That’s not to say that the Saints weren’t plenty good.
They knew precisely the players they wanted, and had them ranked accordingly. But drafting them in the positions they drafted them required a spate of good fortune, Coach Sean Payton recounted Friday at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine.
“There were a few things that took place,” he said. “Players fell to us in some regards. (Cornerback Marshon) Lattimore getting to 11; we trusted our board and our grades. (Offensive tackle Ryan) Ramczyk being available at 32.
“Pick 2,10 (10th pick of second round), in our minds, we were thinking (running back) Alvin Kamara.