The quantity lessens that possibility, but the quality helps to balance the scale.

"I think there are a lot of variables," Loomis said. "It starts with maybe philosophy. More swings, more hits. That's one of the philosophies.

"The other one is quality over quantity, at times. There are a lot of variables with that, and I think it changes year to year. Obviously, the composition of your team makes a difference as well.

"If you are really strong at a position, sometimes you want to build that strength and sometimes you look at it like, well, can that guy even make our team given where our roster is? There are a lot of variables, and I think each case is kind of specific to itself."

McCoy will join a position that, on paper, appears to be strong. But it's a position that capably was handled by Unger for four seasons, the last of which resulted in a Pro Bowl selection. Unger was the anchor for one of the most productive offensive lines, and offensive units, in the NFL during his tenure.

McCoy offers flexibility in that he also can play guard, though he said the Saints informed him that he will begin at center.

"I would say I'm very flexible in that aspect," he said. "I have a lot more experience at center, but I played guard pretty much every spring I was at Texas A&M. I have a couple of starts there and I played it in high school so I would say I'm pretty flexible for that."

That kind of maneuverability also will benefit Gardner-Johnson.

"I'm versatile, I can move around and help other guys," he said. "I'm not just a 'hop when I see it' kind of guy. I can cover – I can actually be in the box and just play and pick up the run with my team and just go in and compete."