With the Saints newly drafted rookies not even officially signed yet, you know what time it is.
Thats right, it's time to start thinking about the 2009 draft. And 2010. And even 2011.
"That's not possible," you say? Oh, but it is.
But...it...is.
Matt Miller over at New Era Scouting and the lead man at Mocking the Draft has already done it, so no worries. Check out his mock drafts for 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Here is who the Saints will be drafting in the next three years, according to them, so keep your eyes open in the NCAA for the next few years.
2009
10. New Orleans Saints: OLB Brian Cushing, USC
Analysis: Pairing the super-athletic Cushing with Jonathan Vilma will automatically give New Orleans one of the best linebacker tandems in the NFC. Cushing is built like a body-builder, but runs like a safety. He would be a steal with the 10th pick.
2010
10. New Orleans Saints: TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
Analysis: The Saints might have had the first and third best pass offenses in the league the past two years, but just imagine how good they could be if they had an actual threat at the tight end position. At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Gresham is a huge target and has great speed for his size. He had 518 yards and 11 touchdowns receiving in 2007, and with Joe Jon Finley moving on to the NFL, he’s going to be even more productive next season for the Sooners.
2011
10. New Orleans Saints: OLB Rennie Curran, Georgia
Analysis: The Saints, who sported the 26th ranked defense in the league this past season, could use a quick outside linebacker who is capable of covering the middle of the field and good on the blitz. Curran finished fourth for the Bulldogs in tackles with 46 while only starting four games. He added seven tackles for loss, a sack and seven quarterback hurries.
Obviously this is nowhere near accurate, especially since they are using the 2008 draft order for each year and have no idea what weaknesses the upcoming seasons will reveal, but it is interesting to see where they think the Saints will need help in the upcoming years.
What do you guys think? Do you even know any of these guys? Do you think they were accurate in figuring our needs? Is this absolutely ridiculous and a waste of time?