The New Orleans Saints didn't want to change their plans at the No. 9 overall pick after Derek Carr's injury.
That's a logical decision, and they got stud offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.
But for the Saints to have their No. 40 overall pick, early in the second round, be dictated by Carr? That seems more reasonable.
New Orleans has great reason for quarterback optimism heading into that pick, because very few teams ahead of the Saints need a QB. At least one, and possibly two or three, of Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe and Tyler Shough should be there.
Sanders was for a time connected to the Saints at No. 9 overall, so if he somehow made it to No. 40, that'd be a huge apparent bargain.
His slide isn't perfectly clear as far as reasoning, but it seems like if the Browns don't take him, he can get to No. 40.
SN's NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Top 250 big board
That same holds true for Milroe and Shough. The Browns, or a team that trades to No. 33 overall, is the main obstacle between a QB or two getting to New Orleans.
The Saints' QB room besides Carr is Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Ben DiNucci.
None of those guys is going to lead a team, probably ever. Rattler is a tad promising, but not to the extent of Sanders, Milroe or even the nearly-26-year-old Shough.
New Saints coach Kellen Moore likely has a solid preference. Soon enough, the NFL Draft audience may find out what it is when New Orleans is on the clock at No. 40 overall, potentially seeking a QB.
MORE NFL DRAFT:
- Browns facing crucial Shedeur Sanders-Jalen Milroe decision
- Alabama continues crazy NFL Draft first-round streak
- Browns' Travis Hunter trade mistake could be a generational error
- Steelers' Aaron Rodgers pursuit down to 2 outcomes after Shedeur Sanders choice
- Giants' Abdul Carter comparison to Micah Parsons makes sense for 3 reasons
- Panthers commit to Bryce Young with Tetairoa McMillan pick
- Bears just drafted Ben Johnson's new Sam LaPorta
- Cowboys draft pick Tyler Booker so excited, gives Roger Goodell huge bear hug
- Colts' Tyler Warren is biggest steal of NFL Draft first round
- Falcons' Jalon Walker draws comparison to Super Bowl hero
- Bengals draft Trey Hendrickson replacement with riskiest pick of first round
- Meet Grey Zabel, Seahawks new offensive lineman from NDSU
- Chargers' Najee Harris signing complicates Omarion Hampton draft pick
- Packers end crazy WR first-round drought with Matthew Golden pick
- Lions, Browns pick wrong sides of Ohio State-Michigan rivalry in NFL Draft
- Russell Wilson's history says Jaxson Dart has a chance at Giants starting QB job
- Aaron Rodgers is NFL Draft first round's biggest winner