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Late round success: Offensive lineman is one of the many first round draft possibilities that has been projected for the Saints, although a lot could depend on what happens with free agents Zach Strief and Brian de La Puente.

The Saints haven't taken many linemen in the first two rounds under Loomis, although they selected Jammal Brown No. 13 overall in 2005 and Charles Brown in the second round of the 2010 draft.

The Saints have had success with late round, small school linemen: Jermon Bushrod from Towson in 2007, Jahri Evans from Bloomsburg in 2006 and most recently Terron Armstead from Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2013.

"Our area guy had talked about Terron prior to the Combine and was well aware of how athletic he was," Loomis said. "Nobody thought he was going to run that fast but we were well aware of Terron.

"We had good history taking these smaller college offensive lineman and having some success. ... That gives you confidence to take a guy like Terron who's from a smaller school and not be as concerned that the stage is too big."

But don't read too much into past history, Loomis said.

"I'd say you'd have a good chance of being wrong if you read something into that," Loomis said. "For example, if one of the left tackles that were taken at the top of the draft had been there last year when we picked ... we might've taken one of them. We wouldn't have had any hesitation. It all depends on who's available at that time."

Armstead, who replaced Brown as starting left tackle late in the season, was one of those small school finds who wowed at the 2013 Combine with his quick 40-yard dash.

The 6-foot-5, 306 pound Armstead ran a 4.71 40-yard dash, the best time by a lineman since 2006.

Loomis said the Saints try not to put too much stock into the Combine, and Armstead was already solidly placed on their draft board. But still, they couldn't help but be impressed.

"Whoa! Holy crap," Loomis said. "That was our reaction."

Full article: New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says offensive lineman draft history won't dictate future selections: notebook | NOLA.com

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