tiggerpolice

I'll be the first to admit I don't know a lot about the thinking that goes into making a selection in the NFL Draft. But that might just be an advantage when it comes to the New Orleans Saints.

Maybe they should call me before they head up to the podium and I'll tell them who to take and that, in effect, will be that.

OK, so that's not going to happen. Here's Plan B: The Saints front office folks should stop over-thinking and simply turn the process into a masters-of-the-obvious approach.

One would think Reggie Bush, whose versatility, talent and speed make him a great selection, will be the player picked by the Houston Texans No. 1 overall.

That means the Saints, with the No. 2 pick, have every other player available. And while that seems a daunting task -- it is often easier to make the sixth-round pick because by then most of the preferred options are gone and a team is merely selecting players to fill roster needs -- it should actually be quite simple.

The checklist should like this: (1) What is the team's greatest need? (2) Who is the best player at that position?

Of course, that's not how it works, or at least we're always told the process is not that easy. First, the Saints have more needs than an 8-year-old has items on his Christmas list. There are so many positions that need attention, the Saints could consider having a blind draw and that player would have an excellent chance of fitting into one of the problem areas.

Yet as we head into next week's draft, there would appear to be several players under consideration. Some make sense, others do not.

The latest possibility mentioned is USC quarterback Matt Leinart, who any other time would be considered a fine choice. He would bring a star quality to a team desperately in need of that intangible.

But with the Saints having signed former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees, it seems silly to cast any attention to Leinart now.

The Saints' greatest needs would appear to be the offensive line and defense. So even though the Saints won't ask what I think they should do, here's what I think they should do:

1. If the Texans lose their minds and select someone other than Bush, the Saints should run to the podium to select him.

2. If Bush is the Texans' pick, they should select either offensive lineman D'Brickashaw Ferguson to protect the newly acquired Brees or defensive end Mario Williams. Either would be an outstanding choice.

3. Trade the pick. This would allow the Saints to keep a first-round pick as well as gain other draft picks or players in the deal. When considering all the Saints' needs, this avenue would seem the best decision for the franchise.

See, it's not that tough a decision really.

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