Seeing as the Saints still have a lot of holes to fill on defense let's talk about what they should do about them. If you ask me I would say we have gaping holes at defensive tackle, defensive end, outside linebacker, and nickelback. First I'm gonna talk about why we need help at each position, then say what we can do to address it in the draft, free agency, or the trade market.
Starting at defensive tackle. We only have 1 worthy of starting on our roster and he's not reaching his full potential without another quality guy next to him. There are several options we could look at this offseason, starting with trade possibilities. When I think of solid and sometimes disruptive defensive tackles that we could get our hands on, I see a couple of guys that used to play together. John Henderson or Marcus Stroud. Either of those guys would fit perfectly as an anchor that can be disruptive at the same time because they're both massive bodies who use their talents very well. Not only do they fill specific needs, but they are definitely obtainable. We have a trading chip that could interest them, and strangely that chip is Charles Grant. The Bills are moving to a 3-4 and they need a defensive end that can seal the edge and stop the run, there's Charles Grant. That's all he really does, and on occasion he can get to the quarterback. It's the perfect fit for Grant because he won't have to worry about sack production or weight as much because his job pretty much needs him to be big and not always rush the passer. While his paycheck may be big, the Bills can cover it up if their move to a 3-4 is successful, even though they had a great defense in a 4-3.
The Jacksonville trade would be a bit different because it would probably take more than just Grant to get John Henderson who is significantly better than Marcus Stroud. I would say to throw in Randall Gay because honestly he serves little to no help here (more on him in a sec). The Jags NEED a defensive end who can actually rush the passer and get some sacks. Grant showed that he still can do it, but needs to be heavily motivated. It could really pay off for the Jags because they need help in the secondary, and I think Gay should move to safety anyway because his corner cover skills have deteriorated. These possibilities are just a couple of many, but these make the most sense. Oh, I might as well throw in the possible Grant for Dorsey deal, also a strong possibility.
So that leaves the draft. There are oodles and oodles of really good defensive tackles in the draft, but I don't think any of the first round talent will fall to us at 32. So that leaves us with choices in the second round and back. While Terrence Cody has dropped off quite a bit, I don't think he's fallen far enough for us to get him in the second round, but there is a guy that could be available and would be a perfect fit. Cam Thomas out of UNC was part of that very physical defensive front that the Tar Heels had this year. He's a monstrous guy at 6'3", 330 pounds, but he moves well inside and can anchor down and hold a double team while Sedrick Ellis and Will Smith put pressure on the QB. Thomas may not be the pick in round 2 because there's always the possibility of Arthur Jones continuing to fall, who when healthy and motivated, is a first round talent that can pressure and stop the run. Other interesting prospects include D'Anthony Smith, Torrell Troup, and Gene Atkins. All in all, I think we will be very well set at the defensive tackle position come next season.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Draft Needs!
What do the Saints need? Yeah we're the best team in the NFL, but we want a repeat, and that is by no means an easy task, so we have to upgrade, and personally I think we have a lot of areas on defense that could use an upgrade. Let's start with the biggest need we have on the defense. A defensive tackle that can stop the run.
I absolutely hated how we started the season with a GREAT run defense, then in the end we couldn't stop any bum that ran up the middle. Sedrick Ellis was less than impressive this season, and guys like Tony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele are rotational, situational guys, not players that should be splitting snaps for the starting spot. The smart thing to do would be to try and get a run stuffing DT in either FA or the draft, but it may not be so easy. There are no run stuffers on the move, and the only guy that the Saints may have a chance at in round 1 is Jared Odrick, but I'm not sure I see him as being available. So we may have to go with the next biggest area of need.
That position would be defensive end. Charles Grant is too big and slow to play on the end. That's the end of that story, plain and simple. I'm not even so sure that he'll be a Saint next year. If that's the case, then we would be in desperate need of a starting defensive end because we don't have another one of those on our team as of right now. At this point I think that Corey Wootton would still be available, and I think because he is so massive and strong, he'll be able to come in, start, and bull rush a bunch of RTs in this league. Of course, there may be other options, but my gut would be to pick Wootton in this case.
