The New Orleans Saints invested in their defensive front, but it wasn't with an edge rusher. They picked Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller, and rumors of a potential trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux just heated up.
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported the Giants and Saints were in conversations for a trade involving Thibodeaux. It's a move that just made too much sense with how the first round played out. Schultz reported the news hours before Day 2 of the draft, and there was only two questions. How would Day 2 impact the Saints desire to pursue the trade, and would they be the highest bidder?
These aren't new conversations either. Per NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill, the Saints kicked the tires on this trade months ago. In February, the Saints called the Giants about Thibodeaux. A report close to the draft said New York didn't want to trade the edge rusher. Things clearly changed after Day 1 of the draft.
Saints landing Kayvon Thibodeaux more likely after Round 2
Edge rusher was one of the Saints biggest needs for the Saints coming into the draft. Rueben Bain didn't feel likely at 8, and the other top two edge rushers were already off the board by the time the Saints were on the clock. One of the reasons why is the Giants selected Arvelle Reese. While it took the chance of landing Reese from the Saints, it did open the door for a Thibodeaux trade.
Miller is a strong investment in the defensive front, and should help bolster the unit. It doesn't, however, fill the Saints' need at edge rusher at all. While they could still fill it later in the day, Thibodeaux has already proven he can get double digit sacks in the league. He hasn't done it consistently, but it's worth an investment at this point.
It should probably only cost a mid round pick to land Thibodeaux, too. That's part of the allure. Will you get someone in the fourth round with his potential? Probably not.
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