With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

With the uncertainty of offseason team activities do you think the Saints draft a little differently than they would otherwise? I could see how it may be hard for skill position players who may normally have an immediate impact to catch up to speed of the NFL. I have a feeling we will see a lot of draft day trades for other current players than we have in years past. Especially since we are in a win now mode. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

I think if there is a change in draft strategy, it will be because they just want to try something new. I don't think the current circumstances should change anything.

Every team is going to be equally behind, and you still have to be looking at setting up your future, as you draft. So I don't know why this would force a team to do anything other than draft according to the best players available on their board.

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

Disagree. This is an elite league. Just "trying something new" will get you fired.

Evaluating a player in person, under your controlled scenarios is essential. Especially regarding intangibles, injuries, IQ and compatibility.

Not having several opportunities to evaluate a player in person will absolutely change a team's draft philosophy.

It's been quoted coaches will pick safe. Most will. Maybe teams will take a chance but not on someone they're not already familiar with.

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

I anticipate fewer trades than usual from Payton this year. It's a new system for drafting and we won't have the whole team together to make things happen on short notice. Trades may take too much time unless both teams discussed it before the draft.

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

According to Pat Kirwan virtually all trade scenarios have already been discussed between GM's prior to the draft. Especially those in the earlier rounds. These trades are rarely done "on the fly". Usually it's a quick call to say, "Still up for what we discussed?"

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

........?



You don't seem to have gotten my point, and I'm not sure I get yours. I didn't say that they SHOULD try something new, I'm responding to The Dude's question, and saying that IF they draft differently it won't be because of the covid circumstances, it will just be because they want to try something new. And by that, I'm not suggesting they'd just whimsically throw darts at the wall, or pin the donkey to make their picks, as you seem to be under the impression that I was saying.

I'm saying that if they do something along the lines of what The Dude was suggesting -making draft day trades for veteran players, as opposed to trading draft picks to move up- then it will be because they decided they wanted to go with more veterans (perhaps to expedite the improvement of the roster for one last run with Drew?) and not because of anything else.

I do NOT foresee them going that route. But regardless of how they draft, I see no reason why this situation would MAKE them draft "differently". What you are describing is how the evaluation process is different this time around. I never disputed that. I didn't even bring it up. My point is that, just because you weren't able to go through your normal evaluation process, doesn't mean your strategy in the draft changes. You have less hands on information than you otherwise would have, but whatever information you DO have, you will establish your prospect board on that, and draft accordingly.

Every team is in the same boat. But the draft is still going to be 7 rounds. So, what? Are teams just not going to draft players? Everyone can't trade all their picks. See what I'm saying? There's no difference in strategy. If you can make a trade for a veteran who makes sense in the makeup of your roster, you do it, just like you would any other year.

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

But....but....that's not how Kevin Costner did trades on the movie Draft Day! Are you sure about that Guido??? You may want to check your sauces. :doh:

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

LOL! I remember Kirwan talking about how unrealistic that movie was a couple of years ago. I wish I could access that show again. I've searched but can't find it.

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?
 

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?

Re: With questions about OTAs and rookie minicamp could the Saints change their draft strategy?