Official Rookie Minicamp Thread

[Sveen]

The Saints rookie minicamp is in the books and here are some articles from NewOrleansSaints.com. Feel free to discuss :)

Going (Mini) Camping (May 11th):
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news...articleid=3448

Payton's First Impressions (May 13th):
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news...articleid=3449

Minicamp Notebook (May 13th):
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news...articleid=3450

Saints Sign Three Defenders (May 15th):
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news...articleid=3453


Important notes:

Head Coach Sean Payton was especially pleased with the performances turned in by his pair of draft pick cornerbacks Usama Young and David Jones in their first few practices in New Orleans.

Payton was also pleased in what he saw from young offensive linemen Andy Alleman and Jermon Bushrod, although he did say it's tough to tell a whole lot before the linemen are able to get out on the field in shoulder pads and put in some full-contact sessions.

The coach did single out Bushrod as one player who doesn't seem to be affected by the heat and humidity that plagued some of his new teammates. "Bushrod is handling it pretty well. He's come in here and he's carrying a fair amount of weight but carrying it pretty well. He's working at left tackle and we'll probably keep him there for now. I don't want move these guys all around."

Free agent defensive tackle Walter Thomas had one of the shorter stays in Saints camp that anyone around the team could remember. The massive lineman lasted less than 15 minutes into the first practice Saturday before leaving the field and not being able to continue in the warm conditions.

Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis announced the signing of veteran NFL defensive linemen Lance Legree and Anton Palepoi, along with rookie free agent linebacker Desmond Sims.

[Saints67]

Rhema McKnight (WR, Notre Dame), made some plays and impressed as well.

[Auron]

Well it's way early and playing in just helmets and shorts, is worlds different from the real thing in full pads.

However it's a good thing to know we finally have some young Cornerbacks with potential. The Saints have lacked youth at that position for a while.

Like what I've read on the O-line guys. I think somehow, someway Alleman, and Bushrod will see the field at some time this year. Whether it be a Strief like deal where they have to sub in for an injured starter for a few games, or they outright win a position on the line.

I guess the disappointments of camp so far were Walter Thomas, and Robert Meachem. I'm not worried at all about Meachem, he knows what Payton expects from him and he should be in good shape for the next camp. Thomas being cut so fast was a disappointment but with the little amount of experience in football the past few years he seemed like a longshot.

[Flyboy]

I hope Alleman quickly changes his attitude or he's in for a rude awakening come training camp.

[Saints Dome Patrol]

Originally Posted by Flyboy

I hope Alleman quickly changes his attitude or he's in for a rude awakening come training camp.

I don't understand... how so? Is there something that I missed?

[Flyboy]

He's coming off very cocky and seems like he might have an attitude problem. I don't remember the specific quote, but it was along the lines of, "I'm not coming in and doing any stupid rookie things (like rookie hazing), I'm coming to start." Something like that.

[Auron]

Wanted to mention this earlier, but I really like Usama Young's attitude. I'm hoping he can make an impact some how this season.

Young was also pleased with his showing so far, but is already looking forward to the full team minicamp that will be held early next month.

"I know that's when it's really going to get turned up a notch," said the rookie from Kent State. "I've been going at it as fast as possible and trying to study my playbook whenever we get some down time, trying to talk to players and learn the defense a little faster and learn a little bit more every time we go out there."

[Flyboy]

I'm going to put my homer glasses on and sincerely hope that Young can become our Rashean Mathis.

[TigerBait45]

Hes certainly got potential. I wouldn't expect him to beat out Jason David or anything like that this year but I'd imagine he could be pretty solid a little ways down the road.

[Saints Dome Patrol]

Originally Posted by Flyboy

He's coming off very cocky and seems like he might have an attitude problem. I don't remember the specific quote, but it was along the lines of, "I'm not coming in and doing any stupid rookie things (like rookie hazing), I'm coming to start." Something like that.

I don't know if it's just me, but that's not (in my opinion) the mark of having an attitude problem. That statement seems that he's got a lot of confidence, which can't hurt at all.

As for starting as a rookie, it would surprise me, but I do think that after this year, he could definitely be the starter along side Jammal Brown on the left side of the line.

[diabsoule]

I wonder if there is any consideration of pushing Jahri Evans over to LG and having Andy Alleman move in on the right side along Stinch.

[diabsoule]

This will be locked since minicamp is now over.

[diabsoule]

Minicamp opens Friday!

[Sveen]

Some articles about the Saints rookie minicamp:

• Arrington looking good at camp
• Porter makes impression in first camp
• Payton pleased with rookie practices

[Flyboy]

I've already read all of those. Ugh. BRING ON TRAINING CAMP!

[Sveen]

When does it start?

[Flyboy]

I have no idea. I want to say at the end of the month, though.