What could be available at Pick 24?

2010: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State to Dallas Cowboys

2009: DT Peria Jerry, Mississippi to Atlanta Falcons

2008: RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina to Tennessee Titans

2007: S Brandon Meriweather, Miami (Fla.) to New England Patriots

2006: CB Jonathan Joseph, South Carolina to Cincinnati

2005: QB Aaron Rodgers, California to Green Bay Packers

2004: RB Steven Jackson, Oregon State to St. Louis Rams

2003: TE Dallas Clark, Iowa to Indianapolis

JP's Saints Mock Draft (Wish List):

R1/24 Muhammad Wilkerson, DT - Temple (HT: 6-5 - WT: 305)

Athletic Big Man who would be a natural DE in a 3-4 alignment; but with his athletic ability could be a freak at the 3-technique positon; moving up draft boards into the first round now...

Alternate Picks: Ryan Kerrigan, DE; Julio Jones, WR


R2/56 Mason Foster, WLB - Washington (HT: 6-1⅛ - WT: 241)

Marginal measurables, but his film tells a different story; he can bring the wood; John Madden/Mike Ditka type of player, old school; Durable and productive; Team Player...

Alternate Picks: Bruce Carter, OLB; Robert Sands, S


R3/72 Quinton Carter, S - Oklahoma (HT: 6-0⅝ - WT: 211)

Go to Roman Harper's Wikipedia page and you'll see 'em swinging a golf club; picking Carter would keep 'em there; he has excellent coverage skills at S: Fluid, Good Angles, Smart and has excellent community track record; not sure he's be there this late but would be a steal at this slot ...

Alternate Picks: Jarvis Jenkins, DT


R3/88 Pierre Allen, DE - Nebraska (HT: 6-3⅞ - WT: 273)

Natural Leader; Has very good, maybe not elite, physical tools; though sacks declined with departure of Suh last season, tackles for loss went up; disciplined end who maintains assignment/area; would be an excellent rotation player at the very least early in his career...

Alternate Picks: Casey Matthews, LB; Joseph Barksdale, OT


R7/215 Willie Smith, T - East Carolina (HT: 6-5 - WT: 310)

Good Size, Range; key component to helping his school set new performance records on offense; unofficial stat of 40+ knockdowns (i.e. pancakes, slammers) while playing in Conference USA; former Tight End whose made transition to Left Tackle, so he could fit in with Coach Payton's player eligible play calling; could look to replenish depth should Bushrod or Strief depart...

Alternate Picks: Alex Henery, K; Kenrick Ellis, DT

Analysis: The NFL is a coin flip. And the playoff loss to Seattle taught the Saints what happens when one side of the coin (Defense) is playing poorly. There is no question this list is Defense, but it is where most value is for the Saints at their current picks.

While I'd hate to lose depth, I do believe Arrington needs a chance to play at WR and having Henderson and Moore stunts that growth. Now, I would not move Moore unless Julio Jones fell to the Saints in Round 1.

Julio Jones is the only offensive player I'd consider taking late in Round 1 despite good value at OT. The days of taking a RB in Round 1 are over unless it is Barry Sanders reincarnate. But Muhammad improves the team and gives the Saints an All-Pro in the making as an underclassman.

Admittedly I'm not very high on Pac 10 players; but the more I see of Mason Foster the more I think Football Player; would like to see the height for this 4-3 LB to be 6-3, but he plays that size.

In the third round, we've some options; though I like where we pick in early round three, am still disappointed that was the only value we got for a ProBowl LT in Brown (even if I didn't like Brown). Getting Quinton Carter and someone like Pierre Allen in Round 3 would definitely be salve for the wound of the screwing we took (Redskins/Shanahan double whammy).

Rounds 4,5,6 we sit; David Thomas has been an underrated contributor, but when you consider what we invested in TE with Shockey, Thomas, and Graham (and I liked the selection of Graham at the time of the draft) I think it's been a bit much and something the Saints need to review.

Round 7 has been good to the Saints when you look at Colston and Arrington (though he needs a chance to play); Should Willie Smith who's rated a R7 pick be there, he'd be a steal; but I suspect some Scouts are not being honest and will have their teams nab him around Round 4.

