Final Presser
 

New Orleans Saints - Head Coach Sean Payton Season Ending Presser

You have three receivers that are free agents. Do you intentionally say that you want Robert Meachem to be in your top three or four and make that work?

“No, I think a player earns his way always into the top three or four. Always. He just gets the opportunity that they all get. He’ll get plenty of reps and he’ll get plenty of opportunities. I’ve been encouraged with what I’ve seen in the last part of the season. But obviously we want to see good things from him because we selected him in the first round. I’m excited by what I’ve seen from him in the last four or five weeks. As we head into the offseason, it will be a big offseason for him. He’s healthy; he’s running now without a gait; you don’t see him limping at all and he’s made a lot of plays on scout team. Those are all encouraging signs that give him a chance. His ability to stay healthy and actually participate in the minicamps and training camps are going to help him a great deal. There will be competition, though, with all of those guys. We’re never setting out a specific path just for one guy to have.”

Do you see Meachem as one of the guys to fill one of the top spots at wide receiver?

“I see him as a guy that’s going to be in the mix to compete. Those free agents that we talked about at receiver, I’d like to have those guys back. They are some guys that played real well for us. Certainly, he’s a guy that’s in our plans. We’re optimistic about the last month-and-a-half of what we saw, but that’s something that he’ll earn.”

Re: Final Presser
 

After the way our #3,4 and 5 WR played heck yeah I am depending on him. We do need to get an insurance policy in FA. A vet with a couple of years under his belt that has hands and runs good routes. One buried behind two good WR and needs his chance to shine. At least be an upgrade to what we have know. Height is key. Drew needs to see them. He is not the tallest of QB so he needs big targets.

Bryant Johnson, 6-3, 216, UFA, Arizona Cardinals Draft: 2003 - 1st round (17th pick)
Johnson flew under the radar once again this season, but those in the know consider him fairly talented. He’s overshadowed by star receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but Johnson runs great routes, has good hands, and at 6’3” his size makes him an appealing option. He’s caught at least 35 passes in each of his four seasons, including 49 receptions in 2004, and has a touchdown scored in each season, with four coming in ’06. Although he has had a drop-off in production this season, Johnson will likely find a bigger role in another offense in ’08.

If not him settle for a different speed guy:

Andre' Davis 6-1, 195, UFA Houston Texans Draft: 2002 2nd (15th) Browns
The Virginia Tech product hasn’t had the chance to play a whole lot during his career until an early season injury to Andre Johnson opened the door to more playing time. Davis responded with several solid performances, including a 117-yard effort with a score in week four against Atlanta. He currently has 563 receiving yards and three touchdowns on the season, and although Johnson’s return will cut into his opportunities greatly, Davis has still been able to impress as a return man on special teams. His 734 kickoff return yards with a score will encourage the Texans to keep Davis in Houston.

Bryant is more of a possibility than Davis. I think the Texans will try to hold on to him. But if not and you can land both I as go for it. The defenses are tee of on Colston. Knock Colston out of the game and you cripple the passing game. The boy needs help.

Re: Final Presser
 

Both of these guys are at the top of my list. Davis will do wonders for our special teams while providing a deep threat down field. Henderson needs to roll out.

Re: Final Presser
 

Davis returned back to back kickoffs Sunday for TD's. If we don't start using Reggie on kickoffs I'm all for Davis coming in but I also agree it will be tough to get him away from Houston after his performance Sunday.

Re: Final Presser
 

I like both of these guys and see them as being perfect targets for Brees. What about Bernard Berrian - CHICAGO WR

Re: Final Presser
 

Bernard Berrian - CHICAGO WR

Hmmm maybe he is #4 on my list of WR and #2 for smaller speeder guy. He is young and has alot of playing time to develop and god only knows how good he maybe with a good QB. Besides who knows what the bears are going to do. They must have the most FA in the NFL this year.

Re: Final Presser
 

...and with the price-tags to boot.