The Saints haven't really given any substantial hints as to their offseason plans, although they have noted that they plan on improving their defense (which needs it, badly, by the way). That has led most to assume that their first round pick, 10th overall, will be on defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs' side of the ball. But let's not rush to assumptions.In GM Mickey Loomis' tenure, the Saints have traded up, they've traded back, they've traded picks for players and vice versa. But their one overarching credo has been "best player available." It's the reason they drafted Deuce McAllister when they had Ricky Williams and Will Smith when they had Darren Howard and Charles Grant. It's the reason they might eschew defense in the first.
Let's assume that the top four defensive linemen (Sedrick Ellis, Glenn Dorsey, Vernon Gholston, and Chris Long) are gone. If the Saints don't feel there is another player worthy of that pick, they won't reach. And the man they might take instead is offensive tackle Ryan Clady.
Of course, Clady might already be gone as well. But though Drew Brees' numbers are quite large, his yards per attempt dropped by 1.2 this past season -- a direct result of less time. Taking Clady would give them options -- put him on the right side in place of Jon Stinchcomb or move Jammal Brown to his natural spot and play Clady on the left. Either way, picking up a very good lineman is never a bad thing, and, in this case, sure beats reaching for an "if".
