Full Episode: 2017 Saints Re-Draft: No Kamara, Lattimore, Ramczyk or Hendrickson?
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This episode of NewOrleans.Football dives into a comprehensive 2017 Saints re-draft, analyzing how the team’s draft class might have been reshaped if they had avoided key players like Alvin Kamara, Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk, and Trey Hendrickson. The hosts critique the original draft strategy, highlighting the abundance of talent in the 2017 class and how the Saints could have capitalized on it with smarter picks. They explore alternative selections like TJ Watt, Austin Ekeler, and Evan Ingram, emphasizing the depth of talent across positions—especially at running back and defensive back. The discussion also shifts to the current coaching staff under Kellen Moore and Brandon Staley, praising their leadership, player buy-in, and development focus, particularly the college-to-NFL coaching hires. The hosts express optimism about the team’s culture and future, noting that the coaching staff’s genuine passion for football is a key differentiator. They conclude with a speculative look at potential draft strategies, including scheme flexibility based on available talent, and debate the merits of trading back if top-tier players are still on the board.
The 2017 draft class was exceptionally deep, and the Saints could have significantly improved their roster by avoiding overvalued picks and targeting elite talent like TJ Watt and Austin Ekeler.
Kellen Moore and Brandon Staley have built a coaching staff rooted in player development and genuine football passion, which is driving strong team buy-in and culture.
The Saints’ 2017 re-draft reveals that missing key players like Kamara and Lattimore was a strategic misstep, and re-drafting with better value picks could have accelerated their rebuild.
Scheme flexibility is possible—drafting a player like TJ Watt could justify shifting to a 3-4 defense, showing that team strategy can evolve based on draft outcomes.
The coaching staff’s emphasis on young player development, especially through college hires, is a deliberate and effective long-term plan for building depth.
Welcome & Sponsor Announcements
The episode opens with sponsor plugs for Loft 18, PJs Coffee, Rouse's Markets, Shaw Bear Insurance, Bobby Ebert's Cajun Can-Am, Hardhide, and Aaron Rose. The hosts promote upcoming events and local businesses, setting a community-focused tone.
Kellen Moore & Coaching Staff Evaluation
“I think they all legitimately love football. I think they're all legitimately eager to watch a game. I think they're looking at the college football schedules. I think they're eager to talk about the game and be around that.”
2017 Saints Re-Draft: Top Picks & Strategy
“The 2017 draft class was loaded. We're getting some studs, man. All right, so we're still in round two here. And, yeah, we're back on the board.”
Running Back Depth & Draft Strategy
“I think at his peak, he was the best of those guys. So to me, you can almost gamble and say – Let's take a running back in round three because maybe one of those guys falls.”
Scheme Flexibility & Draft Room Decisions
The hosts explore the idea of redefining the team’s defensive scheme based on draft picks—specifically, building around TJ Watt and Devon Godshaw. They reference historical examples like the Cowboys’ 2005 draft and the Saints’ past scheme changes, arguing that elite talent can justify strategic shifts.
“I think they all legitimately love football. I think they're all legitimately eager to watch a game. I think they're looking at the college football schedules.”
“I don't want to bypass the guy who could be a real superstar. If one of my top five graded guys is there, I don't do it.”
“If you get that type of talent, sure. Why not? Especially if you aren't like where the Saints are at right now on defense.”
Host
Kellen Moore
person
Brandon Staley
person
TJ Watt
person
Austin Ekeler
person
Evan Ingram
person
Marshon Lattimore
person
Ryan Ramczyk
person
Trey Hendrickson
person
Alvin Kamara
person
Loft 18
organization
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