The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books and, as expected, the New Orleans Saints did not participate.
With their first pick of the draft not until the second round at #62, the Saints decided against making a trade up during the first day. Few people were surprised by this, as head coach Sean Payton had hinted in an interview earlier this week at the Zurich Classic that moving up that far would take assets the team wasn't willing to part with.
Former Saints players Bobby Hebert and Zach Strief weren't surprised either, with each saying the franchise did the right thing.
"No, I'm not shocked at all," said Hebert. "I thought maybe they'd be aggressive but, c'mon, that was just too far to move up."
"I'm not surprised," replied Strief. "We kind of knew this was happening."
An unusually large share of first round round picks were used on offensive and defensive lineman this year, with of the 32 selections were at those positions. WWL draft analyst Mike Detillier said most people around the league believed that's how this draft would play out, and it did.
"What we've talked about in this draft class, it has happened. Those offensive and defensive lineman have eaten (the picks) up," Detillier said. "More and more it's becoming a big man's world, and that's what you saw in this draft class."
Now the Saints will have a chance to re-set their draft board and prepare to possibly make their first pick in round two. The run of selections used on lineman means more skill position players available on the second day. Many of those are areas of need for the team.
"I think if you look at what's getting pushed down the board, it's setting up really well for the Saints," said Strief.
Who could be a possible target for the Saints on day two? Much-discussed Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf is still on the board, and the team could use another big, physical receiver opposite of Michael Thomas. Metcalf fits the bill.
"You want Saints fans to be ecstatic? They would be," an excited Hebert shouted. "He could have been a first round pick. If you look at the latter part of the first round on into the 50's . . . it's kind of like you're the same player."
Even Strief, who had discussed his love of teams who use early selections on interior offensive and defensive lineman earlier in the night, said that Metcalf would be a nice fit in New Orleans.
"That would be pretty good value," he said. "I'd definitely like to see that."
Detillier also like's Metcalf's skills, and his possible fit in the Saints' scheme.
"If they were to make a move, I think it would be for D.K."
Of course, the Saints have more options than just Metcalf, and their typical philosophy beyond the first round has been to draft best player available, regardless of position. That's a sound strategy, and it's unlikely the Saints will deviate from that on Friday.
"They're going to take the guy who is the best player available at that spot, I really do," Strief predicted.
The Saints have a need for cornerback, and former LSU star Greedy Williams is still available. Other tempting options at the position remain on the board also.
"You've got Greedy Williams, Byron Murphy, Rock Ya-Sin, Justin Lane from Michigan State, Julian Love from Notre Dame . . . That's a ton of corners!" Detillier said, rummaging through his notes. "Along with receiver, I think cornerback, if you're looking for value, could be the spot at round two."
A rare quiet first round from the Saints is past and now the anticipation can really begin for fans who are anxious who the next players to suit up in a Saints uniform will be