Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

It wasn’t just veterans. It’s my belief the largest plays in favor of the Bucs came from drafted players, actually one specific year’s draft. 2019

Drew Brees first interception was intercepted by Sean-Murphy Bunting.
Round 2, selection 39 overall. 2019 NFL draft.

Drew Brees second interception was intercepted by Devin White.
Round 1, selection 5 overall. 2019 NFL draft

Drew Brees third interception was intercepted by Mike Edwards.
Round 3, selection 99 overall. 2019 NFL draft.

A good argument could be made that the Bucs 2019 NFL draft changed the outcome of the game vs the Saints significantly more than Tom Brady, or any other free agent acquisitions did. Brady was largely contained. Those interceptions were the difference maker in a ten point game.

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

By that logic, Harris getting hurt after 2 big returns and Cook fumbling in Bucs territory in the third quarter while up by 7 were significantly more important than Tampa’s D.

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

The draft IS a crap shoot. Just because drafted players make the initial roster doesn't mean that they are going to be assured of being a success. Note the title of this thread "Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in". That just shows what a crapshoot it actually is when you have to give it years before being able to judge the success.

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

Injuries will always be a factor. Tom Brady was playing hurt also, along with almost everyone else still alive in the playoffs. And yes, Cooks fumble was HUGE.

That being said, after the fumble, and subsequent TB touchdown, the score was 20-20, tie game. What were the results of our next three offensive possessions?

5 plays, 12 yards, Punt

5 plays, 13 yards, Int

4 plays, 10 yards, Int.

Giving the defense extremely short fields to defend, while not being able to move the ball offensively at all, is not a formula for winning football in the 4th quarter of a playoff game.

Just can’t do it.

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

As another example let's look at a team we are both familiar with ... the New Orleans Saints. The 2009 team that went all the way was led by these starters ... Drew Brees, Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas, Jonathon Goodwin, Scott Fujita, Jonathon Vilma, Scott Shanle, Jabari Greer, Darren Sharper, and Remi Ayodele none of whom were drafted by the Saints. And don't forget Heath Evans and Mike Bell, while not starters like the others they were still important contributors.

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

Once again, you’re cherry picking players. I’ve never said free agents were unimportant, they clearly are. I just say the draft is EQUALLY as important. So, 2009, let’s look at that roster from the other side:

Carl Nicks, drafted by the Saints 2008. Starting LG
Jermon Bushrod, drafted by the Saints 2007. Starting LT
Jahri Evans, drafted by the Saints 2006. Starting RG
Jon Stinchcomb, drafted by the Saints 2003. Starting RT
Reggie Bush, drafted by the Saints 2006. Staring RB
M. Colston, drafted by the Saints 2006. Starting WR1
D. Henderson, drafted by the Saint 2004. Starting WR2

And let’s not forget Tracy Porter, drafted by the Saints 2008, starting RCB. His int’s were critical. Heck, that was Malcolm Jenkins rookie year, drafted by the Saints in 2009, he only played in six games but he had an int and other stats, he contributed.

The draft is equally as critical as signing free agents are. And that 2009 team wasn’t wholly built on free agents. Draft..., then Develop; it’s equally as critical as finding veteran free agents.

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

So, on that 2009 squad there were seven offensive starters drafted over the seven years from 2003 through 2009. One per year (on average) on that side of the ball.

What's the defensive side look like?

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

I've never said that the draft isn't important. You can hit a jackpot here or there just like any other game of chance. The return is very uncertain.

Using the same sort of analogies the draft is in fact just like blackjack. You know the odds and play them. The rewards are probably very similar in nature.

Free agency, however, is more like investing in 401-K's or McDonald's stock. The returns are far more predictive because of proven performance histories.

You can play both, but at what ratio?

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

The draft is not a crapshoot, it’s nothing like blackjack. That mentality completely invalidates coaching and the entire evaluation processes. If it’s all luck, which it isn’t, then why have coaches? Why have scouting teams? Just roll with what happens, right, it’s all luck, right? No need to develop players bc my binary belief is they are either good or bad, on day one, right?

It’s not like that at all. In any way, shape or form.

Veteran players come with veteran player costs, and the salary cap isn’t unlimited. There is a ceiling, one in which we are struggling to meet. And one in which veteran free agents will have to be cut.

Re: Grading the 2018 Saints draft class, three years in | USA Today/SaintsWire
 

A good draft pick isn't just someone who get's signed by the team and plays in games for his drafting team. By that definition Danny Wuerfell was a good pick and that noodle arm was a complete waste. Good drafts mean the drafted player played well for us, made meaningful contributions. If you sign and start your entire draft, and it's a crappy team that's not a good draft.