JP's Saints Mock Draft (Wish List):

R1/24 Muhammad Wilkerson, DT - Temple (HT: 6-5 - WT: 305)

Athletic Big Man who would be a natural DE in a 3-4 alignment; but with his athletic ability could be a freak at the 3-technique positon; moving up draft boards into the first round now...

Alternate Picks: Corey Liuget, DT - Illinois (HT: 6-2⅛ - WT: 305) ; Julio Jones, WR - Alabama (HT: 6-2¾ - WT: 220)


R2/56 Mason Foster, WLB - Washington (HT: 6-1⅛ - WT: 241)

Marginal measurables, but his film tells a different story; he can bring the wood; John Madden/Mike Ditka type of player, old school; Durable and productive; Team Player...

Alternate Picks: Robert Sands, S - West Virginia (HT: 6-4⅜ - WT: 217) ; Ryan Williams, RB - Virginia Tech (HT: 5-9⅜ - WT: 212)


R3/72 Quinton Carter, S - Oklahoma (HT: 6-0⅝ - WT: 211)

Go to Roman Harper's Wikipedia page and you'll see 'em swinging a golf club; picking Carter would keep 'em there; he has excellent coverage skills at S: Fluid, Good Angles, Smart and has excellent community track record; not sure he's be there this late but would be a steal at this slot ...

Alternate Picks: K.J. Wright, OLB - Mississippi St. (HT: 6-3⅜ - WT: 246) ; DeMarco Murray - Oklahoma (HT: 6-0 - WT: 213)


R3/88 Pierre Allen, DE - Nebraska (HT: 6-3⅞ - WT: 273)

Natural Leader; Has very good, maybe not elite, physical tools; though sacks declined with departure of Suh last season, tackles for loss went up; disciplined end who maintains assignment/area; would be an excellent rotation player at the very least early in his career...

Alternate Picks: Joseph Barksdale, OT - LSU (HT: 6-4¾ - WT: 325); Da'Rel Scott, RB - Maryland (HT: 5-11 - WT: 211)


R7/215 Willie Smith, T - East Carolina (HT: 6-5 - WT: 310)

Good Size, Range; key component to helping his school set new performance records on offense; unofficial stat of 40+ knockdowns (i.e. pancakes, slammers) while playing in Conference USA; former Tight End whose made transition to Left Tackle, so he could fit in with Coach Payton's player eligible play calling; could look to replenish depth should Bushrod or Strief depart...

Alternate Picks: Dion Lewis, RB - Pittsburgh (HT: 5-6⅝ - WT: 193) Alex Henery, K; Ugo Chinasa, DE - Oklahoma St. (HT: 6-5⅛ - WT: 254)

Analysis: The NFL is a coin flip. And the playoff loss to Seattle taught the Saints what happens when one side of the coin (Defense) is playing poorly. There is no question this list is Defense, but it is where most value is for the Saints at their current picks.

While I'd hate to lose depth, I do believe Arrington needs a chance to play at WR and having Henderson and Moore stunts that growth. Now, I would not move Moore unless Julio Jones fell to the Saints in Round 1.

Julio Jones is the only offensive player I'd consider taking late in Round 1 despite good value at OT. The days of taking a RB in Round 1 are over unless it is Barry Sanders reincarnate. But Muhammad improves the team and gives the Saints an All-Pro in the making as an underclassman.

Admittedly I'm not very high on Pac 10 players; but the more I see of Mason Foster the more I think Football Player; would like to see the height for this 4-3 LB to be 6-3, but he plays that size.

In the third round, we've some options; though I like where we pick in early round three, am still disappointed that was the only value we got for a ProBowl LT in Brown (even if I didn't like Brown). Getting Quinton Carter and someone like Pierre Allen in Round 3 would definitely be salve for the wound of the screwing we took (Redskins/Shanahan double whammy).

Rounds 4,5,6 we sit; David Thomas has been an underrated contributor, but when you consider what we invested in TE with Shockey, Thomas, and Graham (and I liked the selection of Graham at the time of the draft) I think it's been a bit much and something the Saints need to review.

