John Sigler
April 23, 2024 2:20 pm CT
We’re rapidly approaching the 2024 NFL draft, and New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis shed some light on what the black and gold might be planning in his annual pre-draft press conference with local media. Loomis fielded questions on a variety of topics — mostly centered on the draft, but some focusing on other major issues with the team — and for the most part avoided tipping his hand.
Still, it’s worth checking in on what he was willing to divulge. You can watch the full press conference here, but we’ve highlighted our biggest takeaways from what Loomis shared:
Willingness to trade down instead of up
Loomis joked on trade up/down philosophy willing to do both but they’re 15-0 trading up
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) April 23, 2024
Loomis: There are cases where dropping back makes sense to get more picks. In Saints’ case, haven’t wanted to drop back too far
— John DeShazier (@JohnDeShazier) April 23, 2024
#Saints GM Mickey Loomis says the team isn’t spending a lot of time getting another pick between 45 and 150 right now. But tracking the trends from day-to-day will allow them to strategize that kind of move. Four fifth “gives an opportunity” to move with more clarity.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) April 23, 2024
Trading into Rounds 3 and 4
Mickey Loomis said he’s not spending a lot of time “right now” about trying to get draft picks in Rounds 3 and 4: “We have a whole evening, a whole day to strategize into moving into the third and fourth rounds.” He says it depends on the players available.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) April 23, 2024
Update on Ryan Ramczyk's health status
Mickey Loomis says the team has a good sense of where Ryan Ramczyk is. Said that he doesn’t know that anything has changed and that the Saints have time left.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) April 23, 2024
Draft input of the new offensive coaching staff
Loomis said they are trying to blend how the #Saints have historically drafted and what the new coaching staff values, notes it’s been good so far
— Erin Summers (@ErinESummers) April 23, 2024
Evaluating the strength of this draft class
Mickey Loomis: "I think everyone would say that offensive line is a strength in this draft, wide receivers (as well)
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) April 23, 2024
Positions that must be addressed in the draft
Mickey Loomis said there are some musts the Saints need to address in the drat, but did not want to get into anything specific.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) April 23, 2024
Trevor Penning staying at offensive tackle
Loomis: Team still views Trevor Penning as OT. Staff anxious to get to work with him once we get on the field
— John DeShazier (@JohnDeShazier) April 23, 2024
Balancing current priorities with long-term needs
Loomis said they need to do what is right for the franchise, not just today but looking forward.
— Tina Howell (@TinaHowellNOLA) April 23, 2024
Loomis said need is a variable but not THE variable #Saints https://t.co/Ab1p0DYHCj
— Erin Summers (@ErinESummers) April 23, 2024
Signing veteran free agents after the draft
Loomis: We're going to keep looking for players after draft, there are some good players out there that haven't found a home yet
— John DeShazier (@JohnDeShazier) April 23, 2024
Lukewarm interest in re-signing Andrus Peat
Mickey Loomis was asked if he had any remaining interest in signing Andrus Peat and he declined to say anything, just saying "He's a free agent right now."
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) April 23, 2024
Approaching the 14th pick in Round 1
Loomis said they’ll have their top 14 players ranked heading into Thursday and see how teams pick, “if someone from below that list gets drafted ahead of 14 that’s a win for us” #Saints
— Erin Summers (@ErinESummers) April 23, 2024
Mickey Loomis said he likes the group of players that should be available at No. 14. "I think we're going to get a really good player."
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) April 23, 2024
Pre-draft conversations with other teams
Mickey Loomis laid out some of the pre-draft conversations general managers would have. Discussing what would take to move up, what could be had for getting back. Phone calls gauging team's inclinations to move about, etc. Active process before the first team is on the clock.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) April 23, 2024
Marshon Lattimore trade speculation
Asked if he's confident Marshon Lattimore will be on the roster, Mickey Loomis said, "Yeah."
Asked a follow up, Loomis said he "trying to avoid" the question.
"Everybody is tradable, it depends on the offer you get. I don't like trading players that have been contributors."
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) April 23, 2024