A third position that worries me are the outside linebackers. Shanle regressed a lot since the start of the season and does little more than cover somewhat averagely and run stop about the same. Fujita is really more of a pass rusher if you ask me, but I still believe he has a lot of good things in other facets of the game, but he hasn't made 1 game altering play all season, not to mention he's in his 30s. So, at this stage there are maybe 2 good LBs left. Sean Weatherspoon and Navorro Bowman. Instant starters that could cold bring the total package of skils to this defense.
The last position of need is at the nickel/dimeback positions. Randall Gay should be traded because he really is awful, and MJ's future is at safety because he can't cover much of anything.
Now, if we can address all the things in the draft, and get quality players from FA, then we have an excellent chance to repeat and go for Lombardi Trophy Number 2.
I absolutely hated how we started the season with a GREAT run defense, then in the end we couldn't stop any bum that ran up the middle. Sedrick Ellis was less than impressive this season, and guys like Tony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele are rotational, situational guys, not players that should be splitting snaps for the starting spot. The smart thing to do would be to try and get a run stuffing DT in either FA or the draft, but it may not be so easy. There are no run stuffers on the move, and the only guy that the Saints may have a chance at in round 1 is Jared Odrick, but I'm not sure I see him as being available. So we may have to go with the next biggest area of need.
That position would be defensive end. Charles Grant is too big and slow to play on the end. That's the end of that story, plain and simple. I'm not even so sure that he'll be a Saint next year. If that's the case, then we would be in desperate need of a starting defensive end because we don't have another one of those on our team as of right now. At this point I think that Corey Wootton would still be available, and I think because he is so massive and strong, he'll be able to come in, start, and bull rush a bunch of RTs in this league. Of course, there may be other options, but my gut would be to pick Wootton in this case.
A third position that worries me are the outside linebackers. Shanle regressed a lot since the start of the season and does little more than cover somewhat averagely and run stop about the same. Fujita is really more of a pass rusher if you ask me, but I still believe he has a lot of good things in other facets of the game, but he hasn't made 1 game altering play all season, not to mention he's in his 30s. So, at this stage there are maybe 2 good LBs left. Sean Weatherspoon and Navorro Bowman. Instant starters that could cold bring the total package of skils to this defense.
The last position of need is at the nickel/dimeback positions. Randall Gay should be traded because he really is awful, and MJ's future is at safety because he can't cover much of anything.
Now, if we can address all the things in the draft, and get quality players from FA, then we have an excellent chance to repeat and go for Lombardi Trophy Number 2.
Mock Draft 2.0
1.Rams- Jimmy Clausen QB
This team needs a franchise QB, and even though he hasn’t been amazing, he has done better in his college career than Matthew Stafford did. Clausen is a bit of a reach, but he’s a safer pick than Sam Bradford at this point and really projects nicely as a pro.
2.Lions- Ndamukong Suh DT
No bust here. He will be the same dominant force he was in college, and finally no one can call a Lions 1st rounder a bust.
3.Bucs- Gerald McCoy DT
He’s impressive in every facet of his game, and he fills a huge need here. No one currently on the Bucs line can do what he does in terms of holding ground, stopping the run in the backfield, and pressuring from the middle.
4.Redskins- Russell Okung OT
Campbell gets one more year to audition in Washington, and if he falls on his face with a franchise tackle protecting him, then he may never be listed as a starter anywhere for the rest of his career.
5.Chiefs- Anthony Davis OT
Pioli gets to complete both of his lines. I’d watch out for KC because if they can grab another safety and cornerback, along with a solid number 2 receiver, then they have a chance at the weak AFC West crown.
6.Seahawks- Sam Bradford QB
Hasselbeck is really done, and I think Seneca Wallace can hold up for at least half the season until Bradford is ready. So, the best option for the ‘Hawks is to pick their QB here, trade Hasselbeck to Cleveland for a mid round pick and start moving this franchise forward that has not been the same since they lost the Superbowl and cut Shaun Alexander.
7.Browns- Eric Berry S
LOTS OF VALUE HERE! While I do think the Browns have fairly adequate safeties, the fact is that they really aren’t that good. In a division that has quarterbacks like Big Ben, Joe Flacco, and Carson “Overrated” Palmer, a ball-hawking freak at safety is a very nice commodity to have.
