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New Orleans Saints - Head Coach – Sean Payton – 5th Year
The Saints addressed their defense in the first round with a focus on improving their secondary. They will move CB Malcolm Jenkins last years’ first round selection to safety. They chose CB Patrick Robinson with their first pick with the final selection in the round. Robinson is a well-developed prospect who fills a major need in this secondary that has been the prime focus of recent draft classes. He is a fast agile cover man who can be an immediate starter here. He was a fine addition with well-developed skills. On the 2nd round, they drafted OT Charles Brown, an agile left tackle with good skills to develop quickly on the outside. He was excellent value at the 64th overall selection and carries a starting left tackle grade in time. On the 3rd round, they selected TE Jimmy Graham, a big agile former basketball player with intriguing receiving skills. He needs work on his route running and defensive recognition, but can be a big factor here in the passing game. As a blocker, he is a long-term project. On the 4th round, they added DT Al Woods, a strong wide body defender who gives them a good anchor in the middle. He carries a starting grade with development. With their 5th round pick, they chose center Matt Tennant, a tough pivot man with the ability to play all the interior positions. He was good value here and has a chance to be a major addition in time. On the 7th round, they selected QB Sean Canfield, an improving lefty who can win the #3 job with a good showing in camp. He has only marginal talent to challenge for starting time. Grade: C+
2010 Rookie Draft Class
1 32 Patrick Robinson - CB - Florida St
2 64 Charles Brown - OT - Southern Cal
3 95 Jimmy Graham - TE - Miami
4 123 Al Woods - DT - LSU
5 158 Matt Tennant - OC - Boston College
7 239 Sean Canfield - QB - Oregon St
Rookie Free Agency: The Saints added several rookies with decent chances to land a roster spot. They signed RB Chris Ducre, RB Chris Ivory, RB Carlos Brown, WR Chris Bell, OG Brandon Carter, OG Joe Tonga, DE Junior Galette, LB Jason Beauchamp, DT Ekom Udofia, DT Jay Ross, DE Brandon Sharpe, CB Marcel Young, CB Rafael Priest, SS Harry Coleman, FS Ryan Hamilton and LS Clint Gresham. WR Bell is a tough possession receiver with a definite make it grade. OG Carter is a physical lineman with the skill set to surprise and make this roster. DT Udofia is a tough run stuffer who can be a big surprise and earn time in their interior line rotation especially on running downs. LB Beauchamp is a developed defender who can win the nickel backer situational role here, in addition to becoming a special teams defender. CB Priest is a savvy cover man with the skill set to be a huge surprise and push for time in defensive packages. He can develop into a nickel corner in time. Grade: B
Mini-Camp: The Saints roster underwent few changes on offense this offseason after a record setting ’09 performance. Big play receiving weapon Robert Meachem is primed to continue to show his impact abilities especially in the deep game. New Orleans traded OT Jammal Brown who missed the entire ’09 season due to injuries. Young OT Jermon Bushord hopes to hold off rookie Charles Brown at left tackle. They continue to add several new additions to help improve their defense. They resigned veteran safety Darren Sharper and expect their secondary in improve with corners, top pick Patrick Robinson and former #1 Malcolm Jenkins joining young vet Tracy Porter. Robinson could win a starting role with a good preseason. They look to their talented but inconsistent front four to step up and apply more pressure that can be a difference for this unit’s effectiveness. Former top pick, DT Sedrick Ellis is primed for a breakout season and new veteran DE Alex Brown and rookie DT Al Wood should play key roles on this front four. Vet DE Bobby McCray was released after camp. The loss of veteran LB Scott Fujita is a key positional issue that must be resolved this preseason. They could pursue a trade this summer, if young backers Stanley Arnoux and Jonathan Casillas fail to step up at the strongside position.