It took awhile, but the New Orleans Saints finally made their first selection of the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Saints selected center Erik McCoy from Texas A&M with the 62nd overall selection, which was the 16th pick in the second round. The Saints initially had pick #62, but traded with the Miami Dolphins to move up and select McCoy.
McCoy was a team captain for the Aggies last year, and earned the Texas A&M Offensive MVP Award in 2018. He was exceptional in pass protection, something that wasn't lost on WWL draft analyst Mike Detillier.
"My thing about it this year, he gave up zero quarterback sacks. Zero," Detillier said. "He’s played center, but he can also play guard. Man, I’m telling you this is a really good pick."
Former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert was equally thrilled with the Saints' selection.
"I’m a big believer if you’re going to make a trade, this is what you do it for. You do it for a big man," Detillier commented after the pick of McCoy was announced. "You lost the best center this team has had in the last 15, 20 years in Max Unger."
With only one pick on the first two days of the Draft, the Saints have been unusually quiet. They don't have another selection until the fifth round which occurs tomorrow tomorrow, but Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton have been open about their desire to acquire more picks in the middle part of the Draft.
But for now, the focus is on McCoy.
"I think this was a slam dunk," Hebert said. "We're going to the Super Bowl next year."
Welcome to New Orleans, Erik.