*** OFFICIAL New Orleans Saints Thread *** (1 Viewer)

The New Orleans Saints might want to throw Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel a welcome party prior to next Sunday's game in the Superdome. After seeing their defense pulverized by a pair of ultra-athletic signal-callers in the Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III and the Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton, the Saints will be elated to finally play against a stationary passer like Cassel.

There are plenty of reasons that the Saints have started the 2012 season with back-to-back losses, but the most glaring issues are on the defensive side of the ball. Prior to Monday night's matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos, the Saints' defense ranks 32nd in total yards allowed per game (461), 32nd in rushing yards allowed per game (186) and is tied for 31st in scoring (allowing 37.5 points per game). The unit has yet to record an interception and has forced just one fumble.

These struggles can partly be attributed to the difficulty of defending the Redskins' and Panthers' multi-faceted offenses. Both teams found success against the Saints with the zone-read play and other designed quarterback runs, as evidenced by the 113 combined rushing yards from RG3 and Newton. Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should be grateful to face the Chiefs' more traditional offense this week.

But there are other reasons to be concerned. First and foremost, there just aren't many difference makers on New Orleans' defense. Defensive end Will Smith is a solid pass rusher, but he's only recorded double-digit sacks in two of his previous eight seasons. There are several functional players on the defensive line, but none of them are dynamic.

The secondary lacks both speed and ball-hawking skills. In addition to the unit's inability to pick anything off, it has broken up just four of 46 passing attempts. This isn't a new issue for the Saints, who intercepted just nine balls in 2011.

The Saints' offense hasn't been quite as good as last season, though it's still performing at a high level. Through Sunday, the unit ranked third in yards per game (422) and seventh in scoring (29.5 points per game), numbers that should hold steady behind quarterback Drew Brees. But this team must drastically improve its defense to have any chance of returning to the postseason.

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There are myriad reasons for the New Orleans Saints' ugly 0-3 start, chief among them a defense that appears allergic to contact within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.

But perhaps the most surprising has been Drew Brees' struggles at quarterback.

Entering Sunday's game in Green Bay, the man who set the NFL record for passing prolificacy last season, ranks 25th among league passers. His 77.0 passer efficiency rating trails, among others, Mark Sanchez, Kevin Kolb and rookie Russell Wilson. His completion percentage is down from an NFL-record 71 percent to 54.7 percent, the lowest by far of his Saints career.

The Saints certainly didn't expect this kind of performance when they rewarded Brees with the most lucrative contract in NFL history earlier this summer. They're paying Brees to be the best quarterback in the NFL, which arguably he's been the past six seasons. They're not paying him to be the guy we've seen in the first three games. The Saints can't afford for Brees to struggle. He has to be great. And not just some of the time. All of the time. This is how they were built.

So what gives? Why is Brees not his usually brilliant self? Like the Saints themselves, the reasons behind his slow start are multiple.

First and foremost, defenses have had another full season to study the Saints and more than ever appear to have a bead on what the club is doing offensively. Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said his staff spent months breaking down the Saints' offense before the regular-season opener and said the club hasn't changed much offensive from the last time he faced them in 2007. "They're still doing a lot of the same stuff," he said. Indeed, Brees has already intentionally grounded three screen passes because the defense had snuffed out the play and were waiting on it.

Secondly, opponents don't fear the Saints' 22nd-ranked rushing offense so they aren't as susceptible to play-action fakes. Brees has completed a league-low 39 percent (9 of 23) of his play-action passes for 83 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions this season, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

A pedestrian receiving corps also has played a role. Former Saints safety Darren Sharper said he noticed the Saints weren't stretching the field offensively during the preseason. He's noticed the trend has carried over to the regular season. Sharper wasn't sure if this was by design or simply a function of injuries to Marques Colston and Devery Henderson but it's been a conspicuous problem.

Brees has not averaged more than 6.67 yards per pass attempt in any game this season. His average last season was a league-best 8.33 and he failed to top 7.0 yards an attempt in only one game.

The work of the replacement refs could also be a factor. It's dubious to place too much emphasis on officials' impact on the game. But the unprecedented nature of the situation with the replacement referees certainly merits consideration.

Saints interim head coach Aaron Kromer noted that the scabs did not call as many "penalties down the field when you look at statistics, both offensively and defensively."

Indeed, the Saints' first three opponents were whistled for only two pass interference infractions and one illegal use of hands penalty combined. All of them were by the Redskins. Yet, Brees leads the league in pass attempts with 137.

