NFL draft has major implications for Saints

New Orleans decided to shake up the roster after failing to make the postseason last year. Linebacker Curtis Lofton was released and three offensive starters were traded. Tight end Jimmy Graham and a fourth round pick were traded to the Seahawks for center Max Unger and a first round draft choice. Receiver Kenny Stills was dealt to the Dolphins for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and a third round pick. Guard Ben Grubbs was traded to the Chiefs for a fifth round pick.
Jeff Ireland was hired to be director of college scouting. Ireland was with the Cowboys from 2001 to 2007 and was the Dolphins general manager from 2008 to 2013. He was responsible for drafting Dolphin quarterback Ryan Tannehill, a rising star in 2012.
The Saints had nine draft picks and five of the first 78 selections. Tampa Bay had the first pick in the draft and selected quarterback Jameis Winston of Florida State. The Titans were up next and listened to trade offers from the Eagles, but decided to keep the pick and grab Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Titans travel to Tampa Bay to face the Bucs in the season opener.
The Saints were looking for an edge rusher, but Dante Fowler and Vic Beasley were already taken, so New Orleans decided to go in another direction. They selected offensive tackle Andrus Peat of Stanford. Peat can play on the right or the left side. Left tackle Armstead missed several games and his backup Byrce Harris was only adequate.
The Saints chose inside linebacker Stephone Anthony of Clemson with the pick from the Seahawks. Anthony may start and has good coverage skills. In the second round New Orleans picked edge rusher Hau’oli Kikaha of Washington. He is a relentless rusher that knows how to use his hands to shed blockers.
The Saints picked quarterback Garret Grayson of Colorado State in the third round. He will be able to watch and learn and may become the best quarterback from the 2015 draft. New Orleans took cornerback PJ Williams of Florida State with their other third round pick that they acquired from Miami. He is a sure tackier and has good coverage skills.
The Saints didn’t have a fourth round selection. In the fifth round the Saints grabbed edge rusher David Tull of Tennessee-Chatanooga. He is a high energy player, that will probably make his mark on special teams.
New Orleans picked defensive tackle Tyeler Davison of Fresno State with the fifth round pick acquired from the Chiefs. He is strong and has pass rush ability. New Orleans traded a sixth round pick this year and a sixth round pick next year to the Redskins for another pick in the fifth round. The Saints chose corner back Damian Swann of Georgia. He will help on special teams.
In the final round, New Orleans picked running back Marcus Murphy from Missouri. He is an excellent return specialist and has good hands. The Saints will make the playoffs.
Four LSU players were drafted. Cornerback Jalen Collins was taken in the second round by the Falcons. The Vikings grabbed defensive end Danielle Hunter in the third round.
Tampa Bay selected linebacker Kwon Alexander in the fourth round. The Houston Texans chose running back Kenny Hilliard in the seventh round.
The dynasties in the NFL are a distant memory. This draft may help a team like the Saints, Colts ,Bears, Jets, Cowboys or Packers win several Super Bowls and be called team of the decade.