The Cleveland Browns picking offensive line in the first round felt like a foregone conclusion, but ESPN's NFL Draft documentary revealed New Orleans Saints first round pick Jordyn Tyson was on their shortlist of options at six overall. Cleveland ultimately traded back with the Kansas City Chiefs who wanted to get ahead of the Saints for Mansoor Delane. From the sounds of it, the Saints may have lost out on a primary target either way.
The Browns traded out of the sixth overall pick because they had a three player list and knew they could get either Tyson, Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa by trading back with the Chiefs. The Saints took the option of Tyson away from the Browns. The Browns obviously didn't want Tyson more than the extra compensation, but the interest is documented. It's not far fetched to say they could have picked him over either offensive lineman.
The Browns are depleted at wide receiver. Their interest in the position was proven by picking a wide receiver with their second first round pick then again 15 picks later in the first round. Instead of getting two, they could have invested in arguably the best in the class.
Missing on Jordyn Tyson would have given Saints a new delimma: Mansoor Delane or Caleb Downs?
The Browns picking Tyson would have given the Saints a chance to have proven the Chiefs correct. They traded up to 6 to ensure the Saints wouldn't land Mansoor Delane. The Commanders were going to pick Sonny Styles regardless. Instead of having to pick between Tyson and Caleb Downs, they would have had to pick between Delane and Downs.
At this point, it’s pure speculation. It’s all we can do, but I begin to lean towards the Saints targeting Delane. It’s a more traditionally premier position. The Saints track record of lineman and wide receivers early suggests cornerback would be the choice. Though Downs feels like a sure bet, their history with positional value gives a lean towards Delane.
Drafting either Delane or Downs completely shifts the Saints draft. Not only do they get a defensive back, something they didn’t do until late Day 3, you have to wonder if they opt to target a wide receiver instead of Christen Miller.
Seeing that the Saints drafted Tyson and followed it up with Bryce Lance later, the second round pick would have likely been a receiver. It was a clear point of emphasis. They could have draft Germie Bernard in the second round. There was a run on receivers in the third round right after the Saints picked. If the Saints didn't get Tyson, swapping Miller or Delp out for a receiver is the likeliest response.
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