GumboBC

I get the feeling that many Saints' fans happiness, as far as the draft goes, is dependent on the possible trade of Darren Howard.

I am one of those who hope Darren Howard is traded. But only if it lands us a player that can help us out immediately. If that cannot be achieved, then I'd just as soon keep Howard for another year.

Keeping Darren Howard really isn't in the best interest of the team. I've heard all the pros and cons of the Howard situation.

But, the fact of the matter is, we do not need a 3-man DE rotation. Not when there are so many suspect areas on the team. Especially on defense!!

A 3-man defensive rotation is a luxury that makes very little sense.

On the flip-side. We cannot just give Darren Howard away, either.

It's hard to tell who is in the driver's seat on this trade!

Yesterday I thought that Loomis had the upper-hand, but now that I think about it, I'm not so sure. Once the draft starts, things would have to work out just right for us to get good value.

I cannot see a team giving up a 1st for Howard once the draft starts rolling. It's possible, but I just dont' see it. GMs and coaches really value draft picks and I've see better players go for much less than a 1st round pick. Patrick Surtain was just obtained for a second. We're going to get a 1st for Howard? Not likely!!

So, my stance has changed on Darren Howard.

It's been said that there are many LB in the 2nd round that should be better than average. And with the Saints' defense needing to find some way to stop the run, keeping Howard makes absoluely no sense to me.

Our DEs are fine. Our LBs are not.

Hopefully if we are offered a 2nd we will take it.

Who agrees or disagrees? I want to hear some thoughts on this subject.







[Edited on 22/4/2005 by GumboBC]