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Jeff Ireland talks Saints' 2020 draft strategy, value of Jameis Winston

How have changes in response to the novel coronavirus affected the New Orleans Saints, putting them on the spot in the most unusual offseason in recent memory? According to assistant general manager Jeff Ireland, the lack of contact with first-year players picked and signed after the 2020 NFL Draft pushed the team to take an approach that valued quality over quantity.

Ireland joined “The Matt Mosley Show” on ESPN 1660 in central Texas, reviewing how his team performed and projecting where they’re headed. He also took time to discuss the ongoing contract talks with free agent quarterback Jameis Winston, the former first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Well, look when you don’t have a bunch of picks it takes the fire out of the scouts for sure,” Ireland admitted, when asked how he felt about months of hard work resulting in just four picks made. It’s a process he’s intimately familiar with as the team’s college scouting director. “We had a philosophy going into the draft where we needed ‘quality over quantity’ and it’s the benefit of having a pretty good roster, a veteran roster, and good depth.

“And then with the pandemic going on, and virtually no offseason program, no OTAs, no rookie minicamps, we felt like we really needed to hone in on exactly who we needed to draft, who could make our team, and who might potentially start.”

Ireland clarified the need for players who could learn fast, with limited contact with the coaching staff, which the Saints prioritized by targeting specific prospects earlier in the draft. For example, the team’s first pick, Michigan center Cesar Ruiz, made a great impression on the Saints during a brief meeting at the NFL Scouting Combine where his high football intelligence was on display.

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“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

Rugby Saint II

You've got to have a vision for each player with this stacked roster. I like who the Saints drafted and believe that the top three picks have starter potential. Quality over quantity!

Ireland said that the scouting team was deflated with only four picks. I can see that but if they've done their jobs and these guys are what we're hoping for then that's all that matters. I realize these scouts were beating the table for their guy but it's a team job getting the right player.