re: Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis lay out vision for Saints draft class

My take is that they are saying they drafted uninjured, "obviously" talented, and "smart" players.
Seems more like justification for over reaching for certain players. Maybe they will become starters, but it seems doubtful. These players could be home runs or not even make the roster this year.
Maybe all of this uncertainty is because it was a COVID draft. In the past there was more hope that the higher picks would definitely make the roster, not this year.
The Corner could make the roster because the Saints don't have enough, and they don't have any money to bring in a decent corner.
IF this draft does not turn out well at least the Saints will have high draft picks next year. They did not trade them away. Maybe a good QB will be available in the first for them, and things turn around for the 2022-2023 season.
This draft combined with losing Drew, I would consider an 8 win season as a success this year.

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I never really understood the pick because it seems like such a bad fit in terms of scheme. It was almost like they wanted to pick a LB and he was the highest rated left on the board so they went with him regardless of the fit and just hoped he could adapt. I guess it’s not completely outrageous to think it’d be possible but just seems like a risky move.

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Baun was a guy they liked and targeted. We tried to sign Jamie Collins the same offseason. They were looking for a versatile linebacker that could play the 4-3 but also had serious pass rush ability for dialing up blitzes. Baun seemed to have that skill set. I don’t think they have completely gave up on Baun but wasn’t leaving the position up to chance on him taking a big step forward next year. Regardless we still needed another capable linebacker at the position.

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They see Baun as a Mike

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When they drafted him they specifically said he'd start at Sam and they'd try him out at Mike. Also said he has flexibility to move to end on rush downs.

Baun definitely is not a Will linebacker and I've never seen that mentioned by the Saints. He hasn't proven to be good enough in coverage to play that spot, much less Mike at this point. He's a run down or pass rush specialist at this point.