and we’ve got four guys that we love, and so we could go back to as far as 12. If there’s two that we love, then we could only go back two spots," Loomis said.
The Saints typically aren't comfortable with the drop in talent that comes with dropping in the draft. Trading back requires a comfort with that dip. Without the comfort, picking the best player available where you are is the only logical option.
Loomis mentioned being open to changing his mind if he were presented with a Godfather offer. It's a great way to say it's most likely not happening while also saying nothing is impossible. What does a Godfather offer look like? If the Saints are offered a first round pick to trade out of the eighth pick, that's enough to move.
It would be a huge drop in order to secure that, but it would be worth it. Walking into next year's draft with two first round picks is well worth dropping double digit spots. The Saints could also land a really talented edge rusher or wide receiver in that range. Akheem Mesidor, KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper are a few of the players who would fit the bill in that range.
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