Round 7 has been good to the Saints when you look at Colston and Arrington (though he needs a chance to play); Should Willie Smith who's rated a R7 pick be there, he'd be a steal; but I suspect some Scouts are not being honest and will have their teams nab him around Round 4.

It's all about where they're drafted. Land in St. Louis - you could grow with a future, star QB. Land in Cleveland and you may never make a Pro Bowl.

If someway Julio Jones falls to the Saints Loomis better sprint that pick in, doubt it happens but this offense would be unstoppable

That's what I'm talking 'bout!

Julio would be our Anquan Boldin, but faster.
Wouldn't be our #1 WR but a "nice compliment" to the receivers we have.
Probably would mean Devery would be expendable.
Skip all the talk of drafting another TE, because Julio could easily block OLBs in the run game.

That's nice that he's a team player but I don't want to draft him to block; but the blocking is definitely a bonus.

His hands are a lot lke Colstons. He can snatch just about anything near him, but will occasionally drop a few that hit him right in his hands. He sometimes turns to run before catching the ball.

Not real bad, but he'll drop 4 or 5 like that every year.

Just imagine Colston with 4.3 speed.

I place WR near the very bottom of our list of needs, but if he's there at 24, we have to pick him.

I don't think the foot injury will drop him that much though.

Every WR blocks. Those who can't really stand out - not in a good way.

Yep, totally agree w your assessment of JJ. But IMHO, we still need another WR - a "Colston with 4.3 speed".

Hell, maybe that's Jimmy Graham...? Especially considering how much Payton uses his TE.

To me, Meachem is a younger, faster Devery with better hands. Stretch the field and catch 3-4 passes per game w the occasional 40yd TD.

That said, I don't see us drafting a WR before the 4th round.

Man, as much as l like Wilkerson; really warming to the idea of Julio...

He won't be around - thank goodness, bc we need help up front on D!!

This draft is heavy with DT/DE talent. So much so that we're almost guaranteed to grab a solid player at 24.
Cameron Jordan
Muhammed Wilkerson
Ryan Kerrigan?
Cameron Heyward?
Corey Liuget?
Justin Houston?

Round 2 - Drake Nevis? Brooks Reed?

All real possibilities.

Now, I always like to take a look back at players Payton wanted to draft but had them taken just before we picked - Jerry Hughes and Beanie Wells come to mind.

Check this out -

Payton's thoughts on adding a pass rusher in the draft:

When asked what the emphasis in 2011 would be:

Payton has already scheduled a visit with Kendall Hunter.

Let's look at another 3rd round option: Shane Vereen RB from Cal.

I like this kid's pedigree, versatility and durability.

***Update***

JP's Saints Mock Draft (Wish List):

R1/24 Muhammad Wilkerson, DT - Temple (HT: 6-5 - WT: 305)

Athletic Big Man who would be a natural DE in a 3-4 alignment; but with his athletic ability could be a freak at the 3-technique positon; moving up draft boards into the first round now...

R1A/24A (Alternate Pick): Julio Jones, WR - Alabama (HT: 6-2¾ - WT: 220)


R2/56 Mason Foster, WLB - Washington (HT: 6-1⅛ - WT: 241)

Marginal measurables, but his film tells a different story; he can bring the wood; John Madden/Mike Ditka type of player, old school; Durable and productive; Team Player...

R2A/56A (Alternate Pick): Ryan Williams, RB - Virginia Tech (HT: 5-9⅜ - WT: 212)


R3/72 Quinton Carter, S - Oklahoma (HT: 6-0⅝ - WT: 211)

Go to Roman Harper's Wikipedia page and you'll see 'em swinging a golf club; picking Carter would keep 'em there; he has excellent coverage skills at S: Fluid, Good Angles, Smart and has excellent community track record; not sure he's be there this late but would be a steal at this slot ...

Alternate Pick: K.J. Wright, OLB - Mississippi St. (HT: 6-3⅜ - WT: 246); Robert Sands, S - West Virginia (HT: 6-4⅜ - WT: 217)


R3/88 Pierre Allen, DE - Nebraska (HT: 6-3⅞ - WT: 273)

Natural Leader; Has very good, maybe not elite, physical tools; though sacks declined with departure of Suh last season, tackles for loss went up; disciplined end who maintains assignment/area; would be an excellent rotation player at the very least early in his career...