8.Raiders- Jason Pierre-Paul DE
I wouldn’t draft the guy, but c’mon it’s Da Raiduhz! As long as Al is running the show, there won’t be any real bright spots for this team who always drafts in the top 10. Pierre-Paul is a physical freak, but I don’t think he’s really that great at all, but to Al he’s another draft steal, and by that I mean he’s stealing all the money the Raiders are about to waste on him because they will never be able to refine his raw skills.
9.Bills- Trent Williams OT
Simple pick. Demetrius Bell is by no means a starter, if anything he belongs on the practice squad or handing out water bottles. Williams will give whoever plays QB some breathing room.
10.Jaguars- Derrick Morgan DE
Tim Tebow will fall to the 2nd round, so right now they pick for best available and biggest need, a great DE. I really want to see the Jags fanbase come back, they’re a really good team.
11.Broncos- Joe Haden CB
He fell this far for a couple of reasons. Reason 1, you don’t take a corner in the top 10 unless he has a lot of speed to go with his shutdown skills. Haden is great, but a lot of teams will look at him the same way they looked at Malcolm Jenkins.
12.Dolphins- Dez Bryant WR
I wouldn’t want the same bums they have as wideouts either. Take Bryant here because he is simply amazing at his position and will only continue to get better.
13.49ers- C.J. Spiller ATH
He will add juice to the offense and return game. Reminds me of Percy Harvin, only I think he’s better and faster.
14.Seahawks- Bryan Bulaga OT
With a new QB comes a new franchise left tackle. Walter Jones is doneski, and it’s time the Seahawks started building for offense even if they don’t take a QB at the number 6 spot.
15.Giants- Rolando McClain MLB
They will be really lucky if they can get McClain here. If they can, then their defense may return to form. With Antonio Pierce gone it will be hard to imagine what the D will be like, but if McClain is added, then they’ll only be better.
16.Titans- Dan Williams DT
Titans need a runstuffer, and here they get a hometown guy AND an amazing DT.
17.49ers- Bruce Campbell OT
Their offensive line sucks. Alex Smith can’t scrape himself up off the turf for much longer.
18.Steelers- Earl Thomas S
No opportunities for this secondary last year. Thomas will change that.
19.Falcons- Carlos Dunlap DE
Value! Forget Jamaal Anderson for now. Dunlap can be great and I think Mike Smith can get the best out of him and give Atlanta’s front 4 some juice.
20.Texans- Bryan Price DT
Maybe with a beast in the middle they can beat the Colts. Price lives in the backfield.
21.Bengals- Golden Tate WR
Chad Ochocinco has not been as good with this crappy version of Carson Palmer. A complementary guy would really help and Tate does everything you could want a receiver to do. Pundits, forget his height, look at his amazing production, he’s worth a first round pick!
22.Patriots- Ricky Sapp DE/OLB
Pedestrian linebackers will not cut it for Belichick’s defense. Adalius Thomas is gone and Ricky Sapp can fill his void better than Thomas could. That young secondary needs some help.
23.Packers- Charles Brown OT
Poor Aaron Rodgers. He’s great, but his early season sack woes hurt his team’s chances late in the year. Old banged up guys will not do for another season, get a franchise LT right here while there’s still one left.
24.Eagles- Mike Iupati OG
Value! I’ve heard Andy Reid likes to collect linemen, so why not pick quite possible the biggest physical beast in the draft?
25.Ravens- Damian Williams WR
Can someone other than Derrick Mason PLEASE catch a pass? YOU’RE MAKING JOE FLACCO LOOK BAD! Williams can be the number 1 guy since he brings speed and great catching ability, even though he isn’t flashy.
26.Cardinals- Brandon Graham DE
He fell a lot from my last mock, but I think this is a solid spot for him. Graham is an unbelievable player with a nonstop motor and a nose for the ball. He’ll live in the backfield and get the precious sacks the Cards desperately need.
27.Cowboys- Sergio Kindle OLB/DE
While he may not fill a particular need, they Cowboys go with the best available and take Kindle.
28.Chargers- Taylor Mays S/LB
They need some attitude on defense because honestly it was lacking all year since no one made any significant plays. Mays brings that ability with being able to play safety or linebacker. One thing I like about safeties being converted to LBs is that they have a lot better coverage skills, not to mention they’re fast, so it makes the perfect pass-rush/coverage hybrid linebacker available. Thinking about it now, Mays probably feels really dumb about not declaring last year…
29.Jets- Jerry Hughes DE/OLB
The Gholston experiment is over. A rush LB is needed and I don’t think Hughes is a reach here mainly because there is no one else worth taking.