Either the Redskins, Panthers and Chiefs were playing phenomenal pass defense or they were getting away with murder on the perimeter.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham indicated the latter to Fox Sports' Alex Marvez this week, saying he was getting mugged downfield by opposing defensive backs and linebackers. That's a huge factor in a sophisticated timing-based passing attack like the one the Saints employ.

"A lot of guys have just been holding me or looking to hit me 10 yards down the field," Graham said.

And finally, Brees appears to be missing Sean Payton more than anyone anticipated. Of Payton, Brees has said "he brought out a confidence in me that I didn't have before."

But this season, without Payton in his ear and head, Brees seems less confident, more indecisive. He's thrown five interceptions and has had at least nearly that many passes that could have been picked off.

The offensive line hasn't played as well this season and has received the lion's share of criticism for the club's pass protection issues, but Brees has also contributed to the problem. The quarterback plays a pivotal role in identifying the pass-rush schemes of opposing defenses before the snap and setting the corresponding protection. Brees is usually a master at this diagnosis. This season, for reasons that remain unclear, he hasn't been as prescient. And at other times, Brees has had time and simply made a poor throw or ill-fated decision. See: his interceptions against the Panthers and Chiefs.

To his credit, Brees has not shied from the criticism. He's been his own worst critic.

Indeed, it's possible that with so many key leaders absent he's simply caving under the weight of the expectations after signing the monster contract and setting all of those records last season.

"Do you understand all the things that have to come together in order to do what we did last year in breaking that yardage mark?," Brees said in a conference call with Green Bay-area reporters Wednesday. "We might not ever get close to that yardage mark again. But it doesn't mean we're not going to be a good team, we're not going to be a successful team. And we might not win 13 games this year in the regular season but that doesn't mean we're not going to be a contender."

Brees, as usual, is spot on. The Saints don't have to break records to win games and be successful. But one thing is certain: They don't have a chance at being a contender if Brees isn't brilliant.

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In case you missed it, here's what New Orleans Saints interim coach Aaron Kromer had to say during Monday's press conference after the Saints' 31-24 win over San Diego and as the Saints enter the bye week:

Opening Statement

"We're happy for the organization and happy to get this win. Like I said last night, we've been improving each week. I thought we showed that improvement again last night and we just have to stay on that track. It's the start of something good and we need to keep our focus on improvement each week, which you can see and you go from there. We're happy with Drew Brees' record. We're here at a situation with the New Orleans Saints over the last three years, where he's broken a lot of records and we've had a lot of offensive records in this period with Coach (Sean) Payton's team and with Drew at the helm, so you just have to make sure you don't become numb to these records. It's an astronomical record that's been held for over 50 years. He does a wonderful job and is a great leader for our team. Marques Colston, with his record for the most touchdown receptions and having the night he did after a slow start this season is good to see. We're definitely on the rise and we need to keep it going."

How impressed were you with the defensive performance in the second half?

"Our defense really stepped up to the challenge. They got pressure on the quarterback and sacked him five times. There were numerous times he had to get rid of the ball before he was ready and that's a credit to Coach Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) and the guys staying with it. It was the first situation where we got another team in a two minute drill as well, where they had to throw the ball and that's where guys are going to shine in their pass rush and they did, they gave us the pressure we needed and obviously it was a key to the victory."

How do you feel personally at finally getting a win in the position that you're in?

"I'm happy for the team. It's not about me. I've said that from the beginning: As a coach, you look at the game and I'm glad we won and there's always something that you know you can do better, so it's never good enough and that's where I'm at right now."

Did you visit with Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis and Joe Vitt last night?

"No."

Do you have an update on Jimmy Graham?

"He's getting checked out right now. He sprained his ankle during the game and so we really don't know of his progress right now."

Is this a good time for a bye week, even when you have the momentum of winning this game last night?

"The reason that it's a good time for a bye week is that it's a time after five games for them to rest and get their bodies to heal and come back stronger. I think these last few games, they played extremely hard, they put their bodies to the test and there's a lot of wear and tear on these guys, so it's an opportunity for them to get healed up and we just need to carry that momentum back into the next week when we get back."

After your first couple of losses, you kept a positive outlook and continued to stress climbing that mountain. Now that you have that win, how important was it with all the talk and positive reinforcement to finally go out there and get a win?

"It just goes to show the character in the room. It goes to show the resiliency of guys. They continue to fight and they're going to keep that going. In no shape or form are we happy that we have only one win right now. We have to carry this momentum over to getting another win and then another. We're happy that we got the first win, but we're definitely not satisfied with where we are."

