Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
Pre-draft press conferences are always an exercise in not giving too much away. New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis maintained that well during his Wednesday pre-draft media availability. He didn’t give away too much, didn’t hone in on any prospects nor did he expose who the Saints are eyeing with the No. 8 overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft. However, he did leave some breadcrumbs that provide a chance to produce context around what qualities the team might be looking for in the opening round.
Or at least what he wants everyone to think the team is looking for in the opening round.
Pulling from Loomis’s Wednesday comments, it sounds like the Saints are:
- Planning to select the best player available as opposed to a specific position.
- Okay with building on a strength.
- Looking for a sure thing, rather than taking risks.
- Willing to avoid prospects with unanswered questions.
- More than one player away.
With all of this in mind, Loomis and the Saints are clearly in search of a player that checks important boxes. They want a player that’s the best available, comes with clean evaluations, lacks lingering questions and can have an immediate impact.
Finding the right player that checks all of the boxes at No. 8 overall is very achievable. LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate all fall under that category. However, more players could file in, assuming they can provide satisfying answers for what questions may be present.
The Saints will have no shortage of impact options should they stand pat at No. 8, which sounds likely. But finding the perfect one, one that checks every box, will be the goal for New Orleans.
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