New Orleans Saints have curated a perfect draft strategy
If 2017 proved anything, it’s that the New Orleans Saints know who and how to draft for success. In 2018, they tried it again in hopes of similar results.
The New Orleans Saints arguably had one of the best drafts ever in 2017. The team had success in almost every single round. Most notably, they selected Alvin Kamara in the third round and he became a superstar. In addition, they made some notable changes on defense along with selecting a first-round offensive lineman.
Their huge showing in 2017 set high hopes for 2018 and, once again, the team seemed to deliver. The main question is how the Saints got so good at drafting and how they’ve perfected the formula many struggles to.
New Orleans has utilized different strategies throughout the years, but 2017 was spot-on. In the first and second rounds, the team focused on big defensive needs and one offensive need. Then, in the later rounds, they picked for positions that needed a boost but weren’t completely necessary.
The team tried to duplicate the idea in 2018 to mixed response from fans. Many questioned the idea of trading up for a defensive end, Marcus Davenport, who isn’t totally NFL ready. Moreover, taking Davenport cost the Saints a 2019 first-round pick.
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Then in the third round, the Saints aided the offense with a receiver and an offensive tackle. These aren’t glamorous picks, but positions that were lacking. Similar to 2017, they needed a bit of depth without a huge price tag. Hopefully, it ends up being a similar story to Kamara.
The Saints picked four more times with a fifth-round defensive back, a corner and running back in the sixth round, and finally an offensive lineman in the final round.
What made the 2017 draft such a standout was the development. No one projected just how good the class would be. However, Marshon Lattimore, Alvin Kamara and Marcus Williams all stepped up their game and changed the team for the better.
It’s unclear if the 2018 class will be as successful. We never know, though as the Saints surprised us last year. Thankfully, they followed the formula of going for what they need and filling in the gaps when necessary.
Next: NFL 2018: Ranking the 50 best pass rushers
Many teams would go straight for needs, but the Saints willingness to be patient has proved the front office knows what they’re doing. Ultimately, the team picked the best player available and 2017 proved that point.