It seems as if Marques Colston is underplayed despite his records and that he's constantly under the radar. What are your thoughts on his career, where he's come from and his productivity since coming here in 2006?

"Marques is a very humble person. He doesn't require a lot of limelight. He just plays his game and he's steady each week. We're glad for him that he could get this. He deserves it. He works at it. He did have a slow start being banged up early, but he's back on track."

What has made him so productive for so long in this offense?

"His work ethic, focus and intelligence really are what make him a good football player. Every day he works at it. He's as steady a guy as we have. There are no ups and downs in practice or in his personality. He's a constant work in motion, so that's what makes him a good player."

In a matter of several plays on the same drive, Martez Wilson goes from an illegal hands to the face penalty to getting the game-clinching sack and fumble recovery. Can you talk about how he's grown as a player and is he what you expected?

"Martez is a pass rusher. That's why he's here. He's here to rush the quarterback. He had two penalties that hurt us and he has to be better than that. He knows it. We've already talked to him about it. He needs to continue in his growth, but right now, his role is to rush the passer."

Can you talk about the contributions you have received from Greg Camarillo on offense?

With Lance Moore down, Greg Camarillo stepped up. He made some very nice plays in the game and we were lucky to have him. We had him in training camp, so he learned the offense for a short time in training camp. But, he's a smart player. He has a similar skill set to Lance Moore, so to be able to put him in was big for our team."

What is your plan to manage the bye week and how much time will you give the team off?

"The plan is to work today. We didn't watch the tape with the players yet. We're going to do that today coming up in the offense, defense and special teams meetings. Tomorrow they're off and they're off through Sunday. We're going to practice Monday on a bonus day and then have Tuesday off again for them and (restart) start Wednesday. Monday will be our bonus day. This formula has led to a lot of success in the past, because they get rested up and we will continue that formula."

Do you have a preference for a bye week occurring early, middle or late in a season?

"I don't think there's any difference. You don't want it too early. I've had it before after the second game and that's way too early, but you just deal with what they give you and go from there."

Do you have an update on Jabari Greer?

"Jabari's still getting tested as well. It looks good, so hopefully he's ready for Tampa Bay."

What was Jabari's injury?

"His groin again."

Players after the game talked about how they saw finishing, unlike in Green Bay in a similar situation. What accounted for the difference as opposed to last week?

"Obviously last week when we didn't finish, we didn't make the play we needed to at the end and this week we did, so you look from the production of the offense at the end of the game, (with) guys making plays, protecting the quarterback throwing the ball, completing passes, getting down and being able to score. And they defensively, we were up and when they had to throw the ball to get down the field, we were able to get pressure on the quarterback. Guys just made plays this week. They were in position to do it and they did it."

What did this mean personally to you? Did you sleep a little better?

"I don't sleep either way. I've said it before, it's not about one person. It's about a team and an organization and as a group, we're heading this thing in the right direction now."

Did you feel growing pressure personally that this role was on you?

"You feel pressure to do a good job with any job you have. Pressure just makes you work a little bit harder and a little bit smarter and that's what it's done."

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METAIRIE, La. (AP) - The New Orleans Saints know they are long shots to make the playoffs even if they beat the New York Giants on Sunday.

Still, they haven't given up - taking inspiration from the Giants, who made a playoff from a similar position the Saints find themselves in.

Saints cornerback Jabari Greer says, "We saw what they did last year. We know that it's possible.''

The Giants were on the verge of dropping their fifth game in a row and falling two games behind the Cowboys in the NFC East with three games left. But they went on an improbable run from playoff outsider to Super Bowl champion.

The Giants finished the regular season 9-7. The Saints can get to 9-7 by winning their last four games.

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We haven't heard much from Anthony Hargrove of late, but the free-agent defensive end re-emerged Sunday to weigh in on the New Orleans Saints bounty appeal hearings being conducted by former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Hargrove -- joined by his agent, Phil Williams, on "The NFL Today" on CBS -- told James Brown, "You can't serve God and money," when asked if he would accept a settlement from the NFL. Williams confirmed Hargrove, Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith and Scott Fujita -- the four suspended Saints players connected to the scandal -- rejected a settlement offered by the NFL.

Hargrove, who has appealed his two-game suspension, called Tagliabue's handling of the hearings "fair." The former Saints defender vehemently denied the existence of a pay-for-performance program in New Orleans.

"(There was) never payments, nor discussions ever talking about injuring an opponent or anybody," Hargrove said. "... We had a production chart of great plays. It kept the stats, practice production, how many plays you made in practice, if you had any missed assignments, how many tackles you made, interceptions, fumble recoveries, things of that nature. ... We never got any money for injuring anyone."

