New Orleans Saints Discussion

[Saints Dome Patrol]

Now that the forum mock is in the books, I just wanted to see what the Saints fans thought of the picks that diabsoule and I chose.

(keep in mind that we had the 25th selection overall and Philadelphia did not resign Donte' Stallworth at this point)

1st round - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
2nd round - Buster Davis, ILB, Florida State
3rd round - Mason Crosby, K, Colorado
4th round - Tony Taylor, LB, Georgia

We also traded a fourth rounder to Seattle for CB/S Jordan Babineaux and another fourth rounder to St. Louis for DT Jimmy Kennedy.

Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? :D

[Flyboy]

Very, very nice. Kinda crazy that Davis lasted until the 2nd round.

[diabsoule]

Reports from Seahawks fans suggest that Jordan Babineaux is worth between a 4th-6th Rd pick. I say we trade Seattle one of those picks and get him. He offers us versatility in the secondary. Then we sign Rod Hood from Philly. Those two additions would significantly help out our backfield and we could also cut Jason Craft and Fred Thomas. Then we draft a CB like Aaron Ross or Tanard Jackson and we're set in the secondary.

[Guest]

Hi. I'm a Saints fan noticed there was a Saints discussion on here so I registered.

Here are some of my off season thoughts.
* I think a top priority is determining what happens with Charles Grant. He is an UFA. Personally I would like to get him re-signed because even though he is inconsistent I don't think we will be able to off-set his loss easily. Hopefully he can work out a contract, but if not I hope the Saints will use the franchise tag on him.

* Another big concern is the Joe Horn situation. Will he be back or not? I think his cap number for next season is 5.7 Million, with a base salary of 4.45 million. For a 34 year old(almost 35) wide receiver with injury concerns he just isn't worth it anymore, not at that salary. I know the Saints will probably ask him to restructure but I don't know if Joe will be want to take less money, if that is the case then I think he will be in another uniform next season sadly.

the main focus of the off season should be on Defense. I think these are primary needs.
- CB - I'm stating the obvious here, but Fred Thomas just isn't a starting corner in the league, he must have gave up the most receiving touchdowns over 20 yards this season. I think we need a speedy cover corner, who can keep up with WRs downfield. I also think we could use some fresh depth at corner; Craft, Groce, Deloatch might be the most unimpressive group of DBs.

- MLB - Simoneau was a solid veteran for us this year, but I think he was stop gap type player. I really think the Saints need a guy in the middle who can make plays sideline to sideline chasing down backs, someone who can force turnovers and be a game changer.

- DT - I thought Hollis Thomas was a good addition this year and would like him re-signed. Although it would be great to have a disruptor along the D-line a two way defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket pass rushing, and disrupt plays in the backfield. I don't think we'll have a shot at him but I would love to land Amobi Akoye.

I honestly don't think the Saints will pursue the Elite free agents on the market (like Asante Samuel, Lance Briggs, Adalius Thomas) but rather they'll go after the second tier free agents that won't cost as much and can fill the roles in the team structure. Guys like Nick Harper, Rod Hood, Terdell Sands.

Basically I think the Saints should draft Best Defensive Player available at #27. Personally I like Patrick Willis, Paul Posluszny, Lawrence Timmons, Darrelle Revis, Amobi Akoye. Now of course all of those players could possible be off the board by the time we pick, but I think one or two of them will still be there.

Right now I'm really liking Patrick Willis, he had 11 tackles in the senior bowl game. I know early on he struggled at the point of attack, but other than those few plays he was generally all over the field.

Here are two videos of him in action which show he has some great abilities as a player:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bM4sEmaFLQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVaa8NWqync

*the second one in particular should erase some doubts about his sideline-to-sideline ability. He makes an amazing tackle on the Heisman candidate McFadden. Misdirection play, Willis doesn't bite, and then he chases McFadden down in the open field before he can turn the corner. Amazing pursuit.

[GeauxSaints]

Now that the forum mock is in the books, I just wanted to see what the Saints fans thought of the picks that diabsoule and I chose.

(keep in mind that we had the 25th selection overall and Philadelphia did not resign Donte' Stallworth at this point)

1st round - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
2nd round - Buster Davis, ILB, Florida State
3rd round - Mason Crosby, K, Colorado
4th round - Tony Taylor, LB, Georgia

We also traded a fourth rounder to Seattle for CB/S Jordan Babineaux and another fourth rounder to St. Louis for DT Jimmy Kennedy.

Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? :D

If we were able to get Ross and Davis with our first two picks, i think that would be enough to put us in the super bowl. I doubt Davis will last that long. I dont like taking a K with our 3rd. While it is a good value pick, I think we could still get a starter on defense (DT), or a TE that would give Brees another target. I dont have any complaints about our offense, but Brees loves passing to them, and it would give Payton another piece to play with. Taylor in the 4th is another great pick. I think he got lost a little at Georgia, but he is a quality LB. I also like the trades. Babineaux would be a steal for a fourth rounder. I dont know much about Kennedy.

where can we see the mock?

[diabsoule]

Now that the forum mock is in the books, I just wanted to see what the Saints fans thought of the picks that diabsoule and I chose.

(keep in mind that we had the 25th selection overall and Philadelphia did not resign Donte' Stallworth at this point)

1st round - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
2nd round - Buster Davis, ILB, Florida State
3rd round - Mason Crosby, K, Colorado
4th round - Tony Taylor, LB, Georgia

We also traded a fourth rounder to Seattle for CB/S Jordan Babineaux and another fourth rounder to St. Louis for DT Jimmy Kennedy.

Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? :D

If we were able to get Ross and Davis with our first two picks, i think that would be enough to put us in the super bowl. I doubt Davis will last that long. I dont like taking a K with our 3rd. While it is a good value pick, I think we could still get a starter on defense (DT), or a TE that would give Brees another target. I dont have any complaints about our offense, but Brees loves passing to them, and it would give Payton another piece to play with. Taylor in the 4th is another great pick. I think he got lost a little at Georgia, but he is a quality LB. I also like the trades. Babineaux would be a steal for a fourth rounder. I dont know much about Kennedy.

where can we see the mock?

I thought Babineaux was a steal too and he is a guy I really want the Saints to try and negotiate with this offseason and see if they could trade a 4th Rd to Seattle for him.
Unfortunately, the mock was taken down so you can't see who every one picked.
I can tell you a little about Kennedy: He's a big guy (6'4", 325lbs) and his nickname is Bear. He's one of the starting defense tackles for the St. Louis Rams and is a Hollis Thomas like player. Doesn't get much sacks but clogs the middle.

[GeauxSaints]

wish list:

Pat Willis LB, Ole Miss
Chris Houston CB, Ark
Aaron Ross CB, Texas
Paul Posluszny LB, Penn State
Buster Davis LB, FSU
Paul Williams, WR Fresno State
Quinton Culberson LB, MSU
Stephen Nicholas, LB South Florida
Brian Smith LB, Mizzou
Jessie Daniels S, LSU
Johnnie Lee Higgins WR, UTEP
Tony Taylor LB, Georgia
Brandon Siler LB, UF
J.D Nelson S, Oregon
Dante Rosario TE, Oregon
Ryne Robinson WR, Miami OH

diabsoule name a few sleepers that you think would be good for us. i listed a few of mine earlier, but i will put the list up again.

do you really think we would have a shot at smith in the 4th? i dont see him lasting past the 3rd.

[GeauxSaints]

I think a top priority is determining what happens with Charles Grant. He is an UFA. Personally I would like to get him re-signed because even though he is inconsistent I don't think we will be able to off-set his loss easily. Hopefully he can work out a contract, but if not I hope the Saints will use the franchise tag on him.

he will be re-signed. after the year we had, i dont think he would leave.

Another big concern is the Joe Horn situation. Will he be back or not? I think his cap number for next season is 5.7 Million, with a base salary of 4.45 million. For a 34 year old(almost 35) wide receiver with injury concerns he just isn't worth it anymore, not at that salary. I know the Saints will probably ask him to restructure but I don't know if Joe will be want to take less money, if that is the case then I think he will be in another uniform next season sadly.

i agree with everything you said. i hope we can find a way to have horn on our roster next season. i think he is a tremendous leader, and he disserves a chance to play in the super bowl.

I'm stating the obvious here, but Fred Thomas just isn't a starting corner in the league, he must have gave up the most receiving touchdowns over 20 yards this season. I think we need a speedy cover corner, who can keep up with WRs downfield. I also think we could use some fresh depth at corner; Craft, Groce, Deloatch might be the most unimpressive group of DBs.

we have to take a CB with one of our first two picks. it should either be LB/CB or CB/LB depending on who is avaiable.

