What if we can't trade down?
 

Some posts and threads of late got me thinking, who do we draft if we cannot trade down. We have 30 seconds left on the clock and no trades have fallen through, whose name is on that card if you're the FO? Do we just go with the guy we want (Brick, Hawk, Mario, etc.) or Leinart and try to trade him after we pick him?

Scenario 1: Reggie Bush falls to us at #2, we take him without hesitation and build around him. He improves the running and passing game on offense and gives us a homerun threat as a punt and kick returner.

Scenario 2: Reggie goes #1, I say we draft Leinart. Drafting Leinart gives us a couple options. We can dangle him in front of some teams and see if anyone bites. We may not get what we were looking for (in terms of picks) in the end, but we would still get our guy, some extra picks, and the FO will be happy that we're paying our first round pick less money that what we would have paid at #2. Or we can hold onto him, let Brees play this year while Leinart watches, then make a decision at qb at the end of the season.

RE: What if we can
 

I agree with both of your senarios. First of all, the Saints should not trade the pick until after the first pick is selected. If Bush happens to not get selected at number 1, then to me it's a no brainer. Saints would have to pick the guy. If Bush gets picked number 1, then I would probably go Leinart if unable to trade down. If nothing else, this would be an instant upgrade for the 2nd string job, then we can wait and see what happens in a year or two. Also, it would not be a big reach taking Mario, Brick, or Hawk at number 2. All could make immediate impacts. Mario would probably be part of a rotation at DE, possibly doing something similar as to last year where one of the stud DE moves inside on passing downs. Brick could start immediately at maybe the LG spot, then take over at LT for Gandy next year. Hawk would probably be an opening day starter at one of the LB spots, or at least see a ton of playing time. Hawk could perhaps be converted to MLB and be a full time starter by midseason???

My opinion is probably known by now. Plan A trade down, maybe even twice. Get Hawk in the #5 or #6 slot with additional picks loaded up. Plan B1 if Bush is there, ya gotta take him. He can be traded ala Eli or sell another 10,000 season tickets for the Dome. Plan B2, no Bush, Brick is the pick. Not just the best at his position but perhaps the best overall player in this class. You cannot diminish the value and immediate impact of a guy that is spoken of being in the class of not a Jammal Brown or Gallery but more like a Walter Jones or Ogden.

If it is da Brick then AARP Gandy and his $5mil salary are looking for another job.

Take Leinart, Remember Brees is due a huge bonus next year and (hopefully not the case) If for some reason does not make a full recovery Leinart steps into the starting roll.

Take Cutler or Leinart.

Cutler or the Virginia OT

I'm with ya 4 Saint I'm being sensitive to the feelings of others by adding Leinart

Well my preference it to draft Dbrick but I'd be extremely happy with Lienart. In fact, if he is there and you can't make the trade... how do you pass him up. That is almost stupid. Surely trading down to about 8th would be great because we could still get a super player while picking up picks.