It's almost impossible to fathom. Here's a franchise QB sitting pretty at #2 for us, when any other year, the guy's gone at #1. And guys want to pass on him for an offensive lineman? Or a LB, when this is one of the deepest drafts at the LB position in years? Not drafting Leinart at #2 would prove to everyone in the world that this franchise is o.k. with being mediocre. Hell, we might as well chip in for the U-hauls to L.A. if we draft an O-lineman. I don't care how good D'Brickashaw Ferguson is. Nobody goes to games to watch a lineman block!!!

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I will keep saying this until someone listens, Leinart will not contribute immediately to the organization which is what needs to happen for the Saints to remain viable in New Orleans.

I'll say this again too and maybe someone will listen...No player in this year's draft will have an effect on the Saints' 2006 record to any real degree to make a difference in whether the team stays in NO or goes elsewhere. No. LB. No OT. No QB. It's just not gonna happen that way. Thus, we might as well get the player that most fits our team's need for a QB in the future since we have that opportunity and hope we can somehow bring in some FA players that CAN make a difference in '06.

i love when people say we should trade down to "build for the future." is taking a franchise qb that is more ready to start on an nfl team than any other prospect in years not building for the future?

Just so you don't get ME confused with those people who think we need to trade down, then maybe I should be a little more specific. I've been an advocate of drafting Matt Leinart since the season began. If you go WAYYY back to after the Green Bay disaster, you'd see a post that I made that hoped we lost out the remainder of the season (which almost happened) and draft Leinart. Anyone who watched this team last year, regardless of Hurricane Katrina, saw that this was a pathetic team. Don't expect the Saints to be 10-6 or 11-5 this coming season and contending for a Super Bowl. I say trade off some of our existing players who just aren't cutting it for more draft picks and build for the future that way. Never, and I mean NEVER should we pass up on a potential franchise QB.

Never, and I mean NEVER should we pass up on a potential franchise QB.

People use the comparison of David Carr, but our offensive line is leaps and bounds better than the Texans. They're definitely not the best, but the O-Line has been a revolving door the last few seasons with no consistency. That was the downfall of Jim Haslett because of the lack of continuity. I think Leinart will fare much better off then David Carr in his first season or two.

Much appreciated, Cheramie....I respect your opinion as well. It would surprise me but not shock me to see the Saints trade down in the draft and do something similar to the scenario you'd like to see. However, if they do trade down, I'd expect them to try to pick up Furgeson or Hawk with their first pick and possibly a QB with the 2nd, if they were to get 2 first rounders. Most likely Cutler or Brodie Croyle. But, IMHO, I think the Saints would be foolish to pass up Leinart, or even Young (even though I hope they don't draft Young). People use the comparison of David Carr, but our offensive line is leaps and bounds better than the Texans. They're definitely not the best, but the O-Line has been a revolving door the last few seasons with no consistency. That was the downfall of Jim Haslett because of the lack of continuity. I think Leinart will fare much better off then David Carr in his first season or two.