Beanie at fourteen seems far-fetched
Coach Sean Payton strongly suggested Wednesday that Chris Wells is a target for New Orleans at the No. 14 overall pick, even calling Beanie a "prototype" fit for his offense and more desirable than consensus No. 1 draft-eligible back Knowshon Moreno.
Should we believe him? I don't think so.
First of all, coaches don't speak so pointedly about players they really plan to draft. Secondly, the Saints' offense is extremely pass oriented (they've ranked fifth, third, and first in the NFL in pass attempts since Payton took over), and Wells had 15 career college catches. He'd be a situational player under Payton.
The Saints might want a power back to complement Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, but No. 14 still seems too high to take one, especially with the team so weak on defense. It's hard to imagine New Orleans passing on an immediate impact-type OLB like Brian Cushing, DB like Malcolm Jenkins, or a pass-rushing DT like Peria Jerry in favor of a complementary player.
Wells' draft stock is soaring after he ran sub-4.4 at Pro Day, even if it was on a fast track. He may not even last to No. 14. But if does, it's a good bet that the Saints will pass.
Comments
I keep hearing this from Saints' fan, but I really would rather the Saints pass on the guy. Defense, guys, defense!
Posted by: Michael from The Hazean | March 25, 2009 08:25 PM
Sounds like Silva is a Pierre Thomas owner.
Cushing isn't a three down LB. He won't go that early. M. Jenkins is who they SHOULD take. But Payton wants his new deuce. Pierre Thomas owners should sell high now... before its too late. Why would Payton Telegraph this? Who knows? Why did the Panthers last year with J-Stew? Welcome to New Orleans Beanie.
Posted by: Captain Obvious | March 25, 2009 11:40 PM
top five in passing yearly because they need to be.
No brainer which side of the ball they need to fix.
Look at Arizona...once they gelled as a defencive unit they made the superbowl.
Posted by: abruzzi | March 26, 2009 08:36 AM
Why doesn't Pierre Thomas get more love?? In his final 6 games he had 9 TD's and avg'd 118.5 YPG while competing with Bush for touches for the majority of those games?!?! He has proven to be a difference maker yet the team seems destined to draft a RB?
Posted by: TC | March 26, 2009 10:00 AM
just like rotoworld keeps saying.. peyton isnt sold on him (thomas). i cant blame him. u have to remember he broke down at the end of last season. if not a beanie calliber player, they still need another solid, quaility back to add to the mix. PT and Bush are too unreliable to count on for healthy, full seasons.
Posted by: scott c | March 26, 2009 12:43 PM
if you read into it thats why they cut deuce. he could still be productive (possibly) but hes to injury prone. i really think thats a pet peeve of peyton. just look how he treated colston, relegating to second fiddle the first few games he came back last year.
Posted by: scott c | March 26, 2009 12:54 PM
Scott C, Thomas missed one game last year (the final game of the season) due to minor injuries. How does this clarify as "breaking down at the end of the season?" Again, next to D'Angelo he was the most productive RB down the stretch. 4.8 yards per carry after getting only shortyardage carries early in the year!!
Posted by: TC | March 26, 2009 01:39 PM