Could be a huge possibility, jrmllb. I don't see why many of the people screaming to draft Bush would think that he would be any different than any else on possibly not signing with the team. If we have an Eli Manning syndrome, then we do like San Diego did. Trade whoever it may be that says they won't play for the Saints for tons of future draft picks. These guys would have a reason to not want to play here, because of the instability of the team's future and front office in general. Eli had no reason. He's just a prima donna. I just can't imagine ANYONE wanting to play for the Saints next year with the disarray the organization is in right now. However, if something is worked out in the offseason before the draft, then what would be the problem of playing in New Orleans? If they are going to relocate, it will most likely be to Los Angeles anyways, since the NFL would rather have a franchise there instead of in San Antonio. If it was that great of a possibility, wouldn't you think that Matt Leinart would sign in a heartbeat? Especially knowing that he could be playing in front of his home crowd? As much as I hate to say it, this or next season may be the last we see of the Saints (as we know them) in Louisiana. I know that isn't a news flash to anyone here. Come 2007, this franchise will most likely be playing in Los Angeles......with Matt Leinart as their QB.

Eli had what none of these draft picks have, leverage. Plain and simple. None of them have any leverage to justify sitting out a whole year and losing millions of dollars. Without leverage, it would just be empty threats. Noone should be worried about any of these picks not signing with us.

Eli did have more leverage, I want a top qb in camp I just don't see Benson coming off the dime to do it, He needs to sell the team for them to have a future, A loser in NO is going to be a loser in LA the league knows this and they are not going to want to put a loser in that huge market

Actually, I'd rather do a trade with our #1 or #2 for San Diego's #19 or #20. If we could manage to deal Howard too, then I'd feel pretty good about a Rivers deal. I don't want to just give our 1st rounder away. This draft is deep enough at O-line that we should be able to swap picks for Rivers and still get a quality LT where the Chargers would pick.

17 or 18 spaces is a LOT of draft value. Since the Chargers probably don't want a QB or RB, they could still trade out of the pick and make out like bandits. I'm not sure that the Chargers would be so dogmatic about a 1st rounder only if they could be in the driver's seat over the Reggie Bush sweepstakes. If we end up with the 1st overall pick, it's like trading Reggie Bush for Rivers and that seems like a much more even trade to me.

And Rivers is ready to play now.

.02

Still gotta disagree. Reggie bush will grade out as prob one of the highest draft picks ever. Rivers isn't. If they offered us Rivers, their first, and their 2nd for the pick, i'd consider it, and draft defense later in the round, not a LT. I'd do that in FA. But if they aren't gonna sell the farm for the pick, screw that.

I think we agree basically on Bush's value. We may be stuck on Leinert?

Leinert is no Carson Palmer and probably no Chad Pennington. I have the sneaking suspiciaion he's more of a Trent Dilfer and I just can't see drafting Trent Dilfer at 2nd overall.

I'm not opposed to drafting defense with a later 1st round pick, but I wouldn't kid myself about getting a franchise LT in free agency. We'd be looking at guys much more similar to Wayne Gandy in FA. Teams don't let guys like Orlando Pace or Walter Jones leave in free agency. Jones has been playing as a franchise player for years because he's too good to let walk.

I'm not sure what defensive position I would try to fill if we were able to pick at #17-19. I suppose I'd be tempted by Nagata if he were still there. I can't see Hawk still being on the board at that point. I'd probably take another LB in round 2 regardless though.

Even though, with as many quality offensive linemen in this draft, it would be silly of us not to come away with a LT. If we could draft an LT, move stinch to guard and re-sign Bentley, I like that unit.

The only other thought I have is--if Bush is so great, and we get 1st overall, then we shouldn't pass on him.

I guess we do disagree on Leinart, cause he is being graded out higher than Eli and Palmer. I am not getting beyond passing on him. We would be screwing ourselves. So the only way I take Rivers still, is if they sell the farm to us. If not, I would take Leinart. Period. His value is behind Bush's, but not by much.

By who? I think Lienart is going to be good, but give me someone that's ready to play now, instead of searching for someone to fill the role for a couple of years while Lienart adjusts to the speed of the NFL.

None other than draft guru Mel Kiper. And he was right on about Eli and Palmer, so..................

Kiper was wrong about Williams, unless they decide to move him to tight end. Lienart's arm isn't near as strong as Palmer's.