Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

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1. Defensive tackle: The Saints return both starters, but Brian Young will turn 31 this summer and Hollis Thomas is already 33. The primary backups are Kendrick Clancy and Antwan Lake, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a young, aggressive player who can stop the run to add to the rotation.

2. Cornerback: In Randall Gay, the Saints landed a solid cover corner to go with Mike McKenzie. Gay will have a chance to unseat Jason David, who got a big contract as a restricted free agent last season only to struggle in the Saints' scheme. Also, McKenzie is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 16 and will likely miss a good portion of the offseason work.

3. Linebacker: The Saints moved to get more athletic in the middle with the acquisition of Jonathan Vilma, but getting a young player to pair with Scott Fujita on the outside remains a possibility. Free-agent signee Dan Morgan will likely move from the middle to the weak side, but the Saints could attempt to further upgrade the position for the future in the draft.

Re: Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

Notice how this report says our needs at DT are an "aggressive player who can stop the run." We do not need an undersized DT like Trevor Laws. Just because one of our needs is DT, doesn't mean that any DT will fit. I don't know why but everyone picking Laws in every mock draft frustrates me more than anything. Just venting. I'm done

Re: Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

do not stop, you are saving me the time. He is a tech guy. We need a mauler in the middle. 6-2+ and 300+ and well round two looks good for that. Atlanta having two picks ahead of us will be a killer

Re: Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

Aging DT... hmm interesting.

Re: Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

yea.. the sullivan pick really messed up the defense for this franchise... just think what would be if he had actually panned out and was a probowl type DT.. we would have a killer Dline.. but sadly... it didnt go that way...

Re: Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

Lets not forget that we picked up a DT off of someones practice squad. There isn't much on him but here's what I could find. Hopefully he's ready to turn on the switch. He looks like a pretty good pass rushing DT.


Orien Harris #92 Defensive tackle New Orleans Saints
Height: 6-3 Weight: 300
Born: Jun 3, 1983 - Newark, DE
College: Miami (FL)
Draft: 2006 - 4th round (36th pick) by the Pittsburgh Steelers

Draft Information:

Positives:
He is your prototypical defensive tackle that can stop the run and get after the quarterback. Orien has all the potential in the world and for the most part he has lived up to the hype. He is a very unselfish player that does whatever is asked of him. Though his stats don't show it, he is a great pass rusher.

Negatives:
Orien has the size you look for, but doesn't take on blockers very well. He has no trouble at getting in the backfield, but rarely produces any sacks. He needs to polish his defensive moves as well.

Overview:
Orien Harris has all the potential in the world, and I think he will be a great defensive tackle. Has a nose for the ball and is constantly causing havoc in the backfield. He will make an impact on any team right away and is my sleeper pick. Watch out for this kid. He could be one of the best at his position in a couple years.

Re: Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

The odd are against Orien Harris... hopefully he'll last longer than big Walter Thomas.

I'm also with you guys on Laws. I think he's will be a good pro but he doesn't have the upside as many of the other DT's. He actually reminds me a lot of Brian Young. Definitely not bad... but I want someone with more potential to develop into a stud.

Re: Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

they need to draft Rivers with the 10th pick then go DT in the 2 round and CB in the 3 round

Re: Saints report: Strategy and personnel
 

I completely agree about avoiding Laws. I'm tired of working with overachieving defensive tackles who can't really change a game. I'd love to see us develop a solid core in the middle with Vilma.