LKelley67

With the angst of free agency torturing Saints fans a diversion back to draft thoughts might provide some relief. It is all up in the air without the upper echelon picks being in stone muchless even the first pick this year. The coming couple of weeks will clarify much as far as team needs and targets. Here are the questions and considerations I have for the first rounders to the N.O. #16 pick, of course with no trades projected.

1. SF- Safe or sorry? With no solid #1 this is a tough spot. Aaron Rodgers is the safe prediction. A safer actual pick might be Cedric Benson or Braylon Edwards though. They can get a Frye, Campbell, or Walter at #33 then or get a vet to make do with while rebuilding. Lenhart in the Supplemental Draft could be a factor too.
2. MIA- Does one Texas back replace another? Ttop 3 RB is needed bad and a good fit. I can only imagine a QB if they get Edge James.
3. CLE- What is the Romeo philosophy? I am biased in thinking Mr. Defense wants the biggest difference maker on that side of the ball to build on, DJ or Rolle. It looks like they want to sign a veteran signal caller. If not signed then it could signal Rodgers or Smith.
4. CHI- Will he be from Texas or Auburn? Muhammed shows the draft effect of FA's. They still want offensive punch and will take a top 3 RB here.
5. TB- Which last top 3 RB will they get? One should still be here for them to grab.
6. TEN- Trade anyone? Rolle for a Rolle? Another wanting trade down. If a top 2 QB or DJ is still on the board that would be more workable. Otherwise, they take DJ, Rolle, top 2 WR, or Barron in that order.
7. MIN- Are you ready to replace randy Moss? Tice asked Edwards and Williams this. Good indicator but would be a defensive pick if they sign Plaxico for that.
8. ARZ- Which one is left? Green's choice should be made up by who is left here. Watch if they sign a vet QB for direction plans.
9. WASH- Does Joe Gibbs want a new hog or fast car? Developments with Coles and Gardner will cement whether they go wideout or pass rusher.
10. DET- Defense anyone? Three straight years heavy offense drafting bodes for a top DE or top 2 CB if still there.
11. DAL- More D in Big D anyone? DE or CB looks sure here. Luxury of figuring what might be there 9 picks later.
12. SD- Is there a rush on pass rushers? If so, see a Cody, Spears, Pollack sort of pick. If not, fast rising Troy Williamson or Mark Clayton fills a need.
13. HOU- Is the big guy on offense or defense? Barron would be a good fit and pick here but a edge rusher would be no surprise either.
14. CARO- OT or one with hands? Looks solid with either top 2 OT or Heath Miller to pick up some Mohammed gone slack.
15. KC- Which player that Saints want will they pick right before them? With needs on D just like N.O. free agency fills will be the determining factor which one goes here.
16. NO- Will they be someone that fits the bill? The surest availability for someone who rates this high looks like DT's Johnson and Hawthorne. At least they aren't from Georgia LOL. With some luck Thomas Davis SS might still be on the board. If they want any other safety, corner, or linebacker a trade down would be well served. With NFL's win-now mentality there is a small chance QB Smith or Rodgers could fall which would be impossible to pass on this low.

I think 10 days from now several of these will be much clearer when we see where the wideouts left and the Warners, Garcioas, and Brad Johnsons land.

LKelley67

wow, i guess we do have free agent myopia LOL

saintswhodi

I don\'t even wanna think about the draft yet. sorry Kelley, FA is leaving me with a very bad feeling about this team.

Euphoria

OMG... SMith will be a top 5 if not top 8 pick... no way at 16 even mentioning him is ridiculous