30.Vikings- Brandon Spikes MLB
E.J. Henderson can't take much more abuse, Spikes will be a much better replacement than Jasper Brinkley.
31.Colts- Jared Odrick DT
Odrick is a great value here. He’s a stud against the run, and holds ground nicely. Fills a big need on this Colts defense.
32.Saints- Navorro Bowman OLB
Value and need here. Bowman is a unique specimen of a football player. His instincts are great and his nose for the ball is uncanny. He gets the job done with dominance day in and day out. Any character issues will be gone since he’s with a team that made Tony Hargrove into a loving guy. He’s going to make all other 32 teams pay for skipping over him. Not to mention, Saints fans don’t have to watch every running back get past the 2nd level every time a DT can’t make the play.
This team needs a franchise QB, and even though he hasn’t been amazing, he has done better in his college career than Matthew Stafford did. Clausen is a bit of a reach, but he’s a safer pick than Sam Bradford at this point and really projects nicely as a pro.
2.Lions- Ndamukong Suh DT
No bust here. He will be the same dominant force he was in college, and finally no one can call a Lions 1st rounder a bust.
3.Bucs- Gerald McCoy DT
He’s impressive in every facet of his game, and he fills a huge need here. No one currently on the Bucs line can do what he does in terms of holding ground, stopping the run in the backfield, and pressuring from the middle.
4.Redskins- Russell Okung OT
Campbell gets one more year to audition in Washington, and if he falls on his face with a franchise tackle protecting him, then he may never be listed as a starter anywhere for the rest of his career.
5.Chiefs- Anthony Davis OT
Pioli gets to complete both of his lines. I’d watch out for KC because if they can grab another safety and cornerback, along with a solid number 2 receiver, then they have a chance at the weak AFC West crown.
6.Seahawks- Sam Bradford QB
Hasselbeck is really done, and I think Seneca Wallace can hold up for at least half the season until Bradford is ready. So, the best option for the ‘Hawks is to pick their QB here, trade Hasselbeck to Cleveland for a mid round pick and start moving this franchise forward that has not been the same since they lost the Superbowl and cut Shaun Alexander.
7.Browns- Eric Berry S
LOTS OF VALUE HERE! While I do think the Browns have fairly adequate safeties, the fact is that they really aren’t that good. In a division that has quarterbacks like Big Ben, Joe Flacco, and Carson “Overrated” Palmer, a ball-hawking freak at safety is a very nice commodity to have.
8.Raiders- Jason Pierre-Paul DE
I wouldn’t draft the guy, but c’mon it’s Da Raiduhz! As long as Al is running the show, there won’t be any real bright spots for this team who always drafts in the top 10. Pierre-Paul is a physical freak, but I don’t think he’s really that great at all, but to Al he’s another draft steal, and by that I mean he’s stealing all the money the Raiders are about to waste on him because they will never be able to refine his raw skills.
9.Bills- Trent Williams OT
Simple pick. Demetrius Bell is by no means a starter, if anything he belongs on the practice squad or handing out water bottles. Williams will give whoever plays QB some breathing room.
10.Jaguars- Derrick Morgan DE
Tim Tebow will fall to the 2nd round, so right now they pick for best available and biggest need, a great DE. I really want to see the Jags fanbase come back, they’re a really good team.
11.Broncos- Joe Haden CB
He fell this far for a couple of reasons. Reason 1, you don’t take a corner in the top 10 unless he has a lot of speed to go with his shutdown skills. Haden is great, but a lot of teams will look at him the same way they looked at Malcolm Jenkins.
12.Dolphins- Dez Bryant WR
I wouldn’t want the same bums they have as wideouts either. Take Bryant here because he is simply amazing at his position and will only continue to get better.
13.49ers- C.J. Spiller ATH
He will add juice to the offense and return game. Reminds me of Percy Harvin, only I think he’s better and faster.
14.Seahawks- Bryan Bulaga OT
With a new QB comes a new franchise left tackle. Walter Jones is doneski, and it’s time the Seahawks started building for offense even if they don’t take a QB at the number 6 spot.
