2015 NFL Draft: Are the Saints Planning to Trade Up?

Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since the blockbuster trade that took place a couple of weeks ago, there has been speculation of the Saints possibly trying to create a package deal to move up similarly to what their arch-rival Falcons did in the 2011 draft. There have been many connections to different players for a package deal in the 2015 NFL Draft, but in my opinion it’s down to three players.

Jameis Winston

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

But Jonah, the Saints have Drew Brees! There is no way the Saints would trade two valuable picks for a quarterback who won’t play for three years! Really? Because I think that is the exact opposite of what they’re thinking.

Amari Cooper

Nov 8, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) celebrates after a touchdown against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

After losing Jimmy Graham, the plan is quite simple for Saints front office. Get Brees a weapon offensively. That weapon could be Amari Cooper.

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The Falcons did it just four years ago when they traded up 20 or so spots to get Julio Jones. I have a feeling that New Orleans watched that gamble extremely close as they may be planning to do the same in the 2015 NFL Draft. The most likely trade partner in my opinion is the Jacksonville Jaguars. They currently hold the 3rd overall pick, and have been long reported by multiple sources as a team wanting to stockpile draft picks. This trade is probably the most likely of the three and I honestly could absolutely see this trade come to fruition on April 30.

Vic Beasley

Sep 27, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) celebrates after sacking North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Marquise Williams (12) during the second quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Trading up into the top 10 for a pass rusher isn’t the sexiest move out there, but it could be the right one. The Saints are in desperate need of a pass rush, and I honestly believe that they will miss out on the draft’s top pass rushers if they stay at pick 13. Rob Ryan needs pass rushers for his system to work, and if his system works, the offense clicks. Many options could be available in terms of players at the edge rusher position. In my opinion, Vic Beasley is the top pass rusher in this class and is best suited for Rob Ryan’s infamous 3-4 defense. They might need to jump Washington or Atlanta to get him, but I think this will be a gamble absolutely worth the risk.

Overall Synopsis

In conclusion, I think the Saints are absolutely planning to make a move to get into prime position for any of these three players. The Saints have long been thought as the king of NFC South for the past five years or so, and I have an inclination that Tom Benson and co. want to get back on the top of the mountain per se of the NFC South. To achieve that, they need to go get their guy.

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