The trade table was where it all came apart. The Saints shipped out far more than they hauled back, and no amount of spin dresses up the bill. A D that will need time and luck to look better.

The quarterback spot stays a question, and it was the one they most needed an answer at. Reaching for Green left real value on the table behind him.

It is a bet on later, and a defensible one for a team playing the long game.

In the end, a class the front office will want to grow past quickly.