New Orleans Saints: Was trading up for Marcus Davenport the right move?
The New Orleans Saints jumped up 13 spots in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft to nab Marcus Davenport, but were they right to do so?
In the first round, Green Bay traded out from the No. 14 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and the New Orleans Saints traded up as general manager Mickey Loomis felt that the guy he wanted wouldn’t make it to him. So, they moved up 13 spots from the No. 27 pick to No. 14 to select a pass rusher for Dennis Allen’s defense.
The Saints defense ranked No. 17 in total defense and No. 15 against the pass. However, they totaled 42 sacks, which tied them with three other teams at No. 7 in the NFL last season. Still, pass rusher is a premium position and Marcus Davenport came out as one of the most athletic edge rushers in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The 6-6, 264-pound defensive end is a physical marvel who benched 225 pounds 25 times and ran a 4.58-second 40 at the Combine. His athleticism and dominating performance at the Senior Bowl saw his stock rise, with some believing that he would go inside the top 10.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein he’s far from a finished product:
"“Right now Davenport is more of a flash player than a consistent menace, but he showed flashes at the Senior Bowl of being able to take a substantial step forward with more time.”"
They could have used some help along the offensive line and at linebacker, or stayed put to select a pass rusher like Harold Landry, who has top-15 ability. Nevertheless, Davenport will come in right away and kick Sheldon Rankins inside and give them an athletic pass rusher they didn’t have last season.
Next: NFL Power Rankings 2018: Post-draft edition
However, it’s a gamble for New Orleans. Yes, they only gave up the 147th pick in this year’s draft, but they also sent over next year’s first-rounder. That’s essentially deeming Davenport as worthy of two first-round picks. But then again, the Saints are a team that could contend for a Super Bowl right now. And if Davenport was their guy, this is a luxury, win-now type of move.