If they're trying something new, it's likely because of COVID circumstances.

Ever since Ireland came aboard, drafts seem to have improved. Why change your draft approach unless your evaluation process is hindered?

Dude, I'm not saying they will, or should, change their strategy. I'm pretty sure I made that point as clear as possible.

It was just a response to the question that was posed. And, in my opinion, IF there were a different strategy employed, there is no logical reason for covid to have anything to do with it. These guys have access to tons and tons of film. They can interview players over the phone. I don't see the inability to put eyes on players in person having so much of an impact that teams will be scared to draft players. I think they'll move forward with the same plan they've had the last few years, and if guys don't work out... That's nothing new. That's how the draft works.

So if they want to trade for veteran players, maybe it would just mean that they identified some players that they want, and trading draft picks is the way to acquire them. However, the Saints' draft capitol is kind of terrible. So, I don't know what they have to offer.

Dude, I'm not saying they will, or should, change their strategy. I'm pretty sure I made that point as clear as possible.

It was just a response to the question that was posed. And, in my opinion, IF there were a different strategy employed, there is no logical reason for covid to have anything to do with it. These guys have access to tons and tons of film. They can interview players over the phone. I don't see the inability to put eyes on players in person having so much of an impact that teams will be scared to draft players. I think they'll move forward with the same plan they've had the last few years, and if guys don't work out... That's nothing new. That's how the draft works.

So if they want to trade for veteran players, maybe it would just mean that they identified some players that they want, and trading draft picks is the way to acquire them. However, the Saints' draft capitol is kind of terrible. So, I don't know what they have to offer.

I didn't say you did either! I merely disagreed with the ideas. My opinion stands - if a draft strategy changes, it's likely due to not being able to assess a certain player the way they would in the past. The past being before COVID. They'll likely pass on a player they could have further vetted.

Well, I guess we all have our opinions. I'm just wondering why they would pass on a player who they have hours of tape on, simply because they didn't see him in person... Only to draft some other player who they have hours of tape on, but have never seen in person.

This goes back to the point I've been making all along. The Saints, right now, have a board with prospect rankings on it, based on whatever information they DO have. Granted, they might not have as much information as they'd like, or as they or used to getting, but they can do nothing about that. So, they'll go forward with their board and draft according to best player available, with perhaps some emphasis on certain needs, or perhaps not. Just as they always have.

To avoid one "risk" is to go with another "risk", in this situation. So what changes? That's all I'm saying.

I didn't suggest they'd pass on a player they already liked. In fact, I think they're more likely to go with players they have familiarity with this year in particular. The fact they can't meet with certain players to vet them more means those players are likely further down their board.