Offense
Key Off season moves- Signing FA QB Drew Brees and drafting RB Reggie Bush
QB- Drew Brees’ torn labrum is nearly completely healed and will most assuredly be ready for the first regular season game barring any setbacks. Lack of Training Camp maturity has made Adrian McPherson a prospect to become a wide receiver and punt returner in an attempt to grasp as much of his talent as possible. Todd Bouman and veteran Jamie Martin will battle it out for second string with the ex-Rams backup having a slight edge. Jason Fife, ex-Arena player looks like a long shot to make the roster after a poor training camp.
Grade = B-
RB- Reggie Bush. The name has helped Hurricane Katrina victims look forward to a prospective season, and has also helped the Superdome nearly fill up for the entire season. The most hyped rookie, possibly ever, will bring an electrifying attack on the ground and through his receiving ability.
Don’t forget about another top running back on the Saints roster though. Deuce McAllister is coming off a torn ACL, but has made strides in recovery and looks to be ready for the season. A balanced attack of speed and power could be seen on the field at once.
Michael Bennett was traded to Kansas City for a fourth rounder while Aaron Stecker appears to be settled in as the third string man and kick returner. Newly extended contract and all, Mike Karney will be the starting fullback. Undrafted free agent Nate Schurman will need a miracle to make the roster.
Grade = A+
WR- The deepest position on the Saints’ roster, a lot of changes could be made to the depth chart by the start of the season. Most would agree the undisputed No. 1 wide receiver should be Joe Horn. After that it gets murky. With Devery Henderson running plays with the first team and Donte Stallworth going with the second team, not much is known about who will be where. Mike Hass has looked rather impressive so far though training camp and looks to improve on his spot on the depth chart in the preseason.
Nate Poole and Chris Horn will most like battle it out for fourth string. Bethel Johnson will look to make the roster and Marques Colston, drafted as a wide receiver, will become a tight end. Chase Lyman and Jamal Jones will need a strong pre-season to make the cuts.
At tight end, Ernie Conwell appears to have the edge over Zachary Hilton entering the preseason. With his injury problems though, it will make for an interesting battle for the starting nod. The third string battle will be between Colston and former Bills TE, Tim Euhus. Billy Miller and Shad Meier will battle for roster spots.
Grade = A-
OL- The Saints are weak on the offensive line, lacking experience for the most part. Jammal Brown is making the switch from right tackle to left tackle in an attempt to protect Brees' blind side. Rookie Jahri Evans will back up Brown.
The departure of LeCharles Bentley was the biggest lost of the off-season. During the draft they traded for the man he would be believed to replacing in Cleveland though, Jeff Faine, who will be the starting center. Jermane Mayberry and Montrae Holland are the front-runners for left guard and right guard.
Right tackle is the biggest question of the whole offensive line. Jon Stinchcomb, Jamar Nesbit, and rookie Zach Strief are all looking to start. Strief has looked great except when matched against Charles Grant, which could be a good or bad thing. Nesbit is a veteran with starting experience but hasn’t looked good in training camp, and Stinchcomb has been injured and has no experience starting. It will be an interesting battle and to see if the winner succeeds this season.
Grade= D+
