Canal Street Chronicles
After the New Orleans Saints’ game in Week 13, the draft position had some movement due to their loss to the Miami Dolphins. Still, in the end, the Saints went right back to pick #3 overall after the New York Giants’ loss.
In this edition, I will look at some potential trade back options from that third overall selection, and the potential prospects available.
For the first trade back, I have the Saints trading back with the Jets for the #7 overall selection. With this pick, New Orleans could go with OT/G Francis Mauigoa.
Starting with what Mauigoa brings on offense, he is an excellent offensive lineman who has been listed among the top options in the draft since before the CFB season. Power is the main way the Miami tackle wins, and in the run game, he moves anyone in front of him. In space, he can find the perfect block to make and make space for the RB to fill.
Now to why this actually makes sense for the Saints. Yes, going offensive lineman again would be very surprising, but with how bad the interior OL is, they need to upgrade there. Mauigoa could be an excellent guard in the NFL and would become the starting RG in New Orleans right away. Still, going interior that early is a bit rich, but if the Saints believe he could be a potential All-Pro blocker, then do it.
The next trade-back option is with the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick #15, and the main option here would be Keith Abney II.
At Arizona State, Abney has slowly risen up draft boards as one of the best CBs in the country. He is great in both man and zone coverage, with an excellent ability to read the QB to intercept the ball. This season, Abney has three interceptions. Also, he is very skilled at stopping receivers from securing the ball at the catch point. Even with his success on defense, the ASU CB is also a contributor on special teams.
Looking at what the Saints need on this roster, a corner skilled in both man and zone may be up there. Right now, rookie Quincy Riley may be the best zone corner on the team, and after that, there is a massive drop-off. Getting a player with a high chance of being CB1 right away and perfectly fit DC Brandon Staley’s scheme would be an excellent first-round selection.
