Saints could deal second pick

pakowitz · 04-12-2006, 03:06 AM

By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

Sources inside the Saints' organization say the team has not received a call from the Jets -- or any other team -- regarding a potential trade for the second overall pick. However, it is still extremely early in the process.

The Jets reportedly have orchestrated a six-day, three-quarterback scouting extravaganza. Members of their front office and selected coaches will privately work out Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler on Sunday, USC's Matt Leinart next Tuesday and Texas' Vince Young on April 20.

The Jets hope to finalize their ranking of the top three quarterbacks in this year's draft. Should they fall in love with one of the three, and for whatever reason fear he might not be available at No. 4 overall, they aggressively would seek a trade to leapfrog the Titans at No. 3. Such an approach would be a monumental mistake.

The Jets are one of only two teams (Broncos, too) who own two first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 29). They also own seven of the first 117 overall draft selections, more than any other team. Rather than packaging some of those picks to move up, the Jets would be wise to keep all seven to address their most glaring needs (QB, OT, RB, OLB) and improve the overall depth of their roster.

Even if the Jets lose out on their preferred quarterback by sticking at No. 4, they still will land an elite prospect to fill an area of need, such as Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson or Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk. By keeping the 29th overall pick, the Jets should be able to find a second impact player in the first round. Candidates include RBs Laurence Maroney (Minnesota) and LenDale White, OT Marcus McNeill (Auburn), and OLB Bobby Carpenter (Ohio State). The Jets will be a better team if they exit the first round with Ferguson and Maroney as opposed to just Leinart or Young.

New head coach Eric Mangini does not hold the same personnel power his mentor, Bill Belichick, has with the Patriots. However, Mangini was around to witness the entire rebuilding process, which included a drafting strategy of "more is better." Mangini has a firm grasp on the concept and undoubtedly will attempt to impart some of that wisdom to newly appointed general manager Mike Tannenbaum. It would be prudent for Tannenbaum to listen.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft...t&lid=tab3pos2

04-12-2006, 03:06 AM	#1
pakowitz The Dark Overlord Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: dirty south Posts: 3,450	Saints could deal second pick By Todd McShay Scouts Inc. Archive Sources inside the Saints' organization say the team has not received a call from the Jets -- or any other team -- regarding a potential trade for the second overall pick. However, it is still extremely early in the process. The Jets reportedly have orchestrated a six-day, three-quarterback scouting extravaganza. Members of their front office and selected coaches will privately work out Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler on Sunday, USC's Matt Leinart next Tuesday and Texas' Vince Young on April 20. The Jets hope to finalize their ranking of the top three quarterbacks in this year's draft. Should they fall in love with one of the three, and for whatever reason fear he might not be available at No. 4 overall, they aggressively would seek a trade to leapfrog the Titans at No. 3. Such an approach would be a monumental mistake. The Jets are one of only two teams (Broncos, too) who own two first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 29). They also own seven of the first 117 overall draft selections, more than any other team. Rather than packaging some of those picks to move up, the Jets would be wise to keep all seven to address their most glaring needs (QB, OT, RB, OLB) and improve the overall depth of their roster. Even if the Jets lose out on their preferred quarterback by sticking at No. 4, they still will land an elite prospect to fill an area of need, such as Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson or Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk. By keeping the 29th overall pick, the Jets should be able to find a second impact player in the first round. Candidates include RBs Laurence Maroney (Minnesota) and LenDale White, OT Marcus McNeill (Auburn), and OLB Bobby Carpenter (Ohio State). The Jets will be a better team if they exit the first round with Ferguson and Maroney as opposed to just Leinart or Young. New head coach Eric Mangini does not hold the same personnel power his mentor, Bill Belichick, has with the Patriots. However, Mangini was around to witness the entire rebuilding process, which included a drafting strategy of "more is better." Mangini has a firm grasp on the concept and undoubtedly will attempt to impart some of that wisdom to newly appointed general manager Mike Tannenbaum. It would be prudent for Tannenbaum to listen. http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft...t&lid=tab3pos2
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