The New Orleans Saints are loaded with nine draft picks heading into Thursday's selection process, enough new faces to greatly impact the franchise if New Orleans keeps them all.
Given the plethora of picks, many are wondering if this is the year the Black and Gold drafts Drew Brees' under study.
"I think you're always looking for a good quarterback to get in the program," general manager Mickey Loomis said. "We have one in Ryan Griffin we like. If an opportunity presents itself, we'll take another one here. I don't see the end for Drew Brees on the short term horizon, at least I certainly hope not. It does take time for these quarterbacks to develop and we're conscious of that. We evaluate the quarterbacks. If the opportunity presents itself to take one at the right time, we are not afraid to do that."
Last season, the Saints went a disappointing 7-9. The team's glaring weaknesses certainly weren't at the quarterback position.
For that reason, analyst Mike Detillier predicts New Orleans' front office will focus on shoring up other positions in the first few rounds of the Draft.
"You can hit lightning in a bottle, but the vast majority of starters at quarterback come in the first two rounds," Detillier said. "The New Orleans Saints have more pressing needs than at quarterback. They need help at outside linebacker, defensive line, middle linebacker, wide receiver, depth along the offensive line, tight end and at cornerback. I would pass on the young quarterback for now."
Brees, now 36, has said he plans to play until he's 45-years-old. While it's a lofty goal, the Saints seem to be committed to helping Brees at least get close to achieving it.
"Keep Brees protected better, give him a better running game and it extends his career," Detillier said. "That is why acquiring Max Unger was crucial. He protects Brees' launch pad. Teams were funnel-pressuring the Saints last season. Unger is one of the elite in this game at center."
The Saints acquired Unger and a first round pick in a deal that sent tight end Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks.