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00:37 – On the final play of the game, the Saints pull off a miracle play lateraling the ball multiple times before they get into the end zone as time expired in regulation. The Saints, however, would miss the PAT giving Jacksonville the win.

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We knew that free-agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was due to meet with his former Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan in New Orleans on Sunday. What we didn't know was that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton would join the welcoming party before jetting off to the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix.

Loomis told The Times-Picayune on Monday morning that both sides "hit it off" during Asomugha's free-agent visit to New Orleans.

Loomis didn't reveal any specifics on contract talks, but maintains that Asomugha can still play at an elite level despite his disappointing two-year stint in Philadelphia.

"We're always looking for good players to improve our team," Loomis said, "and we think Nnamdi would be a great fit for our defense and our team."

Although the visit was a positive one, no signing appears to be imminent. The Saints are waiting on Asomugha to decide where he wants to play.

The primary competition could come from the San Francisco 49ers, which still are believed to be a "strong possibility" after hosting Asomugha last week. The cornerback was born in Louisiana, but spent his college career and first eight NFL seasons in the Bay Area.

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'SaintsInDome2006 said:

Thoughts on Ben Watson joining the Saints as a TE2? Totals of 68, 37 and 49 receptions for 1674 yards and 8 TD's in 3 years in Cleveland.I thought the Saints would be getting a legit TE2 to replace David Thoms but a younger one. Would have loved a Cook or Cameron type, but this might be very interesting as well. He would be a reliable sub for Graham if necessary and he might just add an extra wrinkle to the offense.On Offense: Still looking for a backup QB, a deep threat WR to challenge Morgan & Co., and a new LT to replace Bushrod and to challenge Brown.

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'saintfool said:

'SaintsInDome2006 said:

Thoughts on Ben Watson joining the Saints as a TE2? Totals of 68, 37 and 49 receptions for 1674 yards and 8 TD's in 3 years in Cleveland.I thought the Saints would be getting a legit TE2 to replace David Thoms but a younger one. Would have loved a Cook or Cameron type, but this might be very interesting as well. He would be a reliable sub for Graham if necessary and he might just add an extra wrinkle to the offense.On Offense: Still looking for a backup QB, a deep threat WR to challenge Morgan & Co., and a new LT to replace Bushrod and to challenge Brown.

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i think watson is a nice TE2 to have. he's another big target and experienced. i think he will do just fine in the offense.i'm not sorry about losing bushrod. many people - mostly outside of NOLA - think he will be missed but i'm not one of them. i have concerns about replacing Streif because, as badly as Bushrod was, he played worse. We *have* to get the OTs fixed in a big way.

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'SaintsInDome2006 said:

I agree on Bushrod, I saw him get popped back by good DE's at just the wrong moments too many times.But now one of the team's former strengths, OL overall & OT, suddenly looks weak. They need a backup reserve G/RT too.

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'Faust said:

New Orleans Saints still target Nnamdi Asomugha

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03:57 – Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis reveal who the New Orleans Saints might target in the 2013 NFL Draft.

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01:13 – Mike Mayock discusses which prospects the New Orleans Saints should target with the 15th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

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With the 2013 NFL Draft approaching, Around The League will examine one big question facing all 32 teams. Next up: The New Orleans Saints

Can the Saints build a contending defense?

The New Orleans Saints have an offense ready to win a Super Bowl now. They need a defense to match. The unit posted horrendous numbers in every category last season -- No. 32 in total defense (440.1 yards), No. 32 in run defense (147.6), No. 31 in pass defense (292.6) and No. 31 in scoring defense (28.4 points).

The Saints dumped defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his 4-3 scheme after the season. Enter former Dallas Cowboys coordinator Rob Ryan and his 3-4 scheme. The problem is the Saints need the pieces to fit the new look. The encouraging part, I guess, is the holdover pieces weren't all that successful in the 4-3 anyway.

Cornerback Keenan Lewis has been the most significant addition on defense. He'll fit perfectly in as an aggressive press-man corner. Lewis led the NFL with 16 passes defensed last year and will pair with the 31-year-old Jabari Greer. Defensive end Will Smith restructured his contract, but how will he fit in the 3-4? Will Jonathan Vilma remain inside, and how many miles does he have in him?

Former Cowboys outside linebacker Victor Butler was signed and showed flashes as a backup pass rusher. He knows the system, but is unproven. Junior Galette was re-signed to a three-year contract in March, but has to move to outside linebacker from defensive end.

