saints high on rivers
 

Re: saints high on rivers
 

Man I hope they pick Rivers

Re: saints high on rivers
 

I said on 01/04 in the "2008 Saints mock draft" forum that I think that is who they will ultimately draft.

Re: saints high on rivers
 

I want ellis he is barely 6'0 so hopefully he slides, it would only cost a 4th to jump the bengals and get him

Re: saints high on rivers
 

I won't believe a word coming out of Airline Hwy

It's gonna be all lies untill we are on the clock.

Re: saints high on rivers
 

Smoke screens are part of it. But in this case I would not be surprised. Shanle has started at the strongside, weakside and middle linebacker spots. So he is Mr. versatility who just signed a 4 year deal with the saints. If Rivers is signed you pick a guy who is Big and fast that can play the WLB and the middle right now. The impact he would have on Smith's game would be tremendous. In the long run he maybe Rivers may end up at SLB and Shanles replacement. Versatility is key for us in rebuilding the LBer corp. Thats why Conners, from linebacker U, may also be nice option For the saints. Slide Shanle into the middle and you have a player that knows the system calling all the plays. Sounds like a winner to me. Remember he was hand picked by the saints in a trade with Dallas.
As for DT I can not rule it out. We need youth added to the unit ASAP. But I think the list of FA this year has some nice prospects that would not cost us a bundle. Here is two.

DT Isaac "ICEBOX" Sopoaga - 6-2, 325,
(Draft: 2004 - 4th round (8th pick) by 49ers),
Will probably be the most expensive. He should get upper mid level contract in order to sign. Size, width and strength are not a problem for Sopoaga, he is able to work out with 200-pound dumbbells ... one in each hand. He can also bench press 535 pounds. The issues with Sopoaga are technique and consistency. He has a tendency to stay engaged with blockers too long. But throughout the 2007 season he has improved his techniques and looks ready to break out. The 49ers seem to be trying everything to hold onto him. There is a chance he will hit the open market.

DT Spencer Johnson (Vikings), 6-3, 286, UDFA 2004
Johnson has been a solid contributor for the Vikings in four seasons and would be a nice addition to the rotation. It is hard to get a lot of playing time behind the DTs of the Vikings. Versatile performer who proved he can fit in anywhere along the line. Sign him for a look see

I have to agree DT is not high on the list but adding youth is key. I am looking to the third or fourth rounds to add a Rookie. Maybe the second. Along with one or two UFA.
Versatility at LB would be the number 1 issue for me.

Re: saints high on rivers
 

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While all you guys make good points, one thing is consistently overlooked. A great D line will make an average LB core look great and a below average secondary look good.

Look at the Giants for goodness sake. They have one of the best overall D lines in the league, and yet everyone knows their secondary players are average at their best. If you have TWO good DE's and two good DT's who get push to make the pocket smaller all of a sudden your DE's are better cause the QB cannot just step up in the pocket, the LB's look better against the run b/c the DT's are eating up blockers, and the secondary looks better b/c the QB cannot set his feet and cannot avoid the rush by moving up in the pocket.

DT's are the end all be all to making your defense better. Champ Bailey/Charles Woodson/Asante Samuels mixed into one person with ESP can only cover for so long before the WR gets open. DT's followed by LB's are the most important D position, IMHO.

Re: saints high on rivers
 

I second that! and JoeSam would also.