We could've (should've) had Drew Brees

[BengalChris]

(01-19-2021, 09:42 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: For those who don't know, Paul Alexander has a weekly call in spot with Moving the Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio.  I caught his segment today, and told a story about Brees.

So in the preliminary meeting for 2001 draft evaluation, Mike Brown walked in and stated that he wanted the Drew Brees as our pick at the top of the first round.  Paul said we were picking 3, but it was actually 4 overall.  Apparently all of the coaches who had input on QB evaluation started trying to talk him out of it, pointing out arm strength and other perceived weaknesses, while pointing out that we already had Akili Smith on the roster.  It seems that they continually had to fight to change his mind throughout the entire draft process.  Ultimately the coaches won out and we took Justin Smith instead.  Paul then mentioned that he ended up at the Perdue Pro-Day evaluating someone, and that Drew through some balls that day.  Paul stated he watched him throw some and told other staff members, "His arm is stronger than Akili's arm is".

I wonder what could've been had Mikey not given in...

I remember this. But before anyone glorifies Mike Brown just remember that he's the one, against the advice of the coaches, drafted Akili Smith and turned down the Saint's draft offer just two years before.

In addition, Brees was not the Brees of today until he hooked up with Sean Payton. Remember that San Diego drafted Eli Manning and traded him for Philip Rivers to replace Drew Brees, then just let Brees walk when his rookie contract was up. The news at the time was that Brees' shoulder was shot. Miami almost signed Brees, but bailed when their doctors examined Brees' shoulder. Sean Payton swooped in and nabbed him. By that time the Bengals had Carson Palmer.

It's interesting that Brees outlasted Eli Manning, Carson Palmer and possibly Philip Rivers if Brees doesn't retire.