Plainly, there are needs across the front seven and in the secondary at safety. Defensive end Cameron Jordan was a 3-4 defensive end at Cal when he was drafted No. 24 overall in 2011. He'll fit fine. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was a surprise third-round pick last season and is poised to start at nose tackle with the roster as is. He's an athletic defensive tackle but is tall (6-foot-5) for the position. Guys like Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton and B.J. Raji are in that 6-1 or 6-2 range. This is a deep draft for defensive linemen. Utah's Star Lotulelei could slide to the Saints at No. 15.

The linebackers will be freed up to attack once that line is solidified. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer combined for 48 sacks the last two seasons under Ryan with the Dallas Cowboys. Does the combination of Galette, Butler, Martez Smith and maybe Vilma have that same potential? Doubt it. The Saints have to find pass rushers. LSU's Barkevious Mingo is local and should be a first-rounder in that range. Georgia's Jarvis Jones also is in the discussion.

The Saints must quickly retool the defense to complement Drew Brees & Co. That truly begins with the front seven come April 25.

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.

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SaintsInDome2006 said:

I am pretty surprised to see Seneca Wallace signed as a backup QB by the Saints, although he will be competing for it.

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saintfool said:

SaintsInDome2006 said:

I am pretty surprised to see Seneca Wallace signed as a backup QB by the Saints, although he will be competing for it.

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Wallace isn't a total stiff. He's a vet at this point, if nothing else.

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Shawnky said:

saintfool said:

SaintsInDome2006 said:

I am pretty surprised to see Seneca Wallace signed as a backup QB by the Saints, although he will be competing for it.

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Wallace isn't a total stiff. He's a vet at this point, if nothing else.

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I would rather have him than Chase Daniel.

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The Green Bay Packers had the NFL's top scoring offense in 2011, but were ranked last in total defense and were bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round. Packers general manager Ted Thompson then drafted defensive players with the team's first six picks of the NFL 2012 Draft.

The New Orleans Saints could be in a similar position. The Saints ranked No. 3 in scoring offense, No. 31 in scoring defense and No. 32 in total defense last season. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

The need is clear.

"Certainly we're looking closely at our defense, and that would be a priority," Saints coach Sean Payton said Wednesday on WWL radio in New Orleans, according to SportsRadioInterviews.com. "I would say this: When you start getting into that selection and you see magnets both offensively and defensively that are close to each other on the grade line, it's easy then -- if you feel real close about the players -- to go with one side of the ball or the other."

The Saints are switching to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and need help at virtually every position. There's an emphasis on the front seven and selecting a pass-rushing linebacker is probably the Saints' top priority in the 2013 NFL Draft.

But there's danger in drafting for need only.

"The challenge is when you see the magnet that sits up there much higher than the defensive player," Payton said, "for instance, and then are you just strictly trying to draft a need player as opposed to maybe the best available player. And I think the key is just, what's the gap?

"And so when a player falls or you feel like you have a real high grade on a player, you have to pay attention to that."

The Saints have an offense built to win now. Those offensive prospects better rank much higher if the Saints pass on a quality defender. Ryan needs pieces now, not in 2014 or 2015. Quarterback Drew Brees, 34, isn't getting any younger, and the organization can't afford to waste a season while the defense rebuilds.

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.

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"You finally have a safety that can play with Malcolm Jenkins as far as an athlete." -- Mike Mayock

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Faust said:

"You finally have a safety that can play with Malcolm Jenkins as far as an athlete." -- Mike Mayock

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Shawnky said:

Faust said:

"You finally have a safety that can play with Malcolm Jenkins as far as an athlete." -- Mike Mayock

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Well, I would hope we'd move Malcom back to cb if necessary. Harper is bad in coverage. Can he be moved to LB?

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SaintsInDome2006 said:

Shawnky said:

Faust said:

"You finally have a safety that can play with Malcolm Jenkins as far as an athlete." -- Mike Mayock

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Well, I would hope we'd move Malcom back to cb if necessary. Harper is bad in coverage. Can he be moved to LB?

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My impression has been that Harper is a candidate for release prior to June 1st.

Hopefully they can keep all three and Harper can continue to plug away at run defense but I wonder if a salary cut will be in order.

Vacarro is an unexciting but potentially important pick.

I am really hoping for a speedy receiver sleeper and they still need help on the pass rush, maybe another DB and on the o-line.

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saintfool said:

SaintsInDome2006 said:

Shawnky said:

Faust said:

"You finally have a safety that can play with Malcolm Jenkins as far as an athlete." -- Mike Mayock

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Well, I would hope we'd move Malcom back to cb if necessary. Harper is bad in coverage. Can he be moved to LB?

