Deuce McAllister, a former running back for the New Orleans Saints, has voiced his skepticism regarding the potential selection of Ashton Jeanty at No. 9 overall in the upcoming NFL Draft. Despite recognizing Jeanty as a talent with 'All-Pro' potential, McAllister argues that the Saints, who have struggled and possess multiple holes in their roster, should instead focus on addressing other critical positions. He points out that drafting a top-10 running back has become increasingly uncommon, with the Atlanta Falcons being the only team to do so in the past five years.

McAllister raises crucial questions about the rationale behind drafting a running back in the first round when a team is not competitive. He emphasizes that such picks could be better utilized to fill other pressing needs on an underperforming team. The Saints’ priority should be to build a more robust supporting cast rather than invest heavily in a single position that may not significantly alter their trajectory. Thus, while Jeanty may be an exceptional player, the timing and strategy must align with the team's broader rebuilding goals.