Black and Gold X's and O's| How Teams at Top Of Draft Affect The Saints

The Detroit Lions are on the clock.

They have been for the past few months. And it appears they are pretty sure who they will draft with the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

It is rumored that they are negotiating with the agents of three prospects: Matthew Stafford, the Junior quarterback from Georgia (seen above), Jason Smith, the offensive tackle from Baylor, and Aaron Curry, the outside linebacker from Wake Forest.

Beyond what my own opinion is on each prospect, who the Lions are eventually able to come to a deal with before 4 PM ET on Saturday afternoon, will have a direct effect on what the Saints will be able to do with their first round selection (No. 14).

This may sound odd, since the Saints have no chance at any of the three of these prospects or other presumed top-10 players. But, truthfully if the Lions do not select Stafford at No. 1, Stafford could actually fall out of the top-five altogether.

Let's assume the Lions select either Smith or Curry.

The Rams are going to take an offensive tackle, regardless of who goes at No. 1. The Chiefs do not need Stafford.

Seattle has been rumored as a potential destination for a quarterback, but I feel that Sanchez is a better fit for them than Stafford. Even so, I'm not sold they go quarterback.

Cleveland could go quarterback, but if Michael Crabtree is available, he seems like the obvious selection.

Cincinnati has Carson Palmer, who when healthy, is among the best in the game.

Oakland drafted Jamarcus Russell two years ago, so there is no way they're going after a QB.

Jacksonville has bigger needs than a quarterback, although, supposedly, they want to take the best player available. While this is a possible destination for a quarterback, I just don't see them taking one.

Green Bay doesn't need a quarterback.

San Francisco might, but they seem pretty confident in the Shaun Hill-Alex Smith combo, as do I.

Buffalo could be a wild-card, if they're not in love with Trent Edwards, but they seem more likely to take a flyer on a guy later in the draft.

Denver is a possibility for a quarterback, especially Sanchez.

Washington has been rumored in several discussions involving quarterbacks this offseason, despite having a good one in Jason Campbell.

And then we have our Saints. Obviously we are not going to go quarterback. But what if Sanchez or Stafford are still on the board?

Are the Jets going to hang tight at 17, hoping nobody else trades with New Orleans? Maybe. We don't know how confident they really are in Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff, and Eric Ainge.

If Denver didn't take a quarterback at 12, but one is still available, I think they would love to get ahead of the Jets. They would probably not be able to trade directly ahead of New York with San Diego, since they're a division rival.

Therefore, they'd have to get to at least 15. The problem is Houston will probably be satisfied with the 15th pick. The Saints however are desperate to trade down and pick up at least one extra pick.

Here are some other key elements to consider for Saturday:

- This draft is really shaping up much like the 2007 draft. You have an SEC quarterback who is clearly overrated because he has a strong arm.

There are other possibilities at the top of the first round, but he will likely be the guy, because of his "unbelievable talent". Ask the Raiders if they would take the other guy, Calvin Johnson. I'm pretty sure they would.

- The other part of that, is that the Saints have an obvious need in the secondary, which they tried to fill through free agency. They also have a need at running back (in '07 it was receiver).

That day I was hoping they would select Chris Houston, the cornerback from Arkansas. Instead, they took Robert Meachem. From my way of thinking, I hope they go the other way this year, and go with the defensive player.

- Historically, great corners and safeties come from the top of the draft. Running Backs that excel at the NFL level can come from any round.

- In much the same way, pass-rushers can sneak up on teams, and come from just about any round.

If all this doesn't make it obvious who the Saints should pick, I don't know what else could.

Please, Mickey and Sean, make the logical choice. You need a guy who can defend the pass. You have the number one offense in the NFL. It's so freaking obvious!

Until Friday, Geaux Saints!