Alternate Picks: Joseph Barksdale, OT - LSU (HT: 6-4¾ - WT: 325); Da'Rel Scott, RB - Maryland (HT: 5-11 - WT: 211)


R7/215 Willie Smith, T - East Carolina (HT: 6-5 - WT: 310)

Good Size, Range; key component to helping his school set new performance records on offense; unofficial stat of 40+ knockdowns (i.e. pancakes, slammers) while playing in Conference USA; former Tight End whose made transition to Left Tackle, so he could fit in with Coach Payton's player eligible play calling; could look to replenish depth should Bushrod or Strief depart...

R7/Comp Tom Keiser, DE - Stanford (HT: 6-5 - WT: 244)

Named to PAC 10 Freshman team; underclassman; tweener size - could possibly play OLB in 3-4 alignments; excellent pass rusher...


Alternate Picks: Dion Lewis, RB - Pittsburgh (HT: 5-6⅝ - WT: 193) Alex Henery, K; Ugo Chinasa, DE - Oklahoma St. (HT: 6-5⅛ - WT: 254)

Analysis: The NFL is a coin flip. And the playoff loss to Seattle taught the Saints what happens when one side of the coin (Defense) is playing poorly. There is no question this list is Defense, but it is where most value is for the Saints at their current picks.

While I'd hate to lose depth, I do believe Arrington needs a chance to play at WR and having Henderson and Moore stunts that growth. Now, I would not move Moore unless Julio Jones fell to the Saints in Round 1.

Julio Jones is the only offensive player I'd consider taking late in Round 1 despite good value at OT. The days of taking a RB in Round 1 are over unless it is Barry Sanders reincarnate. But Muhammad improves the team and gives the Saints an All-Pro in the making as an underclassman.

Admittedly I'm not very high on Pac 10 players; but the more I see of Mason Foster the more I think Football Player; would like to see the height for this 4-3 LB to be 6-3, but he plays that size.

In the third round, we've some options; though I like where we pick in early round three, am still disappointed that was the only value we got for a ProBowl LT in Brown (even if I didn't like Brown). Getting Quinton Carter and someone like Pierre Allen in Round 3 would definitely be salve for the wound of the screwing we took (Redskins/Shanahan double whammy).

Rounds 4,5,6 we sit; David Thomas has been an underrated contributor, but when you consider what we invested in TE with Shockey, Thomas, and Graham (and I liked the selection of Graham at the time of the draft) I think it's been a bit much and something the Saints need to review.

Round 7 has been good to the Saints when you look at Colston and Arrington (though he needs a chance to play); Should Willie Smith who's rated a R7 pick be there, he'd be a steal; but I suspect some Scouts are not being honest and will have their teams nab him around Round 4.

NFL Draft

Less than a month away...

Gotta wonder if Kansas City or St. Louis would be interested in a WR for a Round 2 or Round 3 pick selection?!?

That would probably have to include Colston. Don't see that happening.

I doubt Devery or Lance could get us anything more tha a 4th, assuming a sign/trade deal.

But its possible that a WR plus picks could net us Dorsey. That would be cool.

Lance is definitely worth a No. 2; though Devery would be more expendable...

But Devery's speed could entice a R3 pick...

Mar. 31, 2011 2:30 p.m. - Who the Saints took #1 in 2009: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S (No. 14 overall). Who they should have taken: Clay Matthews. The Saints are more than pleased with Jenkins' emergence at FS this season, but Matthews is a gamechanger at LB and that's been a position the Saints could use an upgrade. Saints RapidReports

Mar. 29, 2011 4:07 p.m. - The Saints under Sean Payton haven't drafted a RB high other than Reggie Bush. Though it appears Payton is against taking a RB early, he said that's not the case and that the days of drafting a RB high aren't finished. Saints RapidReports

Where the Saints sit with draft picks - NFC South Blog - ESPN

Of course you can view the extra 3rd rounder as equal to a 4th and an 6th.

We so got screwed trading Brown...

I mean, he had to geaux, but no way should we have had to send a draft pick plus a Pro Bowler for only a R3 pick...

