How do the New Orleans Saints keep drafting so well?

The New Orleans Saints put together an impressive draft, even with only a few picks, but how does the team keep coming out on top?

Despite a few hiccups this offseason, the New Orleans Saints are poised for another big year in 2019. The team has been topping early NFL power rankings. Additionally, they managed to have a steal of a 2019 draft with only a handful of picks coming in. In typical Saints fashion, they traded a few away to get more. Almost every year, the team puts together an impressive draft haul regardless of how many picks they have.

There have been some duds in the past, but the Saints have drafted well for the most part. It brings up a larger question, though: How do the Saints keep drafting so well and seeing talent where others might not? It’s not a simple question and is subsequently one that requires many answers.

To draft well, a team has to take risks and that’s exactly what the Saints have done. Starting in 2017, the Saints traded away top wide receiver Brandin Cooks for a first-round pick. That was a huge risk as Cooks was one of their leading receivers. For the Saints, it paid off since they were able to draft Ryan Ramczyk to supplement their offensive line while Cooks was a luxury.

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In 2018, the Saints did the same thing when drafting Marcus Davenport. They made a deal with the Packers and, so far, it seems like it paid off. Davenport is poised for a breakout sophomore season after coming off an injury. This year, the Saints did something similar by making a deal with the Dolphins for a higher pick and a player who is fundamental to their offense in Erik McCoy. For the Saints, taking risks has been a huge and worthwhile part of their drafting process.

When drafting, a team usually come up with a strategy to get the best available or who suits their biggest need. The Saints took a similar approach in 2017 by drafting Marshon Lattimore and Ramczyk. If a team really wants to succeed, then they decide to go for a player who is an investment rather than an easy reward. In drafting Marcus Davenport in 2018, the Saints did exactly that as Davenport still has a lot to learn but is an investment for the future.

For the Saints, the key to a successful draft is not being afraid to make deals. Thankfully, the team has managed to come out on top of most. Even without a first-round pick this year, the Saints got a steal with McCoy. By trading up in the second round, the Saints managed to get their guy and only technically give up one draft pick for him. Making smart moves like that has allowed them a larger risk-reward ratio.

The NFL Draft makes up just a small portion of the entire draft process. Free agency is a huge part of the draft, too. Making a splash in free agency isn’t always ideal. For the Saints, they managed to fill specific needs without much risk. In signing players like Latavius Murray, Malcolm Brown and Jared Cook, the Saints got veteran guys who can make an impact and will help mentor the next generation. That helps make the draft process less vital, not needing to address immediate needs.

Their strategy is pretty simple. It’s quality over quantity. In both the draft and free agency, the team filled multiple needs without going overboard. They snagged guys who are either underrated stars or can be developed into what they need. It’s not a flashy concept but one that the Saints have proved works time and time again.

Putting together a good draft isn’t easy. However, the Saints have found their own rhythm and it works for them. With a possible Super Bowl run this year, the evidence is there. While we don’t know how the 2019 draft class will be, the odds are in the Saints favor.