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My impression has been that Harper is a candidate for release prior to June 1st.

Hopefully they can keep all three and Harper can continue to plug away at run defense but I wonder if a salary cut will be in order.

Vacarro is an unexciting but potentially important pick.

I am really hoping for a speedy receiver sleeper and they still need help on the pass rush, maybe another DB and on the o-line.

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I am a bigger fan of Vaccaro than you, I guess. I see this as a very important selection. The only other position that would have made more sense is that of OT but there wasn't one worth it where we were. Harper will certainly be asked to take a pay cut as he is owed a lot of money over the next two seasons. He is a decent tackler, good blitzer from the SS position but is putrid in man coverage at this stage of his career. It is possible that he switches to OLB, maybe, but I doubt it.

Jenks is fine at FS. It remains to be seen whether he is better than Vaccaro at the Nickel. Regardless, one of those will be asked to step into that role.

Next pick *has* to be OT and I wouldn't be surprised if we tried to move up to get someone. I'm okay with the OLB rush prospects at this point.

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SaintsInDome2006 said:

saintfool said:

SaintsInDome2006 said:

Shawnky said:

Faust said:

"You finally have a safety that can play with Malcolm Jenkins as far as an athlete." -- Mike Mayock

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Well, I would hope we'd move Malcom back to cb if necessary. Harper is bad in coverage. Can he be moved to LB?

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My impression has been that Harper is a candidate for release prior to June 1st.

Hopefully they can keep all three and Harper can continue to plug away at run defense but I wonder if a salary cut will be in order.

Vacarro is an unexciting but potentially important pick.

I am really hoping for a speedy receiver sleeper and they still need help on the pass rush, maybe another DB and on the o-line.

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I am a bigger fan of Vaccaro than you, I guess. I see this as a very important selection. The only other position that would have made more sense is that of OT but there wasn't one worth it where we were. Harper will certainly be asked to take a pay cut as he is owed a lot of money over the next two seasons. He is a decent tackler, good blitzer from the SS position but is putrid in man coverage at this stage of his career. It is possible that he switches to OLB, maybe, but I doubt it.

Jenks is fine at FS. It remains to be seen whether he is better than Vaccaro at the Nickel. Regardless, one of those will be asked to step into that role.

Next pick *has* to be OT and I wouldn't be surprised if we tried to move up to get someone. I'm okay with the OLB rush prospects at this point.

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I actually watch a fair bit of UT football, I just wonder if Vaccaro is the kind of safety that can transform a defense. I hope he is. I also am glad that something is finally happening on pass coverage personnel, I am pretty sick and tired of getting slaughtered by opposing TE's for instance, that's been going on for a while.

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Pick Analysis: "He's as raw as can be but had as freaky a combine as anyone not named Lane Johnson. When you plug him into New Orleans, this kid is a developmental player. You need to redshirt him, and he's a starter next year." -- Mike Mayock

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Pick Analysis: The Saints continue to build on defense with the strong, quick Jenkins, who impressed at his pro day (notching a 5.2-second 40-yard dash and a 4.94-second short shuttle).

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Faust said:

Round 3, Pick 13 (75) Terron Armstead OT 6'5" 306 Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Grade: 84

Pick Analysis: "He's as raw as can be but had as freaky a combine as anyone not named Lane Johnson. When you plug him into New Orleans, this kid is a developmental player. You need to redshirt him, and he's a starter next year." -- Mike Mayock

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While his stats at the 2012 Texas vs. the Nation game were quite pedestrian, it was clear to me from the handful of carries Khiry Robinson got that game that he has some serious talent. He didn't look very large, but wow, did he run with power. Tacklers looked like they were trying to take down a telephone pole as they ran into him and bounced to the ground. This compact power back from West Texas A&M is someone I feel is flying seriously under the radar for the 2013 NFL Draft.

In his senior year at West Texas A&M, Khiry Robinson ran for 1654 yards on 247 carries (6.6 ypc) in 13 games. Robinson was able to power in 15 TDs on the ground this past year while averaging about 125 yards per contest. He was also a productive receiver out of the backfield, catching 38 passes for 430 yards an 4 TDs. In his junior year he went for 477 rushing yards in only 65 carries (7.3 ypc) and 8 TDs in 8 games. A transfer from Blinn Junior College (the same JuCo that Cam Newton starred at,) Robinson split his time his freshman and sophomore years as a RB and a SS, and he brings that hitters mentality to his running style. Here is a video with some of his highlights from Blinn. He pulls off some remarkable runs showing a lot of power.

