ESPN agrees with me (Draft Evals and Grades)

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Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints, who keep bucking conventional wisdom to surround quarterback Drew Brees with talent -- by kicking the asset can down the road. The latest example is the decision to trade a 2020 second-round pick, among others, to move up and draft center Erik McCoy at No. 48 overall. That follows last year's move to ship a 2019 first-round pick to the Green Bay Packers so they could draft pass-rusher Marcus Davenport. And in 2017, they traded a 2018 second-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers to move up and select running back Alvin Kamara. Someday, the bill will come due. But for now, the Saints are doing exactly what they should do -- regardless of tradition -- to maximize a 40-year-old quarterback.

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New Orleans Saints: C+ Top needs: Wide receiver, offensive line, cornerback The Saints just do things a little bit differently than the other 31 teams. That has worked out OK the last few years -- they were this close to a Super Bowl LIII berth last season. A quick recap of how GM Mickey Loomis and coach Sean Payton have used future assets in trades the past three drafts: 2017: Dealt a 2018 second-round pick to move up to draft running back Alvin Kamara. 2018: Dealt a 2019 first-round pick to move up to draft defensive end Marcus Davenport. 2019: Dealt a 2020 second-round pick to move up to draft center Erik McCoy. We know these moves are done to try to maximize the the tail end of 40-year-old Drew Brees' career, of course, but you have to wonder what happens if New Orleans slips. It could be in cap hell without much in future assets. The team is also missing its third-round pick this year because of the trade for Teddy Bridgewater. McCoy is my top-ranked center, and Payton said that's where the Saints plan to play him. Now, where does free-agent signing Nick Easton play? Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (No. 105), who could play some nickelback, might be a Day 3 steal. He was No. 58 overall on my board. Alize Mack (No. 231) is worth a seventh-round flier as an intriguing tight end. Ultimately, this is a team trying to maximize a Super Bowl window not just before the Brees timeline hits a wall, but with possible monster deals for Michael Thomas and Cameron Jordan on the horizon.

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New Orleans Saints Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M (Round 2, No. 48 overall) Pro Bowler Max Unger retired, opening up the center position on the Saints. New Orleans added Nick Easton in free agency, but McCoy is a smart, athletic talent who could push to start. The Saints need to protect 40-year-old Drew Brees inside, and McCoy is a plug-and-play option as my No. 35 prospect in the class. He plays with a lot of balance and awareness, but it's his athleticism that really pops on tape. He ran a 4.89 40-yard dash at 303 pounds, which was the fastest time at the combine for all offensive linemen. I have some concerns about his shotgun snapping consistency, but he should develop there over time. And if he doesn't, McCoy has enough athletic ability, football intelligence and bulk to move to guard. He has some experience there. I also liked the fourth-round grab of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. The Florida defensive back is a smooth mover who can play safety or the nickel role, two spots that could use some depth.

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