I honestly don't think the Saints will pursue the Elite free agents on the market (like Asante Samuel, Lance Briggs, Adalius Thomas) but rather they'll go after the second tier free agents that won't cost as much and can fill the roles in the team structure. Guys like Nick Harper, Rod Hood, Terdell Sands.

i think last year proved we dont need to overpay these free agents. it is better done by drafting properly. i would like to see us do something like we did last year in getting faine and thomas. by dropping down a few picks, we could gain a solid vet. of course, this all depends on who is available when our pick is up.

Basically I think the Saints should draft Best Defensive Player available at #27. Personally I like Patrick Willis, Paul Posluszny, Lawrence Timmons, Darrelle Revis, Amobi Akoye. Now of course all of those players could possible be off the board by the time we pick, but I think one or two of them will still be there.

if willis is avaiable, i think we have to take him.

[diabsoule]

wish list:

Pat Willis LB, Ole Miss
Chris Houston CB, Ark
Aaron Ross CB, Texas
Paul Posluszny LB, Penn State
Buster Davis LB, FSU
Paul Williams, WR Fresno State
Quinton Culberson LB, MSU
Stephen Nicholas, LB South Florida
Brian Smith LB, Mizzou
Jessie Daniels S, LSU
Johnnie Lee Higgins WR, UTEP
Tony Taylor LB, Georgia
Brandon Siler LB, UF
J.D Nelson S, Oregon
Dante Rosario TE, Oregon
Ryne Robinson WR, Miami OH

diabsoule name a few sleepers that you think would be good for us. i listed a few of mine earlier, but i will put the list up again.

do you really think we would have a shot at smith in the 4th? i dont see him lasting past the 3rd.

By Smith I would assume you are thinking Brian Smith, and yes, I do think we would have a shot of getting him in the 4th Round. I think he is going to last into the second day due to his injury and the only way he can disspell any lingering doubts about how recovered he is is through workouts. I think he is more suited for the 3-4 as a hybrid player than to the 4-3.

Some sleepers I like right now (and that doesn't mean they'll be sleepers come draft day):

QB Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
RB Gary Russell, Minnesota
RB Germaine Race, Pittsburgh St.
WR Syvelle Newton, South Carolina
WR Joel Filani, Texas Tech
WR Brandon Myles, West Virginia
TE Ben Patrick, Delaware
OT James Marten, Boston College
OT Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern St.
OG Andy Alleman, Akron
OG Mike Jones, Iowa
C LeRoy Harris, North Carolina St.
DE Tim Crowder, Texas
DE Jay Moore, Nebraska
DT Stanley Doughtey, South Carolina
LB Anthony Waters, Clemson
LB Justin Durant, Hampton
LB Prescott Burgess, Michigan
CB John Talley, Duke
CB DeAndre Jackson, Iowa State
S J.D. Nelson, Oregon
S Jessie Daniels, L.S.U.

[GeauxSaints]

wish list:

Pat Willis LB, Ole Miss
Chris Houston CB, Ark
Aaron Ross CB, Texas
Paul Posluszny LB, Penn State
Buster Davis LB, FSU
Paul Williams, WR Fresno State
Quinton Culberson LB, MSU
Stephen Nicholas, LB South Florida
Brian Smith LB, Mizzou
Jessie Daniels S, LSU
Johnnie Lee Higgins WR, UTEP
Tony Taylor LB, Georgia
Brandon Siler LB, UF
J.D Nelson S, Oregon
Dante Rosario TE, Oregon
Ryne Robinson WR, Miami OH

diabsoule name a few sleepers that you think would be good for us. i listed a few of mine earlier, but i will put the list up again.

do you really think we would have a shot at smith in the 4th? i dont see him lasting past the 3rd.

By Smith I would assume you are thinking Brian Smith, and yes, I do think we would have a shot of getting him in the 4th Round. I think he is going to last into the second day due to his injury and the only way he can disspell any lingering doubts about how recovered he is is through workouts. I think he is more suited for the 3-4 as a hybrid player than to the 4-3.