15.Giants- Rolando McClain MLB
They will be really lucky if they can get McClain here. If they can, then their defense may return to form. With Antonio Pierce gone it will be hard to imagine what the D will be like, but if McClain is added, then they’ll only be better.
16.Titans- Dan Williams DT
Titans need a runstuffer, and here they get a hometown guy AND an amazing DT.
17.49ers- Bruce Campbell OT
Their offensive line sucks. Alex Smith can’t scrape himself up off the turf for much longer.
18.Steelers- Earl Thomas S
No opportunities for this secondary last year. Thomas will change that.
19.Falcons- Carlos Dunlap DE
Value! Forget Jamaal Anderson for now. Dunlap can be great and I think Mike Smith can get the best out of him and give Atlanta’s front 4 some juice.
20.Texans- Bryan Price DT
Maybe with a beast in the middle they can beat the Colts. Price lives in the backfield.
21.Bengals- Golden Tate WR
Chad Ochocinco has not been as good with this crappy version of Carson Palmer. A complementary guy would really help and Tate does everything you could want a receiver to do. Pundits, forget his height, look at his amazing production, he’s worth a first round pick!
22.Patriots- Ricky Sapp DE/OLB
Pedestrian linebackers will not cut it for Belichick’s defense. Adalius Thomas is gone and Ricky Sapp can fill his void better than Thomas could. That young secondary needs some help.
23.Packers- Charles Brown OT
Poor Aaron Rodgers. He’s great, but his early season sack woes hurt his team’s chances late in the year. Old banged up guys will not do for another season, get a franchise LT right here while there’s still one left.
24.Eagles- Mike Iupati OG
Value! I’ve heard Andy Reid likes to collect linemen, so why not pick quite possible the biggest physical beast in the draft?
25.Ravens- Damian Williams WR
Can someone other than Derrick Mason PLEASE catch a pass? YOU’RE MAKING JOE FLACCO LOOK BAD! Williams can be the number 1 guy since he brings speed and great catching ability, even though he isn’t flashy.
26.Cardinals- Brandon Graham DE
He fell a lot from my last mock, but I think this is a solid spot for him. Graham is an unbelievable player with a nonstop motor and a nose for the ball. He’ll live in the backfield and get the precious sacks the Cards desperately need.
27.Cowboys- Sergio Kindle OLB/DE
While he may not fill a particular need, they Cowboys go with the best available and take Kindle.
28.Chargers- Taylor Mays S/LB
They need some attitude on defense because honestly it was lacking all year since no one made any significant plays. Mays brings that ability with being able to play safety or linebacker. One thing I like about safeties being converted to LBs is that they have a lot better coverage skills, not to mention they’re fast, so it makes the perfect pass-rush/coverage hybrid linebacker available. Thinking about it now, Mays probably feels really dumb about not declaring last year…
29.Jets- Jerry Hughes DE/OLB
The Gholston experiment is over. A rush LB is needed and I don’t think Hughes is a reach here mainly because there is no one else worth taking.
30.Vikings- Brandon Spikes MLB
E.J. Henderson can't take much more abuse, Spikes will be a much better replacement than Jasper Brinkley.
31.Colts- Jared Odrick DT
Odrick is a great value here. He’s a stud against the run, and holds ground nicely. Fills a big need on this Colts defense.
32.Saints- Navorro Bowman OLB
Value and need here. Bowman is a unique specimen of a football player. His instincts are great and his nose for the ball is uncanny. He gets the job done with dominance day in and day out. Any character issues will be gone since he’s with a team that made Tony Hargrove into a loving guy. He’s going to make all other 32 teams pay for skipping over him. Not to mention, Saints fans don’t have to watch every running back get past the 2nd level every time a DT can’t make the play.
Welcome!
Well, our New Orleans Saints just won Superbowl XLIV, their first appearance and victory in the big one ever. But, just when you think football is over, you're wrong because when the season ends, a whole new mission takes place in the minds of coaches players and personnel. With the offseason comes a couple of different objectives in which teams try to succeed. Those objectives are having a successful free agent run, and a bringing in a solid draft class. This blog is going to focus on those two things for the most part, and by all means if you ever have anything to say or post or opine about, then be my guest and send me a message or post a comment. Now go out and look at this blog!
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