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By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

The 2013 NFL Draft transformed 32 NFL rosters. Around The League will examine the aftershocks in our Draft Fallout series. Next up: The New Orleans Saints

The Big Question: Can third-rounder Armstead protect Brees' blindside?
Concerns about the vacancy at left tackle have kept head coach Sean Payton up at night ever since Jermon Bushrod signed with the Chicago Bears. The Saints aren't sold on oft-injured former second-rounder Charles Brown, and newly signed Jason Smith has been an unqualified bust.

Enter Terron Armstead. Coming out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the freakishly athletic Armstead set an NFL Scouting Combine record for offensive linemen with a 4.71 second 40-yard dash after impressing at the East-West Shrine Game as well as the Senior Bowl.

Although the Saints have entrusted left tackle to a rookie just once in franchise history, general manager Mickey Loomis isn't ruling out Armstead as the Week 1 starter.

Armstead certainly possesses the physical attributes to succeed on Brees' blindside, but he faces a steep learning curve after playing his college ball in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

"He's as raw as can be but had as freaky a combine as anyone not named Lane Johnson," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock explained. "When you plug him into New Orleans, this kid is a developmental player. You need to redshirt him (this year), and he's a starter next year."

The Saints might not have the luxury of letting Armstead sit for a year. If he's a better option than Brown or Smith, he needs to be guarding Brees' blindside.

Three Takeaways
1. Roman Harper is on the wrong side of 30 and coming off the worst season of his career, but his roster spot at safety likely is safe despite the addition of first-rounder Kenny Vaccaro. The Saints already have guaranteed half of Roman's $5.25 million salary. They will have to figure out how to use Roman, Vaccaro and Malcolm Jenkins in a three-safety rotation.

2. The Saints traded up to grab their nose tackle of the future for Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense in massive third-rounder John Jenkins. Drawing pre-draft comparisons to Seattle Seahawks run-plugger Red Bryant and New York Giants pocket-pusher Shaun Rogers, Jenkins could carve out a big role as a rookie.

3. Fifth-rounder Kenny Stills is expected to compete with Nick Toon and deep threat Joe Morgan for the third receiver role held by Devery Henderson last season. Stills blazed a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine after recording 82 receptions for 959 yards and 11 touchdowns in a productive junior season at Oklahoma. He has sleeper appeal in fantasy leagues.

Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.

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Faust said:

2013 NFL Draft Fallout: New Orleans Saints

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

The 2013 NFL Draft transformed 32 NFL rosters. Around The League will examine the aftershocks in our Draft Fallout series. Next up: The New Orleans Saints

The Big Question: Can third-rounder Armstead protect Brees' blindside?
Concerns about the vacancy at left tackle have kept head coach Sean Payton up at night ever since Jermon Bushrod signed with the Chicago Bears. The Saints aren't sold on oft-injured former second-rounder Charles Brown, and newly signed Jason Smith has been an unqualified bust.

Enter Terron Armstead. Coming out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the freakishly athletic Armstead set an NFL Scouting Combine record for offensive linemen with a 4.71 second 40-yard dash after impressing at the East-West Shrine Game as well as the Senior Bowl.

Although the Saints have entrusted left tackle to a rookie just once in franchise history, general manager Mickey Loomis isn't ruling out Armstead as the Week 1 starter.

Armstead certainly possesses the physical attributes to succeed on Brees' blindside, but he faces a steep learning curve after playing his college ball in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

"He's as raw as can be but had as freaky a combine as anyone not named Lane Johnson," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock explained. "When you plug him into New Orleans, this kid is a developmental player. You need to redshirt him (this year), and he's a starter next year."

The Saints might not have the luxury of letting Armstead sit for a year. If he's a better option than Brown or Smith, he needs to be guarding Brees' blindside.

Three Takeaways
1. Roman Harper is on the wrong side of 30 and coming off the worst season of his career, but his roster spot at safety likely is safe despite the addition of first-rounder Kenny Vaccaro. The Saints already have guaranteed half of Roman's $5.25 million salary. They will have to figure out how to use Roman, Vaccaro and Malcolm Jenkins in a three-safety rotation.

2. The Saints traded up to grab their nose tackle of the future for Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense in massive third-rounder John Jenkins. Drawing pre-draft comparisons to Seattle Seahawks run-plugger Red Bryant and New York Giants pocket-pusher Shaun Rogers, Jenkins could carve out a big role as a rookie.

