More Ridiculous Pre-Draft Trade Rumors: New Orleans and St. Louis Swap?

And so the gossip keeps flying. Adam Schefter reported last night that the Saints have inquired about what it would take to move from their spot at 10 to the Rams' at two.

Schefter believes the Saints are eyeing Glenn Dorsey or Vernon Gholston. A trade involving Dorsey would seem more likely -- they love him, and if it only takes their second-rounder or perhaps their third and right tackle Jon Stinchcomb, who Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett drafted, it'd be worth it. But Gholston makes no sense. That rumor is based on defensive end Will Smith's hold out, but the Saints would have to pay Gholston comparable money to what Smith is seeking, and those slight savings aren't worth risking a Pro Bowler for an unproven rookie.

As far as the Rams are concerned, the deal makes more sense. If they're hell-bent on getting a tackle and Jake Long is gone, the Rams could save money and get Jeff Otah, Branden Albert, or Ryan Clady (or Stinchcomb). They could also grab Leodis McKelvin or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with rumors that Fakhir Brown will be suspended for the season, or even Devin Thomas to replenish their receiving corps.

All in all, I don't buy it. For one, if the Saints are positioning themselves to grab Dorsey ahead of division rival Atlanta, what would stop Atlanta from offering less and assuring the Rams a smaller drop? Secondly, Jim Haslett left New Orleans on very bad terms, and though he doesn't call the shots I'd be surprised if he'd hand the Saints a player he also covets, one that could help his own unit tremendously. File this as unlikely.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-17-2008 @ 12:20PM

mmomboisse said...

I wouldn't be surprised if the rumor had been started by someone within the Rams' organization.
With some saying that Atlanta might also be willing to trade up one spot to get Dorsey, this would seem to cement it. If Atlanta wants to prevent NO from snatching Dorsey it can only do it if it trades up itself. The price to move up one spot just went up! Maybe WAY up.

4-17-2008 @ 12:37PM

Tom Mantzouranis said...

I would agree with you wholeheartedly, normally, but the Saints have confirmed that they've talked (although they dubbed the talks "informal").

My guess is both teams are going through due diligence, just getting a feel for all of their options, and when word got around to Schecter the "scoop" of a team possibly trading up to #2 was too enticing not to air, even if there's not a ton of substance behind it.

4-17-2008 @ 1:22PM

Dave - Boston said...

I don't see how this could happen, and the thought of the Saints moving up this high makes me a little nervous, because it doesn't seem possible without giving up a whole lot.

If they could do it by swapping 1st rounders, the third, and Stinchcomb...fine. But I have to think the Rams would want more than that to go all the way to #10.

I think the second rounder (#40 overall, I think) is really important this year and I could see them picking up a quality player at that point.

As an aside, this all made much more troubling when considering the Saints DT deficit is a direct result of the Sullivan at #8 bust.

4-17-2008 @ 1:27PM

Dave,

It depends, the old draft chart would require the Saints to part with a lot, the new chart that some teams are beginning to use deems the #40 a fair compensation.

I agree that #40 is a very valuable pick, and I'd rather give up the third and Stinchcomb, but if Dorsey is really The Guy and the Saints can get another contributor in the third round (perhaps a linebacker like Beau Bell) I would still be pleased. Not to mention, that #40 might go towards acquiring Shockey. Would you rather have Shockey or Dorsey? I pick the latter.

As far as Sullivan, I feel your pain. That dumb, dumb trade put the team in a hole they're only now crawling out of 5 years later. But you can't let it impact your judgement. Different player, different year, different circumstances, different people calling the shots.

Again, though, I think it's moot. I think trade has approximately 3% chance of happening. Trading up to 6 or 7 to get Ellis? 80%

4-17-2008 @ 2:44PM

Tom,
Maybe I'm just worried about picking Dorsey so much because as an LSU fan, I don't want to be doubly disappointed if it doesn't work out. (Can't pick Saints players for my fantasy team either).

I guess I was just thinking, If we can get Rivers at #10 and then have a shot at someone like Flowers or Cason at #40 I could be pretty happy with that too.

4-18-2008 @ 3:30AM

NachoD said...

The Rams' strategy as it stands for this draft is for them to compile a list of the top 34 players coming out to ensure they get the most value for their second overall and 34th overall picks.

Rumors of them trading down to stockpile picks have been floating around. If this trade was to materialize, they would have to then compile a list of the top 40 players for the 10th, 34th and 40th selections which to me does not sound like a bad deal. They would still be able to pick up a high impact player at number 10 (maybe Ryan Clady)and then address either the defensive line, linebacker or wide receiver units with the next two picks.

All in all, I would not be opposed to this trade.