It's common for an NFL team to scout and draft certain "types" of college football players. The Saints' preference is for Buckeyes.
The Saints and Ohio State have developed a robust pipeline in assistant general manager Jeff Ireland's seven seasons with New Orleans. Since his arrival, his scouting department has influenced the team's selection of highly talented players.
Most notable has been the five Ohio State players selected in the first or second rounds of the past seven NFL drafts by New Orleans.
To say the Saints have a propensity for successfully drafting Buckeyes is putting it lightly. Equally important is how they have done well in free agency with several contributors such as WR Ted Ginn Jr, CB Bradley Roby, TE Nick Vannett, and even CB Eli Apple.
On Wednesday, Albert Breer reported that New Orleans decision-makers continue showing interest in Ohio State football players. A Tuesday night dinner hosted by general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Dennis Allen included a group of Buckeyes.
Could the meeting signify the Saints are closely scouting more prospects for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft?
Since 2016, New Orleans has landed fourteen former Buckeyes on its roster:
It's also worth noting that the Saints have drafted five Ohio State players in the first or second rounds of the past seven NFL drafts. Former and current head coaches, Sean Payton and Dennis Allen, hold players from the Buckeyes' programs in high regard. It reflects the team's trust in their ability to produce talented athletes who can impact the NFL.
Time will tell if any of the Buckeyes met by the Saints will one day don the Black and Gold.
We shall see.
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