Some sleepers I like right now (and that doesn't mean they'll be sleepers come draft day):

QB Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
RB Gary Russell, Minnesota
RB Germaine Race, Pittsburgh St.
WR Syvelle Newton, South Carolina
WR Joel Filani, Texas Tech
WR Brandon Myles, West Virginia
TE Ben Patrick, Delaware
OT James Marten, Boston College
OT Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern St.
OG Andy Alleman, Akron
OG Mike Jones, Iowa
C LeRoy Harris, North Carolina St.
DE Tim Crowder, Texas
DE Jay Moore, Nebraska
DT Stanley Doughtey, South Carolina
LB Anthony Waters, Clemson
LB Justin Durant, Hampton
LB Prescott Burgess, Michigan
CB John Talley, Duke
CB DeAndre Jackson, Iowa State
S J.D. Nelson, Oregon
S Jessie Daniels, L.S.U.

i meant steve smith from your optimistic draft. i agree that Brian Smith will be there on day two. i like Filani, Crowder, Burgess, Talley, and Nelson. i would love to get jessie daniels. Paul Williams is another one that i believe will be a star, although i am not sure that he is a sleeper. Brandon Siler is a quality guy that could drop in the draft. he seems to be the kind of player payton would love - hard working leader.

[diabsoule]

wish list:

Pat Willis LB, Ole Miss
Chris Houston CB, Ark
Aaron Ross CB, Texas
Paul Posluszny LB, Penn State
Buster Davis LB, FSU
Paul Williams, WR Fresno State
Quinton Culberson LB, MSU
Stephen Nicholas, LB South Florida
Brian Smith LB, Mizzou
Jessie Daniels S, LSU
Johnnie Lee Higgins WR, UTEP
Tony Taylor LB, Georgia
Brandon Siler LB, UF
J.D Nelson S, Oregon
Dante Rosario TE, Oregon
Ryne Robinson WR, Miami OH

diabsoule name a few sleepers that you think would be good for us. i listed a few of mine earlier, but i will put the list up again.

do you really think we would have a shot at smith in the 4th? i dont see him lasting past the 3rd.

By Smith I would assume you are thinking Brian Smith, and yes, I do think we would have a shot of getting him in the 4th Round. I think he is going to last into the second day due to his injury and the only way he can disspell any lingering doubts about how recovered he is is through workouts. I think he is more suited for the 3-4 as a hybrid player than to the 4-3.

Some sleepers I like right now (and that doesn't mean they'll be sleepers come draft day):

QB Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
RB Gary Russell, Minnesota
RB Germaine Race, Pittsburgh St.
WR Syvelle Newton, South Carolina
WR Joel Filani, Texas Tech
WR Brandon Myles, West Virginia
TE Ben Patrick, Delaware
OT James Marten, Boston College
OT Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern St.
OG Andy Alleman, Akron
OG Mike Jones, Iowa
C LeRoy Harris, North Carolina St.
DE Tim Crowder, Texas
DE Jay Moore, Nebraska
DT Stanley Doughtey, South Carolina
LB Anthony Waters, Clemson
LB Justin Durant, Hampton
LB Prescott Burgess, Michigan
CB John Talley, Duke
CB DeAndre Jackson, Iowa State
S J.D. Nelson, Oregon
S Jessie Daniels, L.S.U.

i meant steve smith from your optimistic draft. i agree that Brian Smith will be there on day two. i like Filani, Crowder, Burgess, Talley, and Nelson. i would love to get jessie daniels. Paul Williams is another one that i believe will be a star, although i am not sure that he is a sleeper. Brandon Siler is a quality guy that could drop in the draft. he seems to be the kind of player payton would love - hard working leader.

I think we could get Steve Smith in the 4th. Supposedly his stock is falling so I can see him landing to us in the 4th, which I think would be ideal. Paul Williams earned himself a lot of money at the Senior Bowl where he really shined in practice and during the game. Brandon Siler is another guy who saw his stock rise in the National Championship Game and I think that if we have a good shot at him it will be in the 2nd Rd.

[GeauxSaints]

bump

[Saints67]

well, it has been reported that Donnie Edwards (LB, Chargers) will be 'let go' this off-season...if so....then we should fully expect the saints to go after him and sign him.

i'm going to make a off-season prediction with my next post (free-agency and draft).

[diabsoule]

well, it has been reported that Donnie Edwards (LB, Chargers) will be 'let go' this off-season...if so....then we should fully expect the saints to go after him and sign him.

i'm going to make a off-season prediction with my next post (free-agency and draft).

If we sign Donnie Edwards, it would still be as a stop-gap due to his age. I'm torn on whether or not we should go after him, especially due to how much money he's going to want and us needed to re-sign some of our own players and sign some good FA's like Rod Hood & Daniel Graham.

