SmashMouth

Saints coach Sean Payton said recently that the team’s lack of a left tackle was keeping him up at night, so it’s no surprise that the team is looking to the draft as a potential way to fill the hole opened by the departure of Jermon Bushrod.




Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson will visit with the team on Tuesday. Johnson’s widely regarded as the third-best left tackle in the draft behind Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher, which would seem to make him a good fit for what the Saints are looking for at present.

The snag is that Johnson isn’t likely to make it all the way to the 15th pick in the first round. The Saints could deal up, obviously, although they only have five picks this season after past deals and the second-round pick taken away from them as a result of the bounty punishments.

For a team that needs plenty of help for a defense in transition, that might be too high a price to pay even if a lack of protection on Drew Brees’ blind side is something interfering with Payton’s REM cycles.


Lane Johnson paying Saints a visit | ProFootballTalk

voodooido

Only if we move up.

papz

You never know. Players drop for whatever reason all of the time. If Warmack, Cooper, and Fluker get taken in the top 15, someone could easily drop a few spots. Lots of buzz surround Fluker and Warmack right now and Cooper is highly thought of also.

Typically outside the top handful of picks, the draft is pretty unpredictable. I wouldn't count ourselves out with Johnson just yet... if he's the player we are coveting. And while we don't have a second this year, we could certainly dangle next year's 2nd if we felt he is worth it.

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.

alleycat_126

Unless he comes down to our number, by some miracle there's no way. We can't afford to give up pics in this years or next years draft to move up....

TheOak

I see one of them being available at 15. Who it is will be down to personal preference.

Fluker is ranked 21st in prospects, so unless there is a run on OT.. How many teams need an OT? 4?

Chiefs
Lions
Chargers
Cardinals
NFL Draft - 2013 NFL Draft Prospects - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Too soon to tell. Still FA going on. Some teams could find other ways to fill their OT needs. There are still a good bit of FA Ts available.
2013 NFL Free Agent Tracker

saintsfan1976

No brainer at 15.

Rugby Saint II

We need to protrect Drew..........i can't believe that I'm not insisting on derfense, but go get him.

TheOak

The absolute best way to protect Drew?


Run the ball. Draft a good run blocker.

saintsfan1976

Good point. But if you're starting LT can't stay healthy it's time to find better options.

There will still be solid options at LT in round 3 so, Payton doesn't HAVE to reach for Johnson (uh...huh-huh) .

triman

Imho we will not trade up. IF and that is a big IF, Johnson was to drop to #15 we would likely be feilding tons of offers to trade down. Whatsoever happens L.Johnson dropping to #15 would be a blessing.