While many thought he’d be off the board in the NFL Draft earlier than he was, Erik McCoy finally found his home with the New Orleans Saints.
This was the Miami Dolphins pick, but after giving up a 2020 second rounder to the Dolphins, Erik McCoy is off the board and headed to New Orleans to play for the Saints. The former two-star recruit had a stellar career at Texas A&M, becoming one of the most reliable linemen for Kevin Sumlin and later for Jimbo Fisher. He didn’t miss much of anything and as a result was the leader of the offensive line for the majority of his time in Aggieland.
The Saints weren’t one of the teams that I had grabbing up Erik McCoy as the team had other needs for this draft. They needed linebackers, running backs and defensive tackles. Erik McCoy is none of those things at all. However, Erik McCoy is a plug and play starter for New Orleans who hasn’t missed a start in three years in Aggieland.
That being said though, there are reasons for them to make this pick. While their offensive line was great and they had other needs, it is important to note that longtime Saints center Max Unger just announced his retirement. That leaves a hole in that offensive line that McCoy could fill quickly and easily.
Grade: B
This is a B pick for the Saints. Why? Because they gave up a pick in the upcoming draft for a player that they didn’t need as much as other positions that they needed. They had one of the best offensive lines in 2018 and for them to use their first pick on an offensive lineman is shocking to me.
Aside from the priority concerns, McCoy is a big time pick for anyone. He was easily one of the top five centers on the board and many are shocked he was available still for the Saints to grab at No. 48 overall. He’s certainly deserving of a Day 2 selection, making this a solid choice for the Saints.