New Orleans moved down from No. 58 in the 2007 draft and…
New Orleans moved down from No. 58 in the 2007 draft and received picks 66 and 145, selecting safety Usama Young and cornerback David Jones. Detroit used the higher choice on defensive lineman Ikaika Alama-Francis. Young became a useful multi-year Saints defensive back and special-teams player, while Alama-Francis produced limited starting value for Detroit.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 2007 2nd round pick (58th overall, Ikaika Alama-Francis)
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2007 3rd round pick (66th overall, Usama Young)
- pick 2007 5th round pick (145th overall, David Jones )
Trade Analysis
Why Detroit Moved Up
The Lions targeted defensive lineman Ikaika Alama-Francis early in the second round and paid New Orleans two selections to move from No. 66 to No. 58. The Saints accepted the drop plus pick No. 145, giving themselves two chances rather than one. It was a classic draft-board decision: Detroit prioritized a specific prospect, while New Orleans preferred added volume.
What New Orleans Received
At No. 66, the Saints selected Usama Young. He became a useful defensive back and special-teams contributor, appearing in 99 career games and spending his first four seasons in New Orleans. Young was also part of the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV championship team. The second pick, No. 145, became David Jones, who was waived before the 2007 regular season. Even with that miss, Young gave New Orleans substantial service.
How Detroit Fared
Alama-Francis never justified the move-up cost. He appeared in 35 career games and made only two starts, both with Detroit. His Lions tenure produced limited defensive impact compared with what the club invested to secure him. The trade therefore left Detroit with one player who did not establish himself as a regular starter, while New Orleans found a longer-lived contributor after moving down.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Moving up in the draft concentrates risk. Detroit gave up two selections to ensure it landed its preferred player, but the targeted prospect failed to separate himself. New Orleans did not hit on both picks, yet the club only needed one useful player to come out ahead.
Final Verdict
New Orleans Saints Win. The Saints earn a B because Young supplied years of useful service and championship-season depth after the club moved down. Detroit receives a C- because Alama-Francis contributed only modestly and never became the starter the trade price suggested.