New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - so now we get a glimpse of next season......

and I have to say I'm a bit optimistic. Lets take a look at what I think will be the starters and where we are really hurting.

OFFENSE

O-Line--- I have a feeling we pick up Mangold in the draft. So this guy will come in and start from day 1, we all agree he is a beast and needs to be in Black and Gold next season. As far as guards, I'm pretty sure we re-sign Holland and will either move Mayberry to guard if with draft Da Brick or let Settersom and Nesbit fight it out for the other guard spot. Not the strongest group in the league, but Settersom is young, and has the potential. As far as tackle, Brown has one side locked and the rest depends on the draft. If we draft Brick, we are set on the other side and still have Stinchcomb and Gandy as depth. This in my eyes will be a serviciable line.

The backs---- We finally have a smart and capable QB. Yes, hes comin off an injury, but hes a smart player and just the fact that we now have a change of pace, should be postive for us. Drew will be the QB to lead us to the playoffs. The idea of us drafting a QB with our 1st and grooming him behind Brees is downright crap. Now on to Duece, I say the guy has a bounce back season and gets back to his old form. Worst case scenario, we plenty of capable guys to do Running Back by committee. Now on to the beast Karney. Fb position is set, he will be a probowler in 3 years, mark my words. We need to get him involved with carrying the ball and catching it a lil more.

Wr's and TE's----This postion I'm not really worried about. Yes, Horn is off an injury, but besides last year, how often has he missed a game??? not much. when 85% healthy, hes a 1000yd guy, easy. Stallworth had his best season last year and will continue to improve and will be a strong #2. After that we have Henderson, Az-Hakim possible, and a list of others who have tons of potential if they can ever see the field. TE is kinda funny to me. We got guys who can block well, and we got guys that can catch the ball, but they cant do both. I say Hilton gets a strong look this year and becomes our starter. We also get a chance to look at Meier this year, pending he doesnt get hurt.

DEFENSE

D-Line----On the outside we have the Manimal Will Smith and Charles Grant. I am completely confident with these 2 and all we need on DE is a lil depth and with the re-signing of Whitehead we look alright here. AS far as DT, i could line up and do better. Young is good as long as hes playing next to a big body, and we dont have that. One of my dreams for the draft is to move back and get Ngata. That would solidfy our line and help our LB's tremendously. And we always have the Sully, if he doesnt prove anything this year or by pre-season, he will be gone, mark my words. The new coaches will set the tempo quick and ship him out. Woodard is someone on the roster I'd like to see some of. Hes a good ole Texas boy and make turn some heads....

LB's----What can I say about this position that hasnt already been said. Fujita will come in and help significantly, but we still need the big dog to come in and call the shots. If Simmons has a good year, 85-100% healthy, our core will be ALOT stronger. Next to them, Bockwoldt is all we really have that can start, along with Watson if hes in shape. It also gives the guys someone to learn from. My dream is to draft Hawk and have the crazy LB to terrorize offenses. but only time can tell what will happen. After them, we have alot of average depth.

Secondary----they aint as bad as everyone thinks. We have a strong starter in McKenzie and he will have a pro-bowl year. He has his money and a new D-coord, we he should be happy. After that, we dont relly have a legitimate starter, but if we improve LB's and Dline, it will help the CB's. I think we need to pick up Clements or someone for the right price and lock up the CB spot. Dwight Smith is a ballhawk and will have a better season. I like the Bullocks kid, has a nose for the ball and will be our starter at least by week 4. We have a lil depth here.

Kicker-------damn we need one. Draft one, sign one, whatever, just get one.

Coaching----This area alone is going to help everyone play better. We have talent, we kno that, its just a matter of using that talent. New coaches everywhere, should reatly improve our team.....

10-6.....mark my words

Saintsfan1313