First Round Mock Draft: Free-Agency Changes
The Saints greatest need entering the draft will certainly not be wide receiver, but it’s not a bad avenue to look at either.
With zero quarterbacks going in the Top-10 and Sidney Jones out of the first-round, some names New Orleans would have liked to see waiting here simply aren’t.
Trading Brandin Cooks shows their remaining roster this isn’t a franchise likely to deal with self-centered drama for long if at all.
Drafting John Ross gives them a faster option who honestly, may be the better receiver when everything plays out anyway.
I predicted in the 2016 pre-season Cooks would be outplayed by the team’s second-round pick last year partly because of my confidence in Thomas, but also because of the lack of maturity I’ve seen with the former Oklahoma State star.
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I don’t necessarily mean maturity in emotional growth, but as an NFL receiver.
Ultimately, he’s a guy who will either take a screen pass the distance or burn an opposing secondary who slipped up in their coverage.
He’s not going to run a full tree, and I’m not sure he ever will successfully.
Ross is similar entering his rookie season, but has at least shown the willingness to put effort into routes at varying levels throughout the field.
With this, the team keeps their speed threat opposite of Thomas, and has another first-round pick to continue bolstering one of the league’s worst defenses of 2016.