[Saints67]

2007 Saints-Offseason prediction....

our own free-agents: http://www.theredzone.org/2007/freea...sp?Team=Saints

Re-signed/Franchised:
Charles Grant (DE): we will sign him long-term or franchise him at least.
Hollis Thomas (DT: will re-sign him to a 2-3 year deal.
Scott Shanle (LB): will re-sign for a 2-4 deal as a starter or backup.
Jon Stinchcomb (OT): will be given his tender offer or resigned.
Billy Miller (TE): 1-2 year deal as a backup receving TE.
Terrance Copper (WR): will be given his tender.
Terrence Melton (LB): will be given his tender.
Antwan Lake (DT): given a 1 year deal.

I'm still undecided on Bryan Scott (S), and he is a FA cause the Times-Pic listed him as 1.




FREE-AGENCY: i believe we will sign 1 big name/starter and everyone else is depth.

Donnie Edwards (LB, Chargers): we went after him through trade but it didn't work out...now he is ours and a stop gap for 2-3 years.

Jordan Babineaux (CB/S, Seahawks): i'm with the other posters..i want this guy...he will give us some depth and speed at the CB/S...he is a RFA but didn't get drafted...so 0 compensation for the hawks'...hopefully Loomis will throw a kink in the contract so they won't match either.

Al Singleton (LB, Cowboys): Payton/Gibbs knows him (2+years) and he will be depth for us at the LB'er spot...though that doesn't mean he will make the team.

Leander Jordan (OG/OT, Chargers): Hasn't played much but he can play tackle and guard in a pinch...Brees probaly knows him as well.

well sign some other names here and there, but that will be it. the saints will take care of the corner situation in the DRAFT and address other positions that need depth.









DRAFT: Stallworth re-signs with the Eagles and we get a extra 3rd round.

1:Marcus McCauley (CB, Fresno State): He will probaly be the corner that will be avaible to us when we pick at #27 (bad senior bowl, avg senior year). He has great height, good speed, potential and can excel in the system we run. will start opposite McKenzie.

2:Kareem Brown (DT, Miami): Now, this may be a little too early to take him. But this guy can rush the passer, stop the run, is nasty and is powerful. He did pretty well in the senior-bowl. has potential as well. will be a key rotation player as well a starter down the road.

3a:Rhema McKnight (WR, Notre Dame): Well, since the future of Horn is up-in-the air.....we will need depth. Rhema is a big guy, gives it his all, and is a Payton guy (character, smart, productive etc). He will provide us excellent depth at the WR spot with Devery, Terrence, and Jamal Jones.

3b:Clark Harris (TE, Rutgers): Well we have been needing a receving threat at TE for awhile. Harris will provide that for us...he doesn't stretch the field but he moves the chains and has great hands. which is what a TE is in our system.

4a:Tyler Palko (QB, Pitt): Now why would we need a QB? well Jamie Martin is 36 and keeps growing older...thats why. Tyler is basically what Payton looks for in a QB (game manager, mobility, smarts etc). He will be the future backup for Drew.

4b:Jay Moore (DE, Nebraska): Again, why would we need a position that's a strength (Grant, Fresh Prince, and Ninko)? Well Willie Whitehead ain't getting any younger (35, i believe) and sometimes in the season we needed depth at that spot. Josh Cooper did OK but not spectacular. Moore will give us a extra body in that DL rotation. He also can rush the passer. fits the bill of a payton player (smart, hard-worker, blue collar etc). Well keep Whitehead as a reserve for DE/DT and put Cooper on the PS.

5:Juwan Simpson (LB, Alabama): Well with this pick we add depth to the LB'er spot. Even though this player has off-field issues and sorta character problems. It was reported that the Saints scouts were talking/looking at him at the Senior Bowl. He was a productive LB for the Crimson-Tide and could play WLB for us, behind Shanle. He would obviously be a 2nd day pick..so if he gives trouble...well kick you to the curb...see ya.

6:Kevin Payne (S, Louisiana-Monroe): We need depth for S behind starters Harper and Bullocks. all 3 of our back-up S are free-agents. Payne is a Bellamy clone but younger with a little better speed. would be the primary back-up for Harper while our FA signing Babineaux is the back-up behind Bullocks. Payne was all over the place in the senior-bowl and well he played ball in LA, so lets keep him here.

7: Marcus Hamilton (CB, Virginia): Added depth to the CB spot. Was productive at UVA and has lots of experience. Hopefully he can kick Craft off the team.

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so what do you guys think of that?