3. Fifth-rounder Kenny Stills is expected to compete with Nick Toon and deep threat Joe Morgan for the third receiver role held by Devery Henderson last season. Stills blazed a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine after recording 82 receptions for 959 yards and 11 touchdowns in a productive junior season at Oklahoma. He has sleeper appeal in fantasy leagues.

Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.

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Faust said:

Will Smith moving to linebacker in Saints' 3-4 defense

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SaintsInDome2006 said:

Faust said:

Will Smith moving to linebacker in Saints' 3-4 defense

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It would be nice if, under Ryan, Smith turned into something "great" finally ... but I'm not counting on it.

It used to be rumored he was a prime candidate for release but he's stuck so far.

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NEW ORLEANS -- Rob Ryan figures his firing in Dallas only will help him relate to a New Orleans Saints defense humbled by a historically bad season.

"I don't like getting fired," Ryan said Thursday during his first meeting with reporters since coach Sean Payton hired him in February to revamp New Orleans' last-ranked defense. "I know I got my feelings hurt and so did our players. We're looking to do something about it."

The Saints gave up 7,042 yards in 2012, the most in a single season in the NFL. Payton has said that performance forced him to make a change at defensive coordinator, even though he felt bad letting Steve Spagnuolo go after only one highly unusual season. Spagnuolo never coached with Payton, who was suspended all of last season in connection with the NFL's bounty probe of the Saints.

Ryan has been known to exhibit a brash demeanor more akin to that of Gregg Williams, the Saints' defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2011. Williams often referred to himself as a disciple of retired coach Buddy Ryan, Rob Ryan's dad.

Ryan has studied some of the schemes the Saints executed well under Williams and brought some of them back. His approach fosters toughness, safety Malcolm Jenkins said, and that is something Saints players embrace, even as they are mindful of the scrutiny they faced from the league in the past.

"There's a line and you don't cross it, but you want to get as close to that line as you can," Jenkins said. "We definitely want to be a physical, feared defense."

If successful, Ryan could for the first time serve as a defensive coordinator on a winning team, something he never did while holding that post in Cleveland, Oakland and Dallas. He won a Super Bowl as a defensive assistant for the New England Patriots.

"I just feel like a sense of urgency," Ryan said. "I can't wait to give everything I have to this organization. I know everybody is on the same path."

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press

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03:07 – Jeff Darlington is in New Orleans to get a first-hand look at Saints' minicamp. Find out how Drew Brees and company look as the Saints' offseason workouts get into full swing.

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Faust said:

Rob Ryan, New Orleans Saints looking for vindication

NEW ORLEANS -- Rob Ryan figures his firing in Dallas only will help him relate to a New Orleans Saints defense humbled by a historically bad season.

"I don't like getting fired," Ryan said Thursday during his first meeting with reporters since coach Sean Payton hired him in February to revamp New Orleans' last-ranked defense. "I know I got my feelings hurt and so did our players. We're looking to do something about it."

The Saints gave up 7,042 yards in 2012, the most in a single season in the NFL. Payton has said that performance forced him to make a change at defensive coordinator, even though he felt bad letting Steve Spagnuolo go after only one highly unusual season. Spagnuolo never coached with Payton, who was suspended all of last season in connection with the NFL's bounty probe of the Saints.

Ryan has been known to exhibit a brash demeanor more akin to that of Gregg Williams, the Saints' defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2011. Williams often referred to himself as a disciple of retired coach Buddy Ryan, Rob Ryan's dad.

Ryan has studied some of the schemes the Saints executed well under Williams and brought some of them back. His approach fosters toughness, safety Malcolm Jenkins said, and that is something Saints players embrace, even as they are mindful of the scrutiny they faced from the league in the past.

"There's a line and you don't cross it, but you want to get as close to that line as you can," Jenkins said. "We definitely want to be a physical, feared defense."

If successful, Ryan could for the first time serve as a defensive coordinator on a winning team, something he never did while holding that post in Cleveland, Oakland and Dallas. He won a Super Bowl as a defensive assistant for the New England Patriots.

"I just feel like a sense of urgency," Ryan said. "I can't wait to give everything I have to this organization. I know everybody is on the same path."

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press

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Leeroy Jenkins said:

Is Drew Brees set to light things up this year with Payton back? Or are the o-line concerns, Colston and Moore aging, as well as Brees, going to take him down from QB #1?

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06:39 – New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees joins "NFL AM" to discuss "The Top 100 Players of 2013," and what to expect from the Saints in their first "normal" offseason since 2009.

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