***Update***

JP's Saints Mock Draft (Wish List):

R1/24 Muhammad Wilkerson, DT - Temple (HT: 6-5 - WT: 305)

Athletic Big Man who would be a natural DE in a 3-4 alignment; but with his athletic ability could be a freak at the 3-technique positon; moving up draft boards into the first round now. But Muhammad improves the team and gives the Saints an All-Pro in the making as an underclassman.

R1A/24A (Alternate Pick): Julio Jones, WR - Alabama (HT: 6-2¾ - WT: 220)

While I'd hate to lose depth, I do believe Arrington needs a chance to play at WR and having Henderson and Moore stunts that growth. Now, I would not move Moore unless Julio Jones fell to the Saints in Round 1. Julio Jones is the only offensive player I'd consider taking late in Round 1 despite good value at OT. The days of taking a RB in Round 1 are over unless it is Barry Sanders reincarnate.


R2/56 Mason Foster, WLB - Washington (HT: 6-1⅛ - WT: 241)

Marginal measurables, but his film tells a different story; he can bring the wood; John Madden/Mike Ditka type of player, old school; Durable and productive; Team Player. Admittedly I'm not very high on Pac 10 players; but the more I see of Mason Foster the more I think Football Player.

R2A/56A (Alternate Pick): Ryan Williams, RB - Virginia Tech (HT: 5-9⅜ - WT: 212)

Fast; not a whole lot of miles; would like to see him have had another year; only RB I'd consider taking this early other than LeShoure from Illinois. Someone had posted video of a LB from UNC, but it was a play where Williams ran through a tight gap and blew past everyone that stood out. If he is available it'd be a tough choice between the Foster and Williams. And despite the definite upgrade at OLB, I strongly consider this addition to the RB corps.

R3/72 (from Washington) Quinton Carter, S - Oklahoma (HT: 6-0⅝ - WT: 211)

Go to Roman Harper's Wikipedia page and you'll see 'em swinging a golf club; picking Carter would keep 'em there; he has excellent coverage skills at S: Fluid, Good Angles, Smart and has excellent community track record; not sure he's be there this late but would be a steal at this slot. Getting Quinton Carter would definitely be salve for the wound of the screwing we took (Redskins/Shanahan double whammy).

R3A/72A Robert Sands, S - West Virginia (HT: 6-4⅜ - WT: 217)

One of the more intriguing players in the draft, his physical size would make him an interesting pairing with Michael Jenkins; plus, he'd have the size to compete for jump balls against taller receivers; and he could definitely intimidate with the hitting as well...

R3B/72B (from Washington) K.J. Wright, OLB - Mississippi St. (HT: 6-3⅜ - WT: 246) Experienced LB who has flown under the radar in the SEC at Miss St which is starting to gain more momentum for producing outstanding NFL defenders and Wright looks to be one that they could point to with pride...


R3/88 Pierre Allen, DE - Nebraska (HT: 6-3⅞ - WT: 273)

Natural Leader; Has very good, maybe not elite, physical tools; though sacks declined with departure of Suh last season, tackles for loss went up; disciplined end who maintains assignment/area; would be an excellent rotation player at the very least early in his career...

Alternate Picks: Da'Rel Scott, RB - Maryland (HT: 5-11 - WT: 211) Fastest RB at the combine; could be compared to Titan's Chris Johnson; unsure if he's prepared to be a five tool RB in the NFL (Read, Block, Run, Catch, Return) mainly can/does he want to block in the NFL.


Rounds 4,5,6 we sit; David Thomas has been an underrated contributor, but when you consider what we invested in TE with Shockey, Thomas, and Graham (and I liked the selection of Graham at the time of the draft) I think it's been a bit much and something the Saints need to review.


R7/225 Willie Smith, T - East Carolina (HT: 6-5 - WT: 310)

Good Size, Range; key component to helping his school set new performance records on offense; unofficial stat of 40+ knockdowns (i.e. pancakes, slammers) while playing in Conference USA; former Tight End whose made transition to Left Tackle, so he could fit in with Coach Payton's player eligible play calling; could look to replenish depth should Bushrod or Strief depart...

R7/242 (Compensatory Pick) Tom Keiser, DE - Stanford (HT: 6-5 - WT: 244)

Named to PAC 10 Freshman team; underclassman; tweener size - could possibly play OLB in 3-4 alignments; excellent pass rusher...

Alternate R7 Picks: Dion Lewis, RB - Pittsburgh (HT: 5-6⅝ - WT: 193) Alex Henery, K; Ugo Chinasa, DE - Oklahoma St. (HT: 6-5⅛ - WT: 254)

Analysis: The NFL is a coin flip. And the playoff loss to Seattle taught the Saints what happens when one side of the coin (Defense) is playing poorly. There is no question this list is Defense, but it is where most value is for the Saints at their current picks.

CBS Saints Rapid Reports


Mar. 31, 2011 2:37 p.m. - Who the Saints took #1 in 2010: Patrick Robinson, CB (No. 32 overall). Who they should have taken: WR Mike Williams. Robinson saw some playing time in his rookie season and still needs some development. Sean Payton loves offensive weapons and Williams certainly provided a spark for Josh Freeman and the Bucs.


Mar. 31, 2011 2:30 p.m. - Who the Saints took #1 in 2009: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S (No. 14 overall). Who they should have taken: Clay Matthews. The Saints are more than pleased with Jenkins' emergence at FS this season, but Matthews is a gamechanger at LB and that's been a position the Saints could use an upgrade.


Mar. 31, 2011 2:29 p.m. - Who the Saints took #1 in 2008: Sedrick Ellis, DT (No. 7 overall). Who they should have taken: Chris Johnson. The Saints certainly needed help on the D-line and they traded up to draft Ellis, who has been solid through his career. But the Saints were still in flux at RB in 2008 and Johnson is one of the league's best.


Mar. 31, 2011 2:28 p.m. - Who the Saints took #1 in 2007: Robert Meachem, WR (No. 27 overall). Who they should have taken: Sidney Rice. The Saints didn't draft a need position when they selected Meachem, but Rice would have been the better WR pick. Rice blossomed into a go-to WR in 2009 as Meachem hasn't become any more than a No. 3 WR in New Orleans.


Mar. 31, 2011 2:24 p.m. - Who the Saints took #1 in 2006: Reggie Bush, RB (No. 2 overall). Who they should have taken: Maurice Jones-Drew. Bush has had his moments with the Saints, but Jones-Drew's production at RB destroys Bush's numbers. Jones-Drew has rushed for 5,248 yards and 54 TDs, while Bush has rushed 2,090 yards and 17 TDs.


Mar. 30, 2011 8:35 p.m. - At least one member of the Saints staff attended Washington's pro day on Wednesday. It's highly doubtful that the Saints are looking hard at Jake Locker. LB Mason Foster and S Nate Williams could be the more likely targets.

Excerpt from Mel Kiper Article on Espn.com

It's still early, but there are some valid criticisms and questions presented...

Uhh Mel... we didn't have Sproles when we drafted Ingram and Thomas was coming off a foot injury and Ivory just had a serious surgery that has ended may NFL careers.

Jordan is in a 4 sometimes 5 man rotation at DE. His numbers are obviously going to suffer. He's played well when called upon, and he wasn't drafted as a edge rusher to start with.

Patrick got hurt in preseason, which stunted his development. Lately he's seeing more time and playing well.

EVERYONE knew Martez was raw and needed a year or so to develop, which he's doing nicely. If he wasn't raw, he never would have lasted to the 3rd.

I'm surprised by Mel. He's usually much more informed than this.

Yeah, I know most don't like him but I do, big hair and big mouth and all.

I'm more excited about this draft today than I was after the draft.

166 6-7 Redskins to the saints

Saints (conditional if Jammal Brown plays 90% of snaps in 2010 or is voted to Pro Bowl)


Traded Jammal Brown, 2011 conditional pick (sixth or seventh round if Saints get fourth round pick in this trade, fifth round if Saints get third round pick in this trade) (#155-Niles Paul) to Redskins for 2011 third or fourth round pick (whichever of the two picks is not sent to Eagles in Donovan McNabb trade) (#72-Martez Wilson), 2012 conditional sixth round pick (if Brown plays 90% of snaps in 2010 or is voted to Pro Bowl) (